aaamusic | On 18, Nov 2012

Critically acclaimed New Yorker Joe Driscoll and West African star Sekou Kouyate are a potent blend of folk, blues, rock, reggae, hip-hop and afro beat. They sing in English and Sousou respectively.

 

Sekou Kouyate, a Ghanaian musician, is a member of world renowned band Ba Cissoko and is well known in France as the Jimi Hendrix of the kora. A kora is a harp-like instrument often used in West Africa.  Joe Driscoll, is part of the OneTaste Collective and has collaborated with Rodney P and Skitz, plus Spragga Benz.

Faya, their  debut album, is released on November 19^th, 2012 by Localization Records. Translated from Sousou Faya  means ‘give me the fire, let me play with it’ and this is something that they certainly do.

 

Tanama ,with its acoustic & electric guitar and subtle drum beats, is simple and catchy whilst Passport is a political song about immigration and border controls. Tinariwen flavoured Faya is moving and atmospheric. Ghetto Many talks of the tragedy of poverty and inequality and Zion is  gently reminiscent of  Jimmy Cliff’s Many Rivers To Cross.

This refreshing and energetic album Faya is inspired by different creative and cultural backgrounds. There’s a clear chemistry between these remarkable and talented musicians who’ve created an intense, inventive and original album.   

 

Track List: Tanama, Passport, Faya, Lady, Ghetto Many, Birnakely, Wonamati, New York, Zion.

 

★★★★★

 

Anthony Weightman

 

 

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