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Africa |
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Rokia Traoré (Mali)
Song : M'Bifo (Radio Edit)
Album : Bowmboi (Label Bleu, France)
Visit :
Elsewhere in Â鶹ԼÅÄi : CD review
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Like her compatriot Oumou Sangaré, Rokia Traoré isn't part of West Africa's griotte tradition, which binds singers to a narrow repertoire and socio-cultural agenda. That's where most of the similarities between the two end, though. Likewise, Traoré has been dubbed the 'Tracey Chapman of Mali' for her guitar toting ways and progressive lyrics. But with her current 'crazy baldhead' image and vivacious onstage persona, the comparison seems more and more inappropriate.
"I make music as someone who has listened to jazz, classical, rock,
pop - everything from Louis Armstrong to Serge Gainsbourg as well as the African griots," explains the petite singer/songwriter, whose third and most recent album µþ´Ç·É³¾²ú´Çï (2003) even features two collaborations with The Kronos Quartet. And while she sings almost exclusively in her native Bamana and is greatly inspired by local traditions, she isn't bound by them, having pioneered new and unusual arrangements for the rootsy instruments she uses.
She's the first to combine the impressive balaba balafon from the Beledougou region of her ancestors with the tiny banjo-like n'goni. In fact her present touring ensemble (who seem more focussed on the upbeat side of her music than ever) includes two of them - duelling n'gonis?
The daughter of a diplomat, she was exposed to a wide range of cultures from an early age as the family spent time in the Middle East, Europe and the US. There are some who say that her privileged background and striking appearance have given her an unfair advantage in the world of show business. Nevertheless her popularity shows no sign of abating, especially in Europe. This is her second nomination for these awards and in µþ´Ç·É³¾²ú´Çï, she has produced her best work so far. She's also singing with more confidence, partly as a result of having taken some lessons. Talent will out, as they say...
Jon Lusk, November 2003
 Read other peoples comments
During a long time, I was not interested to her, but the first time I her "Bowmboi", I was marvelled. Her voice is sublime. I saw her performing in Amiens (France) once, it was awesome. I just have to see her dancing now!
Lionel Njeukam
I just saw her show in France, phantastic!
Walter Szu
I absolutely love her 3 CDs and cannot wait for her next one. I would love to see her perform! Her voice, arrangements and total sound are unique!
Karen Kleinman
Rokia est sublime, une vrai merveille, originale,belle et talenteuse. She is also one of the best live acts I've seen, and I've seen some good 'uns. I can't tell enough that you should try to get to see her live. C'est un vrai must!
Harry SCOTT
Her voice is really soothing and beautiful. She sounds really innocent.
Gisela
music from the soul
leon brown
Beautiful mellow sound. A real treat.
Peter Sheard
Have you seen her dance? She can really move. And combined with her music and lyrics, it's a real treat to see her perform.
Diepiriye S. Kuku-Siemons
SHE IS GOOD.
RITA
a tune to sit back and relax to. best of the african ladies represented. in need of a few more singing lessons to be her best
joe-zeph
If she is bucking tradition she must be doing something right but, that aside, she is an extremely talented musician who is forging a style and sound that deserves wide recognition.
John Ellis
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