Mama Africa

1. Kisumu 100

2. Wachna

3. Ngoma

4. Mama Arfica

5. Sandore

6. Vyie

7. Suna Ka Ngeya

8. Pole Pole

9. Masela

10. Lek Ne Wounda

11. Minwa Mary (My Mum Mary)

12. Kisumu 100 [Benga Mix]

Mama Africa,Suzzana Owiyo,Arc Music,African,Int'l & World Music,Pop

Average customer rating:

Supermoon Zap Mama Manufacturer: Heads Up ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Belgium | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Djin Djin Balancê Without Zero Kala Pilgrimage ASIN: B000S2B298 Release Date: 2007-08-07

Tracks:

1. 1000 Ways
2. Hey Brotha
3. Supermoon
4. Go Boy
5. Affection
6. Toma Taboo
7. Kwenda
8. Gati
9. Where Are You?
10. Moonray
11. Princess Kesia

Amazon.com

A sprawling example of "world groove," Zap Mama's sixth album is further proof that in these interconnected times the musical world really is shrinking. Born in the Congo and raised in the French culture of Belgium, Zap Mama founder and driving force Marie Daulne has always ignored the barriers between musical genres like so many outdated speed limits on a dusty highway, but on Supermoon she dips into so many styles--Afropop, R&B, hip-hop, funk--as to reduce those barriers to a delightful irrelevancy. Helped by a smorgasbord of big-name collaborators--Me'shell N'degeocello, Tony Allen, and Spearhead's Michael Franti all guest for one track each--Daulne turns African pygmy music into a rollicking club anthem on "Gati," borrows James Brown's "Payback" guitar riff on "Toma Taboo," uses the intricate polyrhythmic arrangement of "Go Boy" for a touching tale of an African immigrant, and evokes modern soul singers like Macy Gray on the title track. Through it all, the intricate vocal arrangements and production that are Zap Mama's trademark--performed largely by Daulne herself--never fail to astonish. --Ezra Gale

Album Description

There's an alluring place where the mystique of the African continent meets the complexity of the Western world. It's a place where rhythm and beauty, myth and melody, history and harmony converge. It's a place where anything is possible. For more than 15 years, the musical entity known as Zap Mama has stood at that crossroads. Born in the Congo to an African mother and Belgian father, harbored by pygmies in the forest in the midst of revolution, and raised in the predominantly French culture of Belgium, vocalist and founder Marie Daulne is not only a living map of the world, but a purveyor of its rich stories and an ambassador to all of its diverse cultures. A brilliant songwriter and performer, she distills and reflects creative energy from an infinite array of sources and beams it back to the world with a brilliance that is unsurpassed.

Average customer rating: DISAPPOINTING You Can't Beat Mama? Join Her! Good choice for new audience Very nice

Mama Africa: The Very Best of Miriam Makeba Miriam Makeba Manufacturer: Manteca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Africa Grazing in the Grass: The Best of Hugh Masekela Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony Sangoma In Concert Pata Pata Makeba ASIN: B0000501LX Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

1. Tula Ndivile
2. Laku Tshoni 'Ilanga
3. Ntyilo Ntyilo
4. Holilili
5. Irlando
6. Intandane
7. Live Humble
8. Sindiza Ngecadillacs
9. Phansi Kwalomhlaba
10. Hush
11. Sophiatown Is Gone
12. Miriam and Spokes' Phatha Phatha
13. Umqokozo
14. Pata Pata
15. Kilimanjaro
16. Thanayi [A.K.A. Nomalungelo]
17. Can't Cross Over
18. Carnival
19. Chicken [A.K.A. Sekusile]
20. African Convention
21. I Shall Sing
22. Malaika
23. Jolinkomo
24. West Wind
25. Click Song [A.K.A. Qongqothwane]

Album Description

25 track compilation from South Africa's most important female vocalist. Includes early songs she recorded as a member of the Manhattan Brothers and The Skylarks through to her classic worldwide hits, 'Pata Pata' and 'The Click Song'. Sleevenotes include a detailed history of Makeba and track by track commentary. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

DISAPPOINTING.......2006-07-05

I was expecting to hear some of the old songs with the same arrangements and backup bands. I was surprised to find not one single piece the same as I remembered. If you have no comparison, you would probably enjoy this gifted songstress. I found the quality overall to be disappointing.

