Kankou - Kuma

  by Nicky Crewe

published: 24 / 12 / 2019

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Kankou Kouyate comes from Mali. She is part of the griot tradition, generations of musicians and singers who preserve and pass on the rich Malian musical heritage. Her uncle is n’goni virtuoso Bassekou Kouyate. Malian musical traditions have been under threat in recent years and it is particularly important that artists and musicians are able to flourish and grow and find recognition outside of Mali. She worked with Damon Albarn and Brian Eno on the 2013 album 'Maison des Jeunes'. She met Scottish musician and producer Mark Mulholland in Bamako in 2017 and they decided to work together. He in turn asked Paris based musician Olaf Hund to join them and bring electronic elements into their collaboration. Vincent Bucher also contributes harmonica on two tracks. ‘Kuma’ translates as ‘words’ and the lyrics give advice on a range of human experiences which cross time and cultures. The sleeve notes give explanations in French (the colonial language of Mali) and English. There are songs about men and their responses, women and their roles, mutual respect, self esteem and reputation and the celebration of Malian culture. She has a beautiful voice, a voice that is full of emotion. It’s a pleasure to listen to whether you understand the lyrics or not. It has a hypnotic quality and there’s a gentleness that sometimes seems at odds with the translation of the lyrics. Maybe that is the true art of persuasion. The album’s production and mix highlights her voice, as it should, because it is amazing. It’s tantalising listening to the arrangements and musicians accompanying her, as they drive the songs and remind us that Malian music comes from a tradition that has had a huge influence on contemporary music through the blues to rock and roll. They remind us of where the music has been and where it’s going. It would be wonderful to see them play this album live.

Track Listing:-

1 Sigi
2 Da
3 Kuma
4 Bin
5 Obadya
6 Ne Bi Fe
7 Dimi
8 Ko da Koma
9 Yandé
10 Djuguya

Label Links:-

http://canneryrowmusic.com/

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