A joyous, vibrant, powerful, life-affirming third LP by the West African Mali collective female artists, mixing traditional, rich African vocal harmonies with electronica, dance, funk and folk of course no shortage of feminist fervour. The group was founded by Mamani Keïta, Mariam Doumbia (of Amadou and Mariam), and Oumou Sangare, and French music-industry veteran Valerie Malot. Since 2017 it has had a variety of guest artists, and on this release Beninoise singer Fafa Ruffino, Ivorian singers Kandy Guira and Dobet Gnahoré, Nigeria’s Nneka, and Congolese star Alvie Bitemo, this time produced by indie-rock heavyweight Jacknife Lee who gives their sound a fresh twist. It’s packed with energy and wonderful melodies, with many highlights including Flaws, Amahoro (Don’t Get Angry), Mother Murakoze, the title track, To Be Loved, and closer Bobo Me, a true festival of rhythm, invention, and fabulous soaring, warbling, passionate voices. Out on Real World Records.
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