You Can't Beat Mama? Join Her!.......2004-10-22

Mama Africa! What a proper name for the Queen of African Song. This collection has all the great songs from Miriam. It plays choronoligically from her earliest recording up to her most recent records. The melodies are infectious and Miriam makes you want to know more about the plight of the people of Africa she describes in her songs. This is a must-have for lovers of South African music.

Good choice for new audience.......2004-03-17

As the previous review says, this is a good collection. However, as I was trying to replace songs from two albums which apparently haven't been released on CD (1960's "Miriam Makeba" RCA album and the early '60's Kapp Records album "The Many Voices of Miriam Makeba"), this CD wasn't what I was looking for. Most of the songs sound nothing like the arrangements I loved on those albums. They would be great for a new audience, but for those who are looking to replace those early '60's records, don't expect this to be the same. If your intention isn't to replace 40-year-old albums, though, I would definitely recommend this CD.

Very nice.......2002-11-23

Buy this just for tracks 1,4,15 and so on. To hear the early version of this voice is a pleasure in it self. But to hear the growth and development of an artist of this caliber is a rare treat indeed. Oh go ahead you know you want it.

Average customer rating: A wonderful and original CD Almost 3 months... A Ma Masterpiece A Ma Zone by Zap Mama YET ANOTHER EXCELLENT ZAP MAMA CD!!

A Ma Zone Zap Mama Manufacturer: Luaka Bop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Belgium | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Princesses Nubiennes One Step Forward Les Nubians Presents Echos, Chapter One Zap Mama Aye ASIN: B0000CC83G Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

1. Rafiki
2. W'happy Mama
3. Call Waiting
4. Gissi
5. Songe
6. Kemake
7. Comment Ca Va?
8. Ya Solo
9. My Own Zero
10. M'Toto
11. Gbo Mata [Station)
12. 'Allo 'Allo

Album Description

Zap to the Future A Ma Zone is a collision of sound and culture

Running the gamut from soul to hip hop to drum & bass, Marie Daulne's Zap Mama is expanding the perameters once again with their fourth album A Ma Zone. With the help of people like Philly's hip hop dissidents The Roots ("Rafiki", "Songe"), This Kid Named Miles ("Kemake") who was featured on T-Love's incredible Return of the B-Girl EP last year, Speech ("M'toto") and the oft-sampled Camaroonian Soul-Makossa sax man Manu Dibango ("Allo, Allo"). Zap Mama pulls off an amazing balancing act, riding the fine line between the deep roots of Afropea,the newest continent, and the technology of the future.

A Ma Zone is Marie Daulne's full immersion into the music that kept her breakdancing through high school. Reuniting long lost sounds - West African guimbiri meets West Coast hip-hop scratching - and introducing them to the big city and village fire respectively. And because hip-hop and African music were both part of her childhood, Marie's fusion of zouk guitar montunos with raw breakbeats immediately makes sense. She always preferred listen ing to Stevie Wonder and Run DMC: "Our mother would make us learn the polyphonic singing, but at the time we thought it was boring because it was traditional." Instead, Marie honed her beautifully distinct vocal skills through imitation of the sultry voice of Roberta Flack and the lip-smacking beats of the Fat Boys' "Human Beat Box."

A Ma Zone marks a lyrical shift for Marie, from politics to the social shortcomings of modern society with the emphasis being placed on the dehumanizing effects of modern communication. Marie explains: "Everybody's in such a hurry these days that everything has to be done by telephone or over the information superhighway." A Ma Zone offers listeners an alternative to life at 56k.

We've told you too much already. All you need to know is that this record is a cool R n B, hip-hop gourmet salad. An afro-euro caviar, champagne and funk mixture. "I want to show of the rest of the world the power, the human capacity, through the voices and the sounds that people forgot, the sounds people made during the day, every day . All the sounds made by humans, instinctually , the sounds can relax people, can give energy, harmonies can make you cry. The universal sounds made by humans - American, European, Asian , African, Indian, Australian and Indonesian... laughing, swallowing, coughing." Let us not forget the beautiful sound of a press release being crumpled up either.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful and original CD.......2007-06-29

I bought this CD several years ago when I was living in the Bay Area of California. It really grew on me, and was one of the few CD's that I listen to all the way through. Every song on the A Ma Zone drew me in and made me feel like I was listening to an entire story, instead of a musical CD. A Ma Zone is made up of a number original sounding and intriquing songs. It is a good buy and I would recommend it to all.

