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Women of Africa
Putumayo Presents
Women of Africa
Genres: International Music, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

Women have always been at the center of sub-Saharan music, as they were the keepers of the hearth, intimately involved in the life-sustaining mysteries of agriculture, food preparation, birth, and death. However, Africa, l...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Putumayo Presents
Title: Women of Africa
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Putumayo World Music
Release Date: 4/27/2004
Genres: International Music, Pop
Style: Africa
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 790248022321

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Women have always been at the center of sub-Saharan music, as they were the keepers of the hearth, intimately involved in the life-sustaining mysteries of agriculture, food preparation, birth, and death. However, Africa, like the rest the world, is in the throes of social change. Female roles are evolving and the artists heard here represent a confident, worldly sensibility. The roster encompasses Dorothy Masuka's comfortable, gospel-flavored South African jazz, Maria de Barrios' sensual Cape Verdean morna, and a liltingly tonal ballad from Paris-based Algerian refugee Souad Massi. But a major reason to purchase this album is the track by Khadja Nin of Burundi; her deep-toned, knowing, unpolished voice transforms a Stevie Wonder tune into an ecstatic anthem of empowerment. Despite the occasional overuse of easy-fix electric keyboards, each singer emerges as a force to be reckoned with as, one by one, their voices salute the earth and soar into the heavens. --Christina Roden

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CD Reviews

With rising stars in their own countries
Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 06/07/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Putumayo World Music began in 1993 with a goal to introduce newcomers to the music of other cultures: today its compilations are renowned for both diversity and their ability to keep traditional roots alive while blending in modern influences and sounds. Women Of Africa holds songs by the notable Angelique Kidjo, Tarika and Dorothy Masuka, but blends in lesser-known women from across the continent, from Judith Sephuma to Nawal of Comoros. Some of these individuals, such as Sephuma, are rising stars in their own countries and here provide the opportunity for a new international audience."
Short but vibrant
J. TIMMERMAN | Lawson, NSW Australia | 06/03/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This entertaining compilation of women singers from all over Africa will have broad appeal as it covers a wide cross-section of styles from roots to fusion, soulful and sensual to upbeat and jazzy. Productions are consistently good throughout, and the artistry unfailingly talented and professional. The standout track has to be the funky and vibrant "Sina Mali, Sina Deni" (Free) from Burundi's Khadja Nin, but "Retany" from Madagascar's Tarika with its catchy harp accompaniment, "Hima" from Comoros's Nawal, "Abiani" from the Ivory Coast's Dobet Gnahore and "Le Tsephile Mang" from South Africa's Judith Sephuma are also thoroughly fascinating. Other countries represented include Benin, Cameroon, and Algeria.A pity the album is so short at 40 minutes. The Congo's dance queen Tshala Muana and others could easily have been included. However there's hardly a dull moment and the album importantly makes some wonderful hard-to-find music accessible."
My first Putumayo CD--a winner!
In Xanadu | 07/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"After seeing the Putumayo CD display in the health food store for several years, I finally decided once and for all to purchase one. After pressing about ten buttons to sample tracks from their large global selection, this is the one I chose. I PICKED THE RIGHT ONE!



I have only had it a few days now, but I have played it about a dozen times, often singing the chorus of "Le Tsephile Mang" to myself throught the day, the perfect opening track. Another highlight is Dorothy Masuka's jazzy "Mfan' Omncane," but all the songs recordings are excellent.



Representing a huge continent, the musical styles vary quite a bit, but I can't imagine someone who is already interested not enjoying the majority of selections. This CD is great whether you're cruising in a car, on a boat, or just chilling in your house or apartment. These women are groovy!



I am already looking forward to my next Putumayo album, but I still have many more times ti listen to this one!"