Search - Manu Dibango :: Very Best of Afrosoul Jazz

Slightly Disappointed

P. Simonson | New Orleans, Louisiana United States | 10/05/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I was a little disappointed that the version of Soul Makossa on this CD is not the original from the early 70's. It's not just remastered or remixed, it's totally re-recorded - more polish, less groove. And because of the vague liner notes, I'm not sure where this version even came from. What redeems this disc is that it's a great listen overall. Lots of funky beats and layered rythms backing a mean reed blowin' by Manu! Texturally, some of it reminds me of Remain in Light era Talking Heads. It's just ashame that the funkier original version of Soul Makossa wasn't included."

Great Afro-Funk from "Lion of Cameroon" -- Manu Dibango

Lynn D. Larrow | Lafayette, CA USA | 08/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I happened to hear "Soul Makossa" one day on the Spinner Plus Internet radio station and was intrigued by this funky African music which sounded to me a bit like Fela Kuti. So figured I would try this Manu Dibango dude out. Boy was I glad that I did. Great Stuff! This music should cure the worst case of the sweatshop blues. It's hard to sit still listening to this "Afro-Soul-Jazz" music. The sound quality is excellent.The following four tracks more than justify the purchase of this CD. (1) Soul Makossa has a timeless polished funky beat with backup singers (French) and a power saxophone rifting in an out. This has got to be one of the top ten Funky recordings of all time. (2) Sun Explosion has quicker funky bass beat like a disco song on amphetamines that can quickly put you into a trance. (3) Adele Dance has more of Industrial style sound sort of like Manu Dibango Meets Kraftwerk. This combination works real well and doesn't sound dated at all because the Afro-Funk Saxophones and rhythms hold everything together (Oolalala!).(4) Electric Africa returns to more of the Soul Mokassa style of pure Afro-Funk beat with a more restrained power saxophone with Herbie Hancock on piano no less (Wow!).On the down side, I wish there would have been more information on which albums these cuts came from and the dates these recordings were made."

Manu DiBngo and His Bangin' Beats!!!

pattyplaypall50 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States | 04/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Only Manu can make a beat that pound's your soul with that thumpin' sound of the drummer and the conga's mixed with just the right amount of deep haunting & seductive vocals that hit your ear like the BIG Bang Theory. It is explosive and mixes just the right amount of funk to keep your toes tappin. His beats are so infectious, that several rap artist's whom I will not name, still continue's to sample many of DiBango's beats, knowing that today's young generation beleive that it's a new sound. We who are the true collectors know that is not true. Manu churned out many hits during his time and once you've had the chance to really listen to his music...you will be pleasantly surprised at just how many of his songs have been incorporated into today's hip-hop. Thank you Manu for your precious gift of song. Long live Soul MaKossa!!"