Akwaaba Wo Africa

Interesting mix of sounds from a large collection of artists. Among the countries represented are Senegal, Mali, Cameroon, Libera, Ghana, Benin, and Sierra Leone. Tracks range from traditional Afro folk to blues & Afro jazz blends to Latin-infused jams. Instrumentals and vocals. The title, “akwaaba wo Africa” means “welcome to Africa” in Ashanti. Many of the artists are stars in their homeland and, sadly, unknown outside it. I loved many of the tracks, didn’t like some.

*1. Sweet midtempo blend of kora, guitars and vocals. 5:15
2. Female vocals, strings, percussion. Relaxed and warm. 4:44
*3: Wickedly dark jazz sax counterpoints w/strings & perc. Yow!3:47
*4. Big and joyful vocals. Relaxed yet happy and warm. 4:48
5. Starts relaxed, picks up and gets warm and swaying 4:48
*6. Upbeat mbira, female chorus, male lead vox. Sunshiny. 5:07
7. Guitars, lazy vocals. Dreamy and fluid w/violin & cello. 5:25
8. Big brassy Afro reggae jam in English. Not the best track.5:47
9. Mid/upbeat ode to Libera, a bit too overproduced. 5:58
10. More midtempo Afro reggae. 4:05
11. Bright and uptempo strings/perc w/a hint of Latin spice 6:27
*12. Wicked up, busy, brassy Latin wiggle. Caliente! 3:42
13. Upbeat w/layers of keys/perc/vocals. Fast & fiery. 4:35
14. Carnival party jam w/hot percussion, vocals. 5:39
15. Electronic layers, upbeat Euro-Afro-dance blend. 6:40