Mabulu / Soul Marrabenta
Album: Soul Marrabenta   Collection:World
Artist:Mabulu   Added:Aug 2003
Label:World Music Network  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2004-02-16 Pull Date: 2004-04-19 Charts: Reggae/World
Week Ending: Apr 4 Mar 28 Mar 21 Mar 14 Feb 29 Feb 22
Airplays: 1 1 1 4 1 4

Recent Airplay
1. Mar 30, 2004: Sunshine ... in the Afternoon
Rosita
4. Mar 13, 2004: Morning Glory
Palavra D'honra
2. Mar 24, 2004: Sunshine ... in the Afternoon
Buya
5. Mar 11, 2004: forty degrees
Aids
3. Mar 17, 2004: Night Music with an Accent
Aids (But Hope)
6. Mar 09, 2004: Sunshine ... in the Afternoon
Buya

Album Review
Manoneet
Reviewed 2004-02-09
Mabulu is a multi-generational group of musicians from Mozambique, with members ranging from the 73-year old vocalist Dilon Djindji to 20 year-old female vocalist Chonyl. On “Soul Marrabenta”, Mabulu collaborate with a host of other prominent African musicians, including rappers and various instrumentalists. The result is a rich, diverse album that stays true to the African songwriting tradition by amalgamating contemporary sounds with socially relevant lyrics. Excellent liner notes include translations of all the lyrics. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, PLAY ALL.

Track 1, Bula bula: Upbeat, fast tempo, female vox.

Track 2, Palavra d’Honra: Mandolin + male vox plus choir. Rap interlude at ~3:00.

**Track 3, AIDS: Starts with beautiful finger plucking on acoustic guitar. Musically uncluttered conversation between an old man and young female voice. Excellent sax interlude at ~2:30.

Track 4, Rosita: Drums + sax, more contemporary sound.

Track 5, Elisa Mabai: Dialogue between Dilon Djindji and rapper. Interesting stuff.

Track 6, Tshina: Traditional dance music with lively sax. Cheery choir.

**Track 7, N’Binheto: Old man vox + rolling guitar riff + rap interlude (~1:40). Beautiful.

Track 8, Ku Lunga: Starts with banging/hissing sound. Uptempo drums + male vox.

Track 11, Buya: Terrific instrumental opening (sax+guitar), Interplay between sax and husky female voice.

**Track 16, AIDS, Hope: Slightly longer version of #3. Great sax interludes at 1:50, 3:10, 4:50. Fabulous music.

Track Listing
1. Bula Bula   9. Catembe
2. Palavra D'honra   10. Tsunelani
3. Aids   11. Buya
4. Rosita   12. Ulombe
5. Elisa Mabai   13. Vanana
6. Tshina   14. Hlamalani
7. N'binheto   15. Maldeyeni
8. Ku Lunga   16. Aids (But Hope)