Rokia Traore

Bowmboi

2004-11-23

Such brilliant harmonic and rhythmic stylings from this, Rokia Traore’s third release. Bowmboi turns Malian folk melodies and traditional instruments on its head with classical string arrangements from the likes of Kronos Quartet and modern lyricism. Traore, 30, is a daughter of a diplomat and spent her childhood moving about and as such, had difficulty forming lasting friendships. She turned to music, started her career in France, but later returned to her native Mali to polish her craft and sift some West African earth. (steLLa)

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Omara Portuondo
    Flor de Amor

  • reviewed 11/2013

    YUNA
    Nocurnal

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Lila Downs
    La Cantina

  • reviewed 07/2007

    DOBET GNAHORE
    Na Afriki

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Yoshida Brothers
    III

  • reviewed 05/2015

    Jason Vieaux
    Play

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.