Almost 3 months..........2007-03-27

and I haven't received the CD's that I bought.
What happened? I don't know; but I bought them on December 27, 2006 and we are on march 26!!!
So what do I have to do to get them...?

Ignacio Beorlegui

A Ma Masterpiece.......2007-02-05

This album is timeless. Every track is interesting. I hear something new every time I listen to it. I've heard that Marie has issues with being classified as world music. I will always file Zap Mama under soul because listening to it is like a massage for the soul. Peace.

A Ma Zone by Zap Mama.......2005-12-02

"A Ma Zone" THE FIRST VERSION is one of the best CDs ever made. My saddness was when I ordered some of these as gifts and found out that the new version is NOT AS GOOD :(

The second version has another song first, insteaad of Rafiki. But the worst part is that the second version sound quality is really muffled and bad.

Does anyone have a copy of the original version of this CD, the one that has "Rafiki" as its first track, that they would sell???

YET ANOTHER EXCELLENT ZAP MAMA CD!!.......2005-04-28

This is the third excellent review that I have given a Zap Mama Cd. If you listen to one of her cds, you will be 'Zapped' and want to check out her other cds. She is consistent in combining super R&B/funk with music and sounds from all over the world. She is SO VERY CONSISTENT IN MAKING GOOD, ORIGIONAL, CREATIVE SONGS that you don't get sick of hearing after 2 or 3 times. TIGHT..TIGHT..TIGHT CD....PEACE.

Average customer rating: One of my top 10 favorites Afro-pop with bits of disco, doo-wop, madrigal, Arab lament. Brrlak! This album is din din divine..... A world journey awaits.

Adventures in Afropea, Vol. 1 Zap Mama Manufacturer: Luaka Bop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Belgium | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: One Step Forward Princesses Nubiennes Zap Mama Les Nubians Presents Echos, Chapter One 7 ASIN: B0000CC83A Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

1. Mupepe
2. Bottom
3. Brrrlak!
4. Abadou
5. Take Me oco
6. Plekete
7. Mizike
8. Babanzele
9. Din Din
10. I Ne Suhe
11. Guzophela
12. Nabombeli You
13. Marie-Josee (Daulne)
14. Ndje Mukanie (Daulne)
15. Son Cubano (Daulne)

Album Description

Unearthly harmonies born of Pygmy song, Moroccan chants and exhuberant scat made Zap Mama global a cappella queens. Now for the first time they meet the roots throb of bass and drums, shot through with equal parts highlife and hip-hop. Zap Mama is soul music for the diaspora. "If your ears are open," mama Zap Marie Daulne says, "you'll understand."

"Marie Daulne and Zap Mama make music that sounds like a one-woman multicultural movement, melding African percussion, American soul and European urbanity."

Time

Customer Reviews:

One of my top 10 favorites.......2006-05-03

This is the album I reach for when I feel happy. The voices are so unusual and beautiful, and the joy throughout the music is infectious.

Afro-pop with bits of disco, doo-wop, madrigal, Arab lament. .......2006-03-23

Wide variety of styles for sweet African voices, all distinct from one another. Most songs draw on Afro-pop, but they capture bits of disco, doo-wop, madrigal, and Arab lament. Some are more sound effects than songs. Some are static chants without real lyrics. One or two are too sweet. The closest parallel is Sweet Honey in the Rock, but Zap Mama is uniformly happier, lighter, even on Apartheid songs. Sample of variety: tr 1-Mupepe (closest to ethnographic); tr 6-Plekete (closest to Bobs); tr 9-Din din (sounds like a madrigal); tr 11-Guzophela (South African doo-wop). Stand-outs: tr 5-Take me CoCo. tr 13-Marie-Josée (classic polyrhythmic, sweet Afro-pop). tr 14-Ndje Mukanie (Afro-pop rich and smooth as herbed honey).

Brrlak! This album is din din divine............2004-06-10

I know, shameless puns derived from the song titles. Anyway, I couldn't think of a better way to express the delight I have for this album everytime I play it in my stereo! Zap Mama's style is hard to describe. It is a fusion of sounds. We have improvisational harmonies, chants, latin elements, a pygmy chant and African-derived percussion and rhythms. But, guess what? The only instruments are the voices of the five magnificent women who are Zap Mama.

