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 10/2004

    Charanga Cakewalk
    Loteria de la Cumbia Lounge

  • reviewed 03/2007

    Tony Tuff
    Say Something

  • reviewed 10/2006

    JACKIE MITTOO
    Wishbone

  • reviewed 05/2009

    The Sway Machinery
    Hidden Melodies Revealed

  • reviewed 10/2008

    GAELIC STORM
    - What’s the Rumpus?

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Like Water Drumworks
    Like Water to the Roots

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.