HABIB KOITÉ & BAMADA

Of all the music emanating from West Africa these days, Mailian music gets the lion's share of the attention, and with artists like Habib Koité on their side, it's easy to understand why.  Koité is one of the biggest names on the Malian music scene, and because he hasn't put out a new studio album since 2001's Baro, Afriki is an eagerly awaited release.  That its worth the wait is clear from the opening bars of  "Namania," as sunny acoustic guitars and light percussion create the perfect backdrop for Koité's sweet voice.  The subject matter of the album is, as the title suggests, Africa - its beauty, its landscape, the challenges it faces and call for self-sufficiency.  Rarely do you hear music so relaxed, yet energetic and free, perhaps reflecting Koité's vision for the future of Africa.