Some of my favorite tracks are "Brrrlak!" (hence, the title of my review), "Abadou (a Syrian song about a man crying over the loss of his favorite woman from his harem)," "Din Din (an original, abbreviated interpretation of a traditional Spanish song from the 16th century)," and "Guzophela (an anti-apartheid song)." Not only do these women have a flair for harmony, intepretation and unbridled spontaneity, they are also fine artists. I am so glad that this innovative musical quintet has continued to perform and collaborate together. Can't wait to hear the other albums!
Check it out!

A world journey awaits........2004-02-29

The cd is simple. Simple cover art, and all the performers are using their voice. It's a cd that flows great. This is unlike anything else in my collection. You get sounds and chants from Africa and Europe, with some English thrown in. Just sit back, relax and let the sounds take you where they may. The sounds do sound familiar in a way. This is probably the best way I can describe this cd. Most other music is easy to review, but you just have to experience this cd.

Average customer rating: Enlightening and addictive Sublime Bobby McFerrin meets the Mahotella Queens Beaiutiful yet simple music. True artistry of voice . . .

Adventures in Afropea, Vol. 1 Zap Mama Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Belgium | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sabsylma 7 A Ma Zone Princesses Nubiennes Blue ASIN: B000002MI5 Release Date: 1993-03-23

Tracks:

1. Mupepe
2. Bottom
3. Brrlak!
4. Abadou
5. Take Me Coco
6. Plekete
7. Mizike
8. Babonzele
9. Din Din
10. I Ne Suhe
11. Guzophela
12. Nabombeli Yo
13. Marie-Josee
14. Ndje Mukanie
15. Son Cubano

Amazon.com

Zap Mama are five women who are each of mixed African and European ancestry. They sing a cappella (with a little hand percussion sprinkled in) in a hybrid style that befits their background. The opening song is a spirited version of a Zairian Pygmy chant with a French recitation in the middle; the second song is an original new- wave, doo-wop number sung in English and percussive scat syllables. The rest of this album falls between those poles, absorbing sources from Cuba, Syria, Belgium, Rwanda, and Tanzania and remaking everything with a hip rock & roll modernism that gives the ancient vocal traditions an elliptical montage effect and a refreshing irreverence. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

Enlightening and addictive.......2003-09-07

Like nothing I've heard before. These women are phenominal. I've listened to this CD over a dozen times.

Sublime.......2000-11-11

What incredible voices! There are nothing but vocals and percussion on this CD, but it is as textured and layered as anything that can be done with instruments. This music makes me feel exalted.

Bobby McFerrin meets the Mahotella Queens.......2000-04-05

This first album by Zap Mama is their purest. It's almost entirely a capella, and is the least influenced by American pop culture. It's a fine balance between European and African influences, and the songs span 400 years of composition history.

To know Zap Mama is to love them. This group tackles every song with energy and enthusiasm, and their live performances are such a visual feast that you hardly know where to look at any moment. Their repertoire is so geographically diverse that I get cabin fever just listening to them.

When this album was recorded, Zap Mama was a core group of five singers, with additional guest vocals. The singers, especially Marie Daulne, have rich voices with a husky timbre. One at a time they are a delight to listen to; in harmony, they make me delirious.

The songs on this album all good, but there are a few standouts. "Brrrlak!," released as a single, is a fast tempo charmer with sophisticated rhythms. "Plekete" is an onomatopoetic road trip (literally), complete with car horns, a squeal of tires, and an ambulance siren. Three themes are presented one at a time, and the song culminates with a cleverly crafted overlay of all three. (This was the first Zap Mama song I ever heard; my then-toddler and I saw them perform it on, of all things, Sesame Street. I bought the album post-haste.) "Bottom," the only song with lyrics entirely in English, tells a story that is as understated as the film "Titanic" is over-the-top (and it's way shorter, at only one minute and twenty-nine seconds). "Din Din" shows off the group's remarkable intonation and precision. The introductory section of "Ndje Mukanie" does likewise.

Many of the songs on this album don't follow the standard popular song structure of verse-chorus-verse, and most of the time that's quite refreshing. But "Babanzele" leaves me longing for that familiar form; it's just a bit too static for something that long (seven minutes and thirty-five seconds). "Mizike" also seems a little long to me, and perhaps dated (hard to tell when you don't have a clue about the lyrics).

