Divas of Mali

Amazon.com
Divas of Mali is an outstanding collection of Mali's greatest female singers from the jali or musician caste, including Kandia Kouyate (Kita Kan), Nahawa Doumbia, and Ami Koita. Several cuts feature the kora, a lovely harplike instrument dominant in traditional Malian music, and balafon, a xylophone, also common to Malian music. These 11 renowned divas sing traditional Malian songs along with a few African pop tunes with verve and expertise. Koita's "Touyna Tigui" features her astounding vocal range and passionate style, while Djeneda Kiakite's "Taoume Maide" flows with gurgling guitar, airy vocals, and woody balafon. Overall, a beautiful collection for listeners interested in exploring the stars and sound of this West African country. --Karen Karleski

Tracks:

Balendala Djibe - Sanogue Kouyate
Diadie Diawara - Tata Bambo Kouyate
Mogoya - Nahawa Doumbia
Sosso - Hadja Soumano
Tounya Tigui - Ami Koita
Wary - Coumba Sidibe
Sekou Semega - Fanta Damba
Djugu Magni - Yayi Kanoute
Jahka - Kandia Kouyate
Taoume Maide - Djenda Diakite
Yacouba Sylla - Sali Sidibe

Amazon.com

Divas of Mali is an outstanding collection of Mali's greatest female singers from the jali or musician caste, including Kandia Kouyate (Kita Kan), Nahawa Doumbia, and Ami Koita. Several cuts feature the kora, a lovely harplike instrument dominant in traditional Malian music, and balafon, a xylophone, also common to Malian music. These 11 renowned divas sing traditional Malian songs along with a few African pop tunes with verve and expertise. Koita's "Touyna Tigui" features her astounding vocal range and passionate style, while Djeneda Kiakite's "Taoume Maide" flows with gurgling guitar, airy vocals, and woody balafon. Overall, a beautiful collection for listeners interested in exploring the stars and sound of this West African country. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Exotic and powerful-great singers, beautiful instrumentals........1999-03-23

This album provides a range of different styles of Malian music, reflecting the different regions, and the degree of assimilation of Western music. I was suprised by the delicacy of much of the instrumentation; the vocals seemed harsh at first, but their beauty becomes self-evident after a few listenings. My favorite of the songs is "Djugu Magni", by Yayi Kanoute, which is very pop with a strong beat, but features an interlude of music reminiscent of Greece. I only wish this album provided a lyric sheet with translations! But I enjoyed the songs for the sound alone. By the way, the photos included are great.