Search - Nii Tagoe :: African Roots

Nii Tagoe is extraordinary!

djelimousso | 11/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nii Tagoe, a driving force in so many wonderful projects over the past several years, not the least of which is Baka Beyond, is really entering into his own. He has his own ensemble, Frititi Afro Funky Jazz Band, and since coming to the UK has even worked on projects as big as Peter Gabriel's incredible Millennium Dome show! His confidence, great skill, charisma, and more than anything perhaps, his great devotion to his African heritage and respect for that, which is shiningly evident in all he does, are all elements which come together to show a master at work. His drumming is impeccable, and there is so much more, his choreography and his own website, Frititi, show just the surface really, of an extraordinary performer who is increasingly becoming a major contender on the world music stage. His solo work is exciting and has an underlying jazzy feel which drives it, and the somewhat rolling rhythms of the African instruments just take you away into a different world. Favorite tracks are Mantse and Tsi Obenkemi, maybe because I just love listening to him and his welcoming voice! If you like African music and more importantly, drumming, give this cd a try--it reaches beyond any labelling and shows the true heart of a wonderful and joyful performer."