Lead singer and founder Marie Daulne is of both Belgian and Zairean descent, and musically, she's all over the globe. Most of what's on this album isn't in English, but that's actually an advantage; you can revel in the sounds and rhythms undistracted by the message of the songs. But even if these women were singing the contents of the phone book (and who knows? maybe they are), I'd be glued to the CD player till they were finished. I bet you will be too, when you hear Adventures in Afropea 1.

Beaiutiful yet simple music........1999-12-11

Beaiutiful yet simple music. Zap Mama ia a group of five women of African/European origin. Their music is very harmonious acappella. The songs are verymulticultural (including some french interpretationstraditional african songs). This is great world music, very novel. It is a great change from the manufactured and uninspiring pop that one hears on radio.

True artistry of voice . . ........1999-10-27

I recently had the pleasure of hearing Zap Mama perform live. The perfection heard on this album is certainly on par with one's most stringent expectations. This album is especially unique thanks to the vocal instruments employed. If you listen carefully you will realize that Zap Mama does not require any "instruments" to make the most incredible music one might hear.

Average customer rating: Outstanding 5 star effort Yes I Feel No Way Buy all the remasters. Peter Tosh's chant to holy land

Mama Africa Peter Tosh Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mystic Man Bush Doctor Wanted Dread & Alive Equal Rights No Nuclear War ASIN: B000062URI Release Date: 2002-07-30

Tracks:

1. Mama Africa
2. Glass House
3. Not Gonna Give It Up
4. Stop That Train
5. Johnny B. Goode
6. Where You Gonna Run
7. Peace Treaty
8. Feel No Way
9. Maga Dog
10. Johnny B. Goode (Long Vesion)
11. Where You Gonna Run (Long Version)
12. Mama Africa (Long Version)

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding 5 star effort.......2007-02-06

Peter Tosh is in top form on this great sounding cd. Great songs, great rhythms. I know a lot of folks are going to just listen to some of his better known releases but believe me if you like reggae then you'll love Mama Africa.

One of the big surprises is his take on 'Stop This Train'. Instead of competing with untouchable Wailers' version Tosh goes for more of blues vibe and it works so well you forget all about other versions.

Yes I .......2006-07-26

I've been listening to this album at least once a week since I was 13. I'm 36 now. 'Mama Africa' is an emotionally overwhelming song for any conscious Black person. 'Where You Gonna Run' insists on love, wisdom and over-standing as the only solution. 'Peace Treaty' is pure politics and last but not least is 'Not Gonna Give It Up' which I think is the most outstanding Nationalist song ever created. it is instructive and it guides the African mind on what his/her mission is. If you listen to how the chorus is orchestrated, you can hear that he is literally hypnotizing us. Psychology 101.

Feel No Way.......2006-04-26

Not only has this album, originally released in 1983, got an incredible beat that you will give you the reggae sensation through your body, Tosh also gives us the most incredible quotable lyrics such as on 'Stop That Train':
"All my life, I've been a lonely man
Trying to teach people who don't understand.
And even though I try my best
I still can't find no happiness, no happiness"
The words of the truth seeker and philosopher.
The album begins with deep spiritual ode to a return to Africa with Mama Africa
There is the catchy message in Glass Houses: " If you living in a glass house, don't throw stones. And if you can't take stones, well then don' throw stones"
The famous reggae rocker Johnny B Goode, the cynical 'Peace Treaty' referring to Tosh's take on Jamaican politics at the time, and the funky Maga Dog. And the rhythmic musing on "Feel No Way' about coming close to 'pay day'.
If reggae is your type of music, then you simply have to have this album

Buy all the remasters........2005-09-07

I am in a position similar to the reviewer "Dr. Groove," I have all the remastered albums. This one and Equal Rights are so alike in message that Tosh could have released it along with Equal Rights as a double album. Like Equal Rights, this one is a keeper. It has awesome solos in "Glasshouse," and "Not Gonna Give it Up." All the remasters are worth getting for the rare pictures of Peter, and interviews that were conducted specifically for the releases.

