Rokia Koné, a celebrated Malian vocalist, and Jacknife Lee, a renowned American multi-instrumentalist and producer, have unveiled their latest offering, a stunning ballad titled “Fanga.” In this fresh song, Rokia deftly draws on the ancient wisdom of Mali’s griots to convey a message of profound significance: that every living being on the planet has a purpose and a predetermined destiny. As Rokia’s soulful, dramatic voice leads the way, she invites us to embrace our “fanga,” our innate strength and power, no matter how big or small we may be.
Jacknife Lee has lent his expertise to Rokia’s stirring vocals, adding minimalistic yet highly effective accompaniment, comprising haunting electronics and an upright piano. The resulting sound is an entrancing and ageless song, destined to captivate listeners across the globe.
The music video for “Fanga” is a captivating visual performance, featuring Rokia, filmed on the west coast of Africa, and Moses Ward, a contemporary dancer filmed in England. The video, directed by Zambian choreographer Kennedy Junior Muntanga, follows a young man’s quest to accept his destiny, guided by the voice of his ancestors.
It is noteworthy that Rokia Koné and Jacknife Lee have previously collaborated on the highly acclaimed 2022 album “Bamanan.”
Buy Fanga.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central