Tatamana
Gema, 2021
8/10
The debut album from the Congolese/Angolan artist Batila, Tatamana brings a wealth of sounds and themes to this very eclectic listen, where ideas like freedom, black love, and self-doubt are explored via his strong attention to rhythm.
“Blacklove” opens the listen with flowing and intricate acoustic guitar, as Batila’s soulful and very eloquent singing guides the very cultured melodies, and “Kindoki” follows with playful percussion amid the warm keys, bass and percussion.
Deeper into the listen, “Afreekan” offers a dreamy acoustic tune alongside the poetic singing in the bare atmosphere, while “Far Too Long” gets festive with its soothing backing vocals and very precise drumming. “I Need To Go” then recruits well timed horns for the jazz tinted, world music climate.
Approaching the end, “Zola” is layered meticulously with Batila’s strong vocal acrobatics front and center, and “Jazzybelle” exits the listen with a hint of R&B in the captivating fusion finish.
All 15 tracks here were penned by Batila and are sung in English and Lingala. The specific messages in each track illuminate his thoughtful vision, and the many players on hand help cultivate a very exciting Afrobeat, jazz, soul, and world music affair.