Album: Mali Koura  /  Issa Bagayogo /  11 tracks /  Contemporary West African (World Music) / Six Degrees Records

 

Reviewed by Cholo Ancheta

 

Why do we listen to music? Is it to dance or to sing? Is it to keep us entertained, or is it simply just to spare us from the dullness of silence? There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but if I were to provide an answer, I would have to say, that I listen to music to escape, if even for just an hour or two from my busy life.

 

After returning from a tiring day at work, I popped in my Issa Bagayogo CD Mali Koura and I hoped for a little peace of mind. My hope was realized as I listened to the sound of a ngoni, a West African three stringed lute which possesses a calm, relaxing voice. The powerful music on this, Bagayogo’s fourth album, is a fusion of West African, electronica and jazz, and as it transformed me, the music extended an invitation to both a sense of serenity and to dance.

 

As I listened to the album, I seriously wanted to book a ticket to the tropics. I imagined walking under the great blue sun-kissed skies, and could feel the white powder-like sand tickling my feet, as the cool breeze brushed my skin. There were coconut trees and the crystal like waters were subtly splashing. The CD Mali Koura transports you from the busy city to an idyllic, tranquil escape.

 

This is the first time that I have heard of Issa Bagayogo, a fantastic, contemporary musician. I have always loved world music, jazz, funk, electronica, and the blending of those musical styles, on Mali Koura, brings with it, new perspectives. The different feels to this album provide, expressed in songs such as, “Sebero,” and “Filaw,” provide opportunities for dancing, while, “Tcheni Tchemakan,” allows us to unwind and relax.  

 

Issa Bagayogo, was a bus driver in one the world’s poorest nations, his home country of Mali, and at one time, seriously considered giving up his dream of a career in music; instead, he has become one of the true innovators of West African music. He adds even more flavors to the already exciting timbre of west African music. He is indeed an inspiration to all of us.

 

 

 

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Reviewed September 2008