Peter Tosh's chant to holy land.......2005-04-14

"Mama Africa", Tosh's first collaboration with the new band he formed at the end of 1981, following the departure of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Sahkespeare to concentrate on studio work specially with Black Uhuru.He started working on this album in 1982, and his three week visit to Nigeria the same year is vividly and hauntingly recalled on the "Mama Africa" LP. He once told: "Only Africa is home to me, not Jamaica, not USA, not those who don't want me. Only Africa have meaning... it is my inspiration, yes, man, everywhere I go it is in back of my thoughts."
During his time in the motherland, Tosh seeked the assistance of traditional healers to help him conquer the life-threatening wounds he had received from numerous brutal beatings by the police in Jamaica. The album includes two versions of the international hit "Johnny B. Goode", a reggae remake of Chuck Berry's mid 60s song.Give Thanks to Mother Afica for her divine inspiration.

Average customer rating: hot mamas 6 stars Too Much Euro, Needs More Afro Beyond Simple Classification tribal trip-hop

A Ma Zone Zap Mama Manufacturer: Luaka Bop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Belgium | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sabsylma 7 Adventures in Afropea, Vol. 1 Push It to the Max EP Princesses Nubiennes ASIN: B00001ZSTL Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

1. Iko-Iko
2. Rofiki
3. W'happy Mama
4. Call Waiting
5. Gisse
6. Songe
7. Kemoke
8. Comment Co Vo
9. Ya Solo
10. My Own Zero
11. M'oto
12. Gbo Mata (Station)
13. 'Allo 'Allo
14. Rofiki (Original Mix)

Amazon.com

On their fourth album, Zap Mama slide even further away from their early manifestation as a cappella group singing the traditional pygmy chants of West Africa--but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Enlisting notable Philly hip-hop artists the Roots as well African pop star Manu Dibango, Zap Mama blend the traditional singing for which they gained notoriety with the modern beats of drum & bass and hip-hop. The mix steams up a breathy, sensual brand of Euro-African-American pop. "Comment Ça Va?" swivels in and out of slow hip-hop beats; dark, twanging oudlike bass; and lead singer Marie Daulne's delicate vocals. "'Allo 'Allo" goes light on the sax and heavy on the hook, bringing a funky, playful edge to the collection. "Kemake" grooves understatedly with organ and a soulful, spinning vocal, demonstrating this group's diversified sound. The upbeat French Afro-hip-hop of Les Nubians Zap Mama are not: these women entice with a subtle, underground sound that's all their own. --Karen K. Hugg

Customer Reviews:

hot mamas.......2003-07-30

I borrowed this cd from a friend and have kept it for almost a year. It is what I always listen to in my car and at home. Zap Mama's collaboration with The Roots is going to break down barriers in music. It's smooth grooves and soft vocals will put you in a good mood any time you listen to it.

6 stars.......2003-02-10

Any CD or album recognized as a classic, generally warrants such accolades within it's own genre. After listening to "a ma zone" repeatedly for years after it's release, I've concluded that the term "classic" for it's own genre (whatever that may be) sells this special CD short. Zap Mama has come up with a universal gem of all contemporary musics combined. Simply put, one of the greatest musical projects I've ever listened to. By mixing instrumental, electronic, and vocal dynamics within brilliant yet simple compositions, these angelic artists take you on an emotional ride of orgasmic proportions. Abstract as the Cocteau twins and as sophisticated as Les Nubians, Zap Mama succeeds in sounding like neither. Fusing elements of funk, alternative, jazz, hip-hop and so much more, this CD provides a flawless "must have" masterpiece for the eclectic ear. Rated 5 stars only `cause 6 wasn't an option.

Too Much Euro, Needs More Afro.......2002-10-23

Zap Mama has described their own sound as "Afropean," meaning the mixture of European (or Western) hooks and instrumentation with the authentic African vocal stylings from group leader Marie Daulne's homeland. This is a very fun album but unfortunately there's a little too much of the Western and not enough of the non-Western. The main problem here is the many different types of music behind the group's vocals. As Zap Mama were once an acapella group, they're now backed by hip hop, funk, electronica, and R&B in alternating songs, leading to an album that is not very cohesive. This is what happens when too many producers and guest stars meddle with a group's basic sound. I do admit that the funk in "Allo Allo" is really swinging, but some of the music here just plain doesn't work. The predictable drums-n-bass beats in "Call Waiting" and limp R&B in "My Own Zero" really undermine Marie's seductive lead vocals and the ladies' unique African harmonizing. The best songs on this album are those that don't stray too far from Zap Mama's true roots in African vocal techniques, and that's no coincidence. The winners are "W'Happy Mama," "Gissie," and "Ya Solo." So while the music on this album is sometimes exasperating and detracts from the group's sound, overall the day is saved as Marie is an excellent singer and the group's harmony techniques are very intriguing.

