Afro Baroque
Elsden, 2025
9/10
The inimitable artists Yakir Arbib and Conti Bilong come together for these fusion songs that embrace plenty of culture and rhythm.
“Ngola And Ekang” opens with Bilong’s frisky percussion and soulful pipes alongside Arbib’s animated keys that emit much melody, and “Wana So” follows with a soft mood thanks to the cozy keys, as the setting builds into a quicker pace that’s full of grace and expressive singing.
In the middle, “Mout Binam Nou” finds an intimate place to reside via the emotive piano and heartfelt singing, while the title track is a bright bout of dynamic and harmonic songwriting that you can’t not admire.
“Stuck In Dagestan” arrives late and illustrates precise interplay from the duo with crashing drums and firm keys and “Barbes Rochechouart” exits soft and poetic via the gentle keys.
Yakir is actually blind but certainly plays with an unparalleled skill, and Bilong’s incredible drumming was honed in Manu Dibango’s band. Together, they birth traditional rhythms from central Africa and the Middle East and sprinkle in Baroque and jazz sensibilities in a way that few others could.
Travels well with: Estraven- Ignored Advice; Ragawerk- Nila