Djénéba & Fousco – Kayeba Khasso (Lusafrica, 2018)
Djénéba & Fousco is an award-winning griot duo from the Kayes region of Mali. Both artists won the top talent contest in Mali and later married each other. Kayeba Khasso is their first album on the France-based Lusafrica label.
Djénéba is a talented vocalist and Fousco has become one of the finest singer-songwriters in Mali and an outstanding guitarist as well. On Kayeba Khasso they deliver a masterfully-produced recording that combines traditional Malian roots, reggae, rock and chamber music influences, combining delightful laid back songs and lively, captivating rhythmic pieces.
The vocal interplay is one of the highlights of the album along with the acoustic and electric guitar and cello work.
The lineup includes Djénéba Kouyate on vocals; Fousseyni (Fousco) Sissoko on vocals, and guitar; Valentin Ceccaldi on cello; Yacouba Kone on guitar; Marcel Balbone on drums; Alex Nkuin on drums; Charlotte Tiendrebeago on backing vocals; Adrien Arnaud on accordion; Fred Soul on percussion; and Ballaké Sissoko on kora.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.