Search - Kanda Bongo Man :: Swalati

Doesn't sound right by me...

Afropop Lover | TUCSON, ARIZONA United States | 02/06/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Kanda recorded and produced this album in South Africa. However unlike Welcome to South Africa which he also recorded in South Africa, but with mostly seasoned Soukouss musicians like Dali Kimoko, Ngouma Lokito and Lokassa, among others, Kanda uses mostly South African musicians on this one and the whole thing doesn't sound right. Even the guitar work is not as polished as the previous works and sounds a little strange, for the lack of a better word. The South African influnences on Swalati are heavily evident on most songs, like the Mbanqanga on the title track which Kanda did with David Masondo and The Black Moses (Ngwenya) of The Soul Brothers. The production is not up to the high standards that we have come to expect from Congolese musicians however and if you're new to Kanda you'll be better off buying some of his old stuff instead. Unless if you're looking for something a little bit eclectic of course."