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 03/2007

    The Prodigals
    Dreaming In Hell's Kitchen

  • reviewed 01/2009

    MO' HORIZONS
    TEN YEARS OF

  • reviewed 03/2005

    Reza
    Ray of the Wine

  • reviewed 12/2006

    RAHIM ALHAJ
    When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq

  • reviewed 06/2005

    Kiran Ahluwalia
    Kiran Ahluwalia

  • reviewed 10/2003

    The Reptile Palace Orchestra
    We Know You Know

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.