Toña
ARC, 2025
9/10
The Senegalese kora extraordinaire Kadialy Kouyate returns with a 9th album, where he touches on our experiences, both personal and collective, which shape our beliefs, values, and decisions via these cultured 10 tracks.
“Kana Cumbo (Don’t Cry)” begins with the flowing kora alongside playful bass and a very warm spirit, and “Kibaroh (News)” follows with meticulous string interaction that emits much wonder and beauty amid the frisky percussion.
Moving into the middle, “Famo Keta (It’s Been A While)” recruits Josh Middleton’s rich accordion that adds much to the melodic climate, while “Jamba Dongo (Dance Of Leaves)” uses Kouyate’s intricate strings and drumming qualities for the melodic album highlight.
Near the end, “Hameh Julo (Song of Ambition)” emits soaring vocal acrobatics alongside the radiant kora and layered song craft, and “Ca Ira (It’s Going To Be Alright)” exits with plenty of rhythm and grooves that you could dance to, which unfold with elegance and worldly flavor.
A very personal effort that embraces Kouyate’s cultural upbringing, local traditions and migration, also in attendance are Davide Mantovani (double bass, electric bass); Mamadou Sarr (calabash, jembe, sabar percussion); Abdoulaye Samb (guitar); Al MacSween (keyboard); and Mina Mikhael Salama (oud), who enhance the appeal of this authentic effort.
Travels well with: Alvorada- Faz Tempo; Ozan Baysal- Tel ve Ten