Search - Africando :: Volume 1 - Trovador

Salsa at its very best, and by an African !

robertnicolson | 07/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Africando band consists of, arranger Boncana Maiga and various singers from Africa ( mostly from Senegal ), and various South American musicians.
This is salsa at its very best, it is as good as Ricardo Lemvo !
And isn't it ironic, that just as with Ricardo Lemvo, the primary forces here are African !
Its kind of strange listening to Salsa sung in French, and various African languages, however these African singers are the very best from Africa, and you couldn't replace them with any Latin singers, it wouldn't be the same.
This particular album is possibly the best of their first 5 albums :- Trovador, Tierra Tradicional, Gombo Salsa, Baloba, Mandali, but all these albums have some terrific tracks. My favourite Africando track is a song on Mandali, sung by the great Koffi Olomide, called Mapao.
Like all Salsa this music has depth, because it has complex instrumental arrangements, but is very melodic, and very uplifting. This is happy music, it is mood changing.
I don't play it too much, because I never want to tire of listening to it, because it makes me feel so good.
This album is a must for all Salsa, and African music lovers.
I have a large African and Latin American music collection, and I rate this album as one of the best.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next album."

Infectious and uplifting!

Richard Diaz | 04/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I highly recommend this AFRICANDO CD. If you like Latin/African music, you'll love the infectious sounds and rhythms of AFRICANDO. The instrumentation is complex and extremely rich. It has a very danceable beat. I can't stop listening to it!"

Fantastic combination!

Richard Diaz | Olympia ,Washington | 10/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Africando was one of the first releases to incorporate New York Latin Musicians and Senegal singers. The combination and quality of the final product is absolutely fabulous and well presented. The recording features Papo Pepin on congas and Bobby Allende on bongo drums. These two veteran percussionist are some of the best in the latin field and truly shine throughout the production. The African singers from Senegal are amazing and the combination of Latin & African influences provide a great listening experience. I really enjoyed it and I'm sure you will too!"