Daara J

Boomerang (Wrasse Records)

            Young African bands that insist on playing rap, hip-hop and various forms of electronic music tend to go ignored by world music labels.  Most Western producers say their audiences prefer roots music, an assumption now being challenged by Daara J.  They are a rap and hip-hop trio from Senegal consisting of N’Dango D, Aladji man and Faada Freddy.  They argue that –like blues and jazz—rap and hip-hop sprang from West African roots, grew up in America and have now returned to Africa in the form of a burgeoning new-music scene of potential global appeal.  In its arrangements and delivery, the album exhibits top-level talent, imagination and a fine melodic sense.  The question is whether fans are ready for lyrics in the Senegalese language of Wolof.

JOHN GODDARD