Note: My copy of this album has two limited edition tracks - the soundtrack item "Iko Iko" which is a predictable cover song; and a remix of "Rafiki" which differs from the original only by having less melody and adding a useless rap overdub. Don't worry if you can't find a copy with these extra tracks because they're not essential.

Beyond Simple Classification.......2002-06-28

A MA ZONE is definitely the most mainstream of their albums so far, but it doesn't completely stray from the more vocally driven sound of their earlier albums. It's also arguably their most eclectic set to date.

"Call Waiting" sounds like a perfect James Bond theme song with an Afrocentric twist. It's also a good showcase for Marie Daulne's passionate vocals.

For fans of Zap Mama's early work, "Gissié" is a real gem. The vocal interplay on the track is really nice. "M'Toto" is another fine track with playful vocals that sound like they are singing a nursery rhyme.

"'Allo 'Allo" has a mellow, but funky vibe that for obvious reasons sounds like a reworking of Manu Dibango's 1970's classic "Soul Makossa." "Kemake" is also very funky with a serious James Brown vibe.

Generally, all of the tracks are at least good, if not great. Adventurous hip-hop fans should really like this album. Fans of their a capella sound might be a bit disappointed. For most broadminded music fans, this CD is definitely worth a serious listen. It's better than 99% of the stuff you hear on commercial music stations.

Check it out.

tribal trip-hop.......2002-05-06

This CD which I do not consider hip-hop is a tribal trip-hop. Each song is rich and stands alone without relying on a particular "style" On one track she even has a bjork infusion. I love this CD!

Average customer rating: RANKS WITH 'ANCESTRY IN PROGRESS' not their best Zap Mama - Like Nothin' You Have Heard B4!

7 Zap Mama Manufacturer: Luaka Bop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Belgium | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Zap Mama Princesses Nubiennes Les Nubians Presents Echos, Chapter One One Step Forward Adventures in Afropea, Vol. 1 ASIN: B0000CC83E Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

1. Belgo Zalroise
2. Nostalgie Amoureuse
3. African Sunset
4. Poetry Man
5. Telephone
6. New World
7. Baba Hooker
8. Lllioi
9. Jogging Tombouctou
10. Timidity
11. Eie Buna
12. Warmth
13. Damn Your Eyes

Album Description

"Marie Daulne's soul music is as old as the Sahara and fresh as the beats du jour.

Seven completes Zap Mama's metamorphosis from an impressive a cappella group to a cutting-edge collective that whips up a tasty stew of hip-hop, jungle, reggae, pygmy chants and global pop... the possibilities are endless." - Billboard

Customer Reviews:

RANKS WITH 'ANCESTRY IN PROGRESS'.......2005-04-28

This cd is OUTSTANDING. IT has 8 solid song that are the bomb. These days you're lucky if you can get 2 good songs on a cd. If you like R&B, but are sick of either todays pathetic attempts at R&B or boring-wannabe-retro R&B, buy this cd. It, like Zap Mama's 'Ancestry in Progress', is outstanding at taking R&B/funk to a new, different, and GOOOOOOOD level. Peace.

not their best.......2004-09-02

i love zap mama, and 7, though it has some great tracks, is the weakest work to date. their first is still the strongest, sabsylma not far behind, and then a ma zone, though it is in a completely different class. i cannot wait to hear ancestry in progress...also, zap mama is excellent live. marie daulne and her group always put together a gorgeous stage show and of course, they sound incredible. if you have the chance to see them, take it!

Zap Mama - Like Nothin' You Have Heard B4!.......2004-01-16

The BEST Zap Mama album to date,IMHO. I was intro'd to this type of music in 90's during my first trip to Key West. Phoebe Snow's "Poetry Man" rocks, as does "Damn Your Eyes" & "Illioi"(sweet french child's voice as a hook in the song) Interesting to listen to... Afropean influence...

Average customer rating: body movin' I love this!

