2009-07-18
Out of San Fransisco and led by Kenyan native Sila Mutangi, Sila and the Afrofunk Experience offers funky afrobeat music. The band formed in 2003 and in 2007 they won "Funk Artist of the Year" at the Los Angeles Music Awards. Citing James Brown and Fela Kuti as influences, they perform socially and politically-aware songs to reggae and Latin-tinged rhythms. (The title track being the most obvious example of said politically-conscious lyrics.) Nice grooves can be found on the tracks "Kamakosa" and "Live It Up". You want reggae? Check out "You Love You". Upbeat Afropop? Then "Shelter" is your song. Afro-Cuban influences? Check out "Beauty Queen". Prince-channeling funk? "Chrome" is the best song of the bunch. Rebecca RuthVARIOUS ARTISTS
Umalali: The Garifuna Women's Project
CRAIC WISELY
First Cuts First
Amadou & Mariam
Welcome to Mali
Turbulence
Do Good
Astor Piazzolla
The Rough Guide to Astor Piazzolla
YOUSSOU N'DOUR
Rokka Mi Rokka (Give and Take)
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.