Senegal’s Goree Island was the last part of the motherland that slaves viewed on their forced tumultuous journeys to the “New World”. It is said rap music was born in Africa (the Senegalese call its antecedent tasso), raised in America, and returned to Africa like a boomerang. So it’s not surprising that Goree’s own Daara J has released the first standout African rap album in years. The best of Senegal’s rap crews — Daara J continue the ‘positive vibes’ of Senegal’s biggest exports (MC Solaar and Positive Black Soul) while channeling the consciousness of the U.S.’ ‘native tongue’ school of thought (The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest). Mixing English, French, and Wolof with reggae, soul, funk, and hip-hop, Daara J (“School of Life”) is winning praises after spending much of 2004 firmly lodged atop the European world music charts. Finally making its way to U.S. shores — Boomerang is one happy return.
SAM WICK