Karam

by Kimi Djabate

Overview

Although largely unknown, this is actually Kimi Djabate's second solo album. A member of the griot caste, he grew up with music in Guinea-Bissau, and has played the balafon since he was three years old. He's a master of his instrument, which remains a constant, bubbling presence on this disc, supported by a number of other instruments (mostly acoustic, but also some keyboard and electric guitar, thankfully sparingly and tastefully used). Djabate's compositions -- which comprise everything here -- are softly hypnotic, and filled with typically West African elements, such as the call and response vocals between lead and backup singers. The songs themselves are delicious creations, lulling, melodic, and even catchy to Western ears, especially "Karam," with its memorable chorus, and "Banhane." Although he now lives in Lisbon, Djabate's roots are obviously deep, and his feelings for Africa are expressed in his lyrics. Although not startling or revolutionary, Karam is a lovely addition to the canon of African music, and the wider introduction of an excellent talent. ~ Chris Nickson

Product Details

Release Date:	07/28/2009
Label:	Cumbancha
UPC:	0890846001121
Rank:	180548

Tracks

1. Kod¿¿ (Love)
2. Karam [Education]
3. Djomb¿¿
4. Mussolu [Women]
5. Mogolu [the People]
6. Manla [I Cannot Believe It]
7. N¿¿
8. Dab¿¿ [Tribute to Dab¿¿]
9. Fatu [Tribute to Fatumata]
10. Manh¿¿ [Bride]
11. Alifat¿¿
12. Djalia [the Griot's Art]
13. Fulol¿¿n [Ethnicity]
14. Banhan¿¿
15. Bagi [Tribute to Bagi]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Kimi Djabate   Primary Artist,Vocals,Balafon,Shekere,Percussion,Choir/Chorus,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Nelson Costa   Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Bineta Sock   Vocals
Braima Galissa   Kora
Buba Djabate   Vocals
Francisco Rebelo   Bass,Percussion
Joao Cabrita   Saxophone
Kabum   Percussion
Laye Traore   Percussion
Madshoff   Guitar (Electric)
Marcos Alves   Drums,Drums
Marisa Gulli   Percussion
Mayo Coope   Vocals
Milton Gulli   Vocals,Keyboards,Guitar (Electric)
N'dara Sumano   Vocals
Nina Kode   Vocals
Jose Braima Galissa   Vocals,Guest Artist
Joao Gomes   Clarinet
Nata   Percussion

Technical Credits

Rita Carmo   Photography
Francisco Rebelo   Engineer
Kimi Djabate   Composer
Lane Gibson   Mastering