Sabsylma Zap Mama Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Belgium | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: 7 Adventures in Afropea, Vol. 1 A Ma Zone Push It to the Max EP Princesses Nubiennes ASIN: B000002MPA Release Date: 1994-05-24

Tracks:

1. Furahi
2. Sabsylma (What's Your Name?)
3. Mais Qu'est-Ce? (But What Shall We?)
4. India
5. De La Vie A La Mort (From Life To Death)
6. Citoyen (Citizen 120)
7. Locklat Africa
8. Mr. Brown
9. Awakening In Australia (Reveil En Australie)
10. Fi Dunia
11. Mamadit
12. For No One
13. The Mamas Of The Mamas (Les Mama Des Mamas)
14. Adiosio Omonie
15. AUDIO UNTITLED

Customer Reviews:

body movin'.......2000-07-11

there is certainly somthing wild about the music of these five women.

While not every song on this album may move you to dance, they will all move you. The haunting melding of a variety of cultures heard in Marie's voice alone is worth the buy, but when you put it with the rest of her cohorts, and throw in incredible rythms, you actauly end up getting more of a bargin basement steal.

If you watched the movie mission impossible two, then these are the women preforming "Iko-Iko" during the rock climbing scene.

Buy the CD, it's certainly more than worth the time, and the cost.

I love this!.......1998-05-15

I have to admit, I am not well-versed in international music, but this CD rocks my world. It is crazy, yet sweet and lyrical.

Average customer rating: ANother Great Album from Brenda Off the hook a super piece of work not mentioning memeza,its excellent i think it's the best

Mama Brenda Fassie Manufacturer: Terrascape ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Greatest Hits Kwaito: South African Hip Hop Mama Africa: The Very Best of Miriam Makeba Remix Collection South African Legends ASIN: B000003ZMP Release Date: 2005-02-14

Tracks:

1. Ama-Gents (Club Mix)
2. Siyjola
3. Higher and Higher
4. Mama
5. Lonely
6. Ama-Gents (Hip-Hop Mix)

Album Details

Brenda Fassie is Often Called the Madonna of South Africa. Even Though She is Only 5'1", on Stage She is an Electrifying Presence. This Album also Includes the Hit-version of `ama-gents' a Traditional South African Chant Arranged by Brenda in Honor of Nelson Mandela.

Customer Reviews:

ANother Great Album from Brenda.......2005-06-08

It is unfortunate that Brenda Left the world young, because we have no idea what she might have contributed... But her contributions in her short career were many and this album is an excellent example.
Brenda's rhythms and beats really capture the spirit of Urban Africa. It's highly dancable and energizing to listen to. For anyone who has spent time in Africa, the music pulls at the heart and creates an inexplicable nostalgia for the place.
This album contains many nice rhythms and also the adaptation of a traditional chant in honor of Madela. It's a great introduction to African music that is being listened to by today's modern African people.

Off the hook.......2002-01-25

this album is just too good;Unbelievable beats. She does an excellent job of mixing african style with the more contemporary club hits. It's off the hook. My heart was just racing from nostalgia listening to this album. good buy.

a super piece of work not mentioning memeza,its excellent.......1999-04-09

her latest vulindlela has taken southern africa by stor

i think it's the best.......1999-04-08

she is one of the best musicians in the countr

World Music:

1. Marieke [Original recording remastered] [Import]
2. Mejores Anos de Nuestra Vida: Greatest Hits [Import]
3. Meteque et Mat [Import]
4. More German Drinking Songs: Including Lili Marlenc
5. Music of the Old Jewish World
6. New Jersey [Import]
7. Nos Morna
8. Novelas [Import]
9. Oh! Que Dario [Import]
10. Palepoli [Import] [Original recording remastered]

World Music

world music

World Music

Emerson Plays Emerson [Import]

Lebendige Vergangenheit: Maartje Offers

Improvisations, Impromptus

The Best of Yellowjackets

In My Eyes/Walk on Water [CD-single] [Import]

I'm a Slave 4 U [CD-single] [Import]

Excentrique [Import]

Like It Should Be

La Festa: Mari'e I Miei 25th Anniversary [Import]

Honegger: Jeanne Au Bucher / Heinrich, Cracow Radio Symphony

Flying Home

Jammin' at the IAJRC Convention Hamburg 1999 [Live]

Flames

Nothing Can Be Better

Like in Love/Something Wonderful