Bikutsi Pop: The Songs of So' Forest, Naxos World's new disc from Cameroonian singer-songwriter So' Forest, may come as a surprise to those whose image of African music is limited to quaint-sounding guitars and traditional drumming. That's because Bikutsi Pop is a thoroughly modern affair, complete with programmed drumbeats and synthesizer layers that many listeners probably associate more with European club music than songs originating from the dances of Bantu tribesmen in southern Cameroon. At his best moments, So' Forest achieves a welcome synthesis between these modern pop elements and his more traditional vocals and Afro-pop-styled guitar lines, as on the opening "Shambada," which layers gorgeous South African-style vocal harmonies over a dancehall break beat, and "Zulu," which garnishes So' Forest's folkloric-sounding vocals with a hip-hop twist. But elsewhere, the production unfortunately buries much of So' Forest's vocal appeal under washes of synthesizers and drum machines. Naxos World--the new world music arm of the Naxos imprint--is to be commended for including more modern incarnations of traditional music in its survey of global sounds (as in the Indian DJ compilation Bhangra Beatz); however, this is one release that may leave listeners hungry for a more organic approach. --Ezra Gale
Bikutsi Pop: Songs of So' Forest,So' Forest,Naxos,African,Afro-Pop,Cameroon,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Music
Average customer rating: 
|
Bikutsi Pop: Songs of So' Forest
So' Forest Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Africa
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| International
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B000069KEH Release Date: 2002-07-16 |
Tracks:
- Shambada
- Amazone
- Zulu
- Meding Ya
- Ma Wa
- Tenter
- Hakuna Matata
- Wake ya
- Esta
- Believing
- Rave
- Pole Pole
- Girl
- Routes
- Judgement
Amazon.com
Bikutsi Pop: The Songs of So' Forest, Naxos World's new disc from Cameroonian singer-songwriter So' Forest, may come as a surprise to those whose image of African music is limited to quaint-sounding guitars and traditional drumming. That's because Bikutsi Pop is a thoroughly modern affair, complete with programmed drumbeats and synthesizer layers that many listeners probably associate more with European club music than songs originating from the dances of Bantu tribesmen in southern Cameroon. At his best moments, So' Forest achieves a welcome synthesis between these modern pop elements and his more traditional vocals and Afro-pop-styled guitar lines, as on the opening "Shambada," which layers gorgeous South African-style vocal harmonies over a dancehall break beat, and "Zulu," which garnishes So' Forest's folkloric-sounding vocals with a hip-hop twist. But elsewhere, the production unfortunately buries much of So' Forest's vocal appeal under washes of synthesizers and drum machines. Naxos World--the new world music arm of the Naxos imprint--is to be commended for including more modern incarnations of traditional music in its survey of global sounds (as in the Indian DJ compilation Bhangra Beatz); however, this is one release that may leave listeners hungry for a more organic approach. --Ezra GaleWorld Music:
- Bixiga
- C'est Ma Vie/Les Plus [Import]
- Carte Blanche [Import]
- Claudinho & Buchecha Ao Vivo [Import] [Live]
- Collezione Privata [Import]
- Crystal Portal, Singing Crystal Bowl Journeys
- Dairo [Import]
- Dalida: La Légende [Box set] [Import]
- Das Beste aus 25 Jahren [Import]
- December Season 2002 [Live]
World Music
Romantic Piano Music / Chopin's Fantasy
Symphonic Suite Gatchaman [CD-single] [Import]
Revolusom: A Volta Do Tape Perdido [Import]
Summer 1967: The Complete U.S. Concert Recordings [Box set] [Live]
Robert Schumann: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1 - 3
Piccadilly Nights: British Dance 1920's
The End: Rasassination [Explicit Lyrics]