Tunisian Desert Trance: Ifriqiyya Electrique
When thinking of desert music, bands like Tamikrest and the genre defining Tinariwen come to mind. Tunisian band Ifriqiyya Electrique widen the term with their new album Rûwâhîne. Rooted in the traditional Banga music of south Tunisia, Ifriqiyya Electrique craft a ‘post-industrial’ sound originating blending ritual with computers and avant rock.
Louder Than War’s 10/10 review described the album as ‘a curious but incredible mix of desert rock, of multiple percussion, of chanting, hip-hop and hints of Nine Inch Nails’. It is a mix of Tunisian tablas, Krakebs, guitars, electronic and layered voices. Listen to the album out now on Glitterbeat Records.
You can catch Ifriqiyya Electrique live at Womad on 29th July, until then – watch their video below:
Orchestra Baobab New Album: Tribute To Ndiouga Deng
Ten years since their last album, Senegalese pioneers of a blended Afro-Cuban and traditional West African sound, Orchestra Baobab are back with ‘Tribute To Ndiouga Deng’. The album was recorded in Moussa X’s studio in Dakar and features new compositions in honour of the group’s original leader Ndiouga Deng who passed away last year. Although the group disbanded between 1987 and 2001, its current reincarnation features its veteran core of musicians. This includes vocalist Balla Sidibe, saxophonists Issa Cissoko and rock steady rhythm section Charlie Ndiaye bass and Mountaga Koite on congas. New additions such as Kora player Abdouleye Cissoko, bring a fresh lightness to the band’s renowned feel.
Orchestra Baobab are masters of hybridity, blending Rhumba with American Jazz, Highlife, Senegalese pop and more, and this album is no exception. Tribute To Ndiouga Deng is out now on World Circuit Records.
Watch the supergroup play Jools Holland below and catch their two night residency at Jazz Cafe on 13th and 14th May!
Stream the album below and buy it here