Salif Keita Will Release Rootsy New Album M'Bemba in North America in June 2006
04/01/2006 06:51PM
Contributed by: WMC_News_Dept.
New York (New York), USA -
Salif
Keita has a new Decca CD,
M'Bemba. Set for release
on June 20th in North America , the critically acclaimed singer's follow-up to the 2002
Grammy-nominated
Moffou is filled with jubilant melodies and heartfelt passion. M'Bemba,
meaning "Grandfather" in the Bambara language, celebrates Keita's definitive
return to his musical Malian roots and culture. Credited as one of the founders
of the Afro-pop genre, the West African singer is known the world over for his
unforgettable live performances, soaring vocals and his emotionally-fuelled
songs.
With a career spanning over 35 years,
Salif
Keita is regarded as one of World
Music's most influential artists and has recorded numerous albums with some the
finest international musicians in jazz, rock and pop including the likes of
Carlos
Santana, Vemon Reid,
Youssou N'Dour and
Ray
Lema.
The 2002 release of
Moffou was the product of his desire
to return to his African roots. The entirely acoustic album was one of great
power and authenticity which garnered raves by the press.
On
M'Bemba, the traditional instruments such as the ngoni lute played by Mama
Sissoko, and the kora played by Toumani Diabate, evoke the memory of
Salif
Keita's own ancestor, Sundiata Keita, the warrior king who founded the Mandingo
Empire in the 131 century. Representing a genuine piece of family history, the
new recording is the first time Salif's foster-sisters join him on record for
the chorus of the title track. Also appearing on the album is dancehall/reggae
great,
Buju
Banton, who lends his talents on the upbeat track "Ladji."
The same
talented group of musicians who performed on Moffou also join
Salif
on
M'Bemba,
including Djeli
Moussa Kouyate on guitar, Mino Cinellu on percussion, the
charismatic presence of Salif s early mentor, guitarist and arranger, Kante
Manfila with Ousmane Kouyate also on guitar. Manfila and Kouyate were both in
Les Ambassadeurs, a group which Salif joined in the mid-Seventies.
Buy the CD:
World Music Central
http://www.worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20060401185134308