Reviews

Modern Pop from Mauritania (1984–1989)

Yassine Nana

It’s fitting that this terrific compilation opens with the sound of people happily hanging out (on ‘Boustan El Achaar’) because...

Reviewed in issue June/2026

HOPE!!

Angélique Kidjo

In a prolific burst between 2015 and 2022, Angélique Kidjo released an album with a symphony orchestra, a reimagining of...

Reviewed in issue June/2026

Palagoma

ODD OKODDO & Ogoya Nengo

This is a major improvement on ODD OKODDO’s 2024 album Negore. The duo invites veteran Kenyan singer Ogoya Nengo to...

Reviewed in issue June/2026

Assikel

Tamikrest

Now on their sixth album, Touareg rockers Tamikrest have always struck a balance between the calm and contemplative on one...

Reviewed in issue June/2026

Lost Tracks: Accra to Addis

VARIOUS ARTISTS | Various Artists

Founded and curated by DJ Afrocat, Lost Tracks Records joins the ever-growing African rare-groove reissue scene with their first release,...

Reviewed in issue June/2026

Zando Beat!

DJ Fantôme

While producer DJ Fantôme might be something of an elusive character, Zando Beat! and its cast of characters do a...

Reviewed in issue June/2026

Tartite

Moussa T

Moussa T is a rising young desert blues guitarist and singer from Niger. His music fits neatly within the template...

Reviewed in issue May/2026

NTU Futurism

L8 Antique

L8 Antique have been winning converts on the Johannesburg circuit since the mid-2000s. Usually performing with just four people on...

Reviewed in issue May/2026

N’MOTS

Damien Elisa

It’s now more than 20 years since Damien Elisa – a Mauritian pianist, composer, vocalist, and arranger – released his...

Reviewed in issue May/2026

Towards An Expanse

Dumama

This is Berlin-based Dumama’s debut solo album, following on from Buffering Juju, work the South African singer made as one...

Reviewed in issue May/2026