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DVDfever.co.uk – Oumou Sangare: Seya CD reviewElly Roberts reviews
World Circuit Records
- Released: Out now
- Rating: 8/10
Africas outspoken superstar returns.
Striking 41 year old Oumou Sangare is nicknamed The Songbird of Wassoulou because of her exquisite vocal gymnastics. Rightly so.
The Mali songstress has been thrilling, and challenging, her country-folk (especially men) with songs that have been inspired by the music and traditional dances of the Wassoulou region, south of the Niger river.Seya (Joy) is her first album in six years. It deals with polygamy, underage forced marriages, sensual love, and the role of women in modern African society.
The reason for her absence? She wanted time to generate sufficient interest in her lyrics, which in a patriarchal society have, well, lets say, ruffled some feathers. Apparently, her songs are popular with young Mali teenagers of both sexes. During her protracted hiatus shes opened a hotel, developed a farm, and a car import business. Shes been a busy lady, including recording Seya in the capital city of Bamako.
The Wassoulou style has developed over generations by hunters in the region, who apparently possess many mystical powers.Ok, most people wont understand the lyrics, unless you check-out the CD booklet of course.This feisty and formidable lady (standing almost 6 feet tall) continues to push the boundaries with her happy and breezy songs, many of which have an uplifting and sometimes danceable funky groove found on Kounadya, a story about lucky stars looking down on all aspects of life, including a good husband and children. Wele Wele Wintou is a bit more frenetic but equally danceable, with the percussive beats going into overdrive.
On a slower groove, Iyo Djeli, a reflective and pondering song paying homage to a wise and old woman Djekani Djeli of the 1960s- is spell-binding.For me, its her more subtle songs such as the intricate Donso (hunters) that display a deeper indigenous feel. The lyrical content refers to the death of an animal and how each part of the animal might help the tribes live a better life. Like many of her songs, Senkele Te Sira is a stirring song about creating harmonious relationships, all rolled up in sumptuous harmonies.There are some beautiful musical moments on Seya, but the swaying shifts of Djigui that grab me. The choral backups are heavenly, with fluttering flute making it a killer track.
The real success of Seya is down to some fine arrangements and production by Cheikh Tidiane Seck which the bridge the divide between traditional and cosmopolitan Africa. That said, Sangares voice is an instrument of its own, both passionate and sensual: she certainly knows how to use it.
The verdict: A real Joy indeed.
Weblinks:worldcircuit.co.uk /myspace.com/oumousangare
The full list of tracks included are :
1. Sounsoumba
2. Sukunyali
3. Kounadya
4. Donso
5. Wele Wele Wintou
6. Senkele Te Sira
7. Djigui
8. Seya
9. Iyo Djeli
10. Mogo Kele
11. Koroko
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.