Totó la Momposina says goodbye to the stage
Totó la Momposina’s family and management have announced the Colombian legend's retirement
Mon, 19 September 22
Tama
Most bands, whether in the western rock tradition or in African music, are built around the concept of a leader - one strong character who is the main writer, singer and spokesman and who dominates proceedings so that the other band members are little more than hired guns.
The beauty of Tama is that there is no single leader but four equally accomplished musicians and songwriters with their own contrasting but complimentary voices. “As a group it’s totally democratic and open,” explains guitarist Sam Mills.
"Tama is a kind of space where the four of us can come together from different cultures and traditions and express ourselves." Sam Mills
“Tama is a kind of space where the four of us can come together from different cultures and traditions and express ourselves. It’s a band of distinctive individual personalities but everybody contributes to the realisation of each other’s songs.”
As the name ‘Tama’ (a Bambara word meaning ‘to walk’) suggests, the band’s approach was to collect years of travelling memories rather than trying to represent or revive a traditional folklore.
Releases
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Nostalgie
Songs of the migrant, of lands visited and departed. Rich vocals and infectious grooves - an outstanding modern Afro-European set featuring Tom Diakite, Sam Mills and Djanuno Dabo.
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Espace
Tama brings together three extraordinary singer-songwriters based in Paris with one maverick Londoner: Tom Diakite and Mamani Keita from Mali; Djanuno Dabo from Guinea; and guitarist Sam Mills. An album of beautiful songs, deep grooves and rich instrumentation that will make your heart melt and your pulse speed.
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Spirit of Africa
Various Artists
A celebration of the great resilience and creativity of the people of Africa. In the face of the ravages of AIDS, the powerful and beautiful music recorded here is the expression of this indomitable spirit.
Further reading
The Breath announced for Sound Unwrapped
The Breath have been announced as one the acts playing the 15th edition of Sound Unwrapped. The awar...
Mon, 21 November 22
Track of the Day: ‘Chavale’ by Kerieva, from Dub No Frontiers
Today sees the release of Kerieva’s ‘Chavale’, the second track to be revealed from the forthc...
Wed, 22 June 22
Africa comes to Real World: revisiting albums by six legendary artists
Jane Cornwell explores our new reissue series 'Africa Sessions at Real World'.
Wed, 25 May 22