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

    Bebel Gilberto
    Bebel Gilberto

  • reviewed 04/2007

    Various
    20 WAYS TO FLOAT THROUGH WALLS

  • reviewed 08/2007

    SOMI
    Red Soil In My Eyes

  • reviewed 08/2007

    B-SIDE PLAYERS
    Fire in the Youth

  • reviewed 01/2005

    Soweto Gospel Choir
    Voices from Heaven

  • reviewed 08/2007

    SUPHALA
    Blueprint

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.