África Negra
Antologia Vol. 2
****and1/2 out of *****
The second Anthology from África Negra focuses on 13 remastered tracks from the band, showcasing their unique dexterous playing, blending Puxa and Rumba and more. The sounds are luxurious, weaving together styles and rhythms from the bands home country of São Tomé and Príncipe while singing in Portuguese.
Apparently África Negra are the major São Tomé and Príncipe band who have been recording together for decades now and this second anthology, compiled by DJ Tom B is a joy to hear. The first was released in 2022 playing with pieces of South African Pop, Spanish Flamenco, brass blasts, Caribbean lithe and Fela Kuti swirling, all smashed together but rarely overwhelming.
Simply put, all of the tracks are highlights and I will discuss some that stand out, but if you have a passing interest in this sort of music, the full album is worth grabbing.
Opener "Numigo iami ê" begins the collection in light and airy fashion with really quick bass and percussion motoring things along. Great guitar work (a signature of this album) comes in and then things fall into a trance like pattern long and pulsing. "Sangue sca be" continues the same overall vibe while delivering deep bass slides, "Tlechi ope di bengui" has lots of vocals with a bouncing groove and guitars floating in the background while "Lentlada cachelo (San Lena)" is percussive based with layers of sound, and production-wise sounds as if it was recorded from older tapes.
A personal highlight is "Vin ca nda cu nganga". Gliding guitars start this out before the groove takes over and it almost instantly sounds like eight different musicians playing totally different songs in jazz like fashion, but it works so well. It is skittering, crazy, throw in the kitchen sink like upbeat music with trumpets, layers of sound and a band making a true joyful noise.
"San Victoria" is a nice come down from the party tune and "Bo cu sete ladron ni que bo" is twinkling and soothing. "Povo milagrosa" is a touch repetitive and gets a bit stuck