M'Bemba

Keita has belongs, and he has for quite a long time, to a select worldwide list of singers/songwriters whose influence in music has been profound and the quality of their output sheer beauty. And M'Bemba is ample proof that the source of his rich musical wealth is far from dry.M'Bemba follows on the footsteps of his prior gem, Moffou, although M'Bemba is more joyous and capable of making the stiffest body dance with abandon.Like Moffou, it is a set of traditionally conceived songs soaked in his Malian heritage, and maintaining and adding to form a tremendous core of musicians -Kante Manfila, Ousmane Kouyat' and Djelly Moussa Kouyat' along with Toumani Diabat' on kora, the great percussionist Mino Cinelu.So the man so aptly called the "Golden Voice of Mali," proves this title fitting and shines throughout every one of these track, as he continues his inner journey home. Whether it is the tender "Bobo," the sensual cadence of "Laban, the hip-shaking grooves of "Calculer" and "Kamoukie," or the haunting beauty of the title track "M'Bemba."Go and discover M'Bemba as soon as you can, and grab one of the market sellers' reasonably priced copies before they disappear, and you're facing the ungodly full price requested for an import copy.

Not quite as amazing as Moffou, but this album also shows the unique genius of this fine artist. Very nice for listening, even as background to a routine day. Although the language is not understood, the musicianship is inspired and evokes a hopeful yet somehow wistful mood.

You really don't have to understand the lyrics to be able to enjoy this cd. The music takes me on a jouney - it is calming but also very energizing in a positive way. I catch myself either tapping my foot or nodding my head side to side to most of the tracks on this cd. I've never heard of this artist, and never listened to any type of African music before. This was a random cd purchase, with a $15 gift certificate I had to burn, and just wanted something "different". Well, I got what I was looking for - and I love it!

I am a big Salif Keita Fan and I've been following his music for the last 6 years. I know most people are not going to agree with this but M'Bemba is my least favorite album from all his collections. In my opinion the only song that stands out on this album is track # 2 " Leban" which I think is one of his best songs ever. I still believe " Folon....the Past" is his greatest work ever.

Everything he's recorded is more than worthwhile, regardless of format.

Great album. Great music. I have enjoyed listening to it. The first time I listened to Mbemba created great expectations to listen to the full album. It didn't disapoint me.

Keita at his best.

This is the best album out for my favorite AfroPop star. All of the tracks are good listening, but 2/3 of them are awesome - if you like Keita and are only going to buy one album, this is the one.

Bon cd. Cool. Un album très réussi de Salif Keita. Il me plait assez. A recommander à ceux qui aiment la musique africaine plus précisément la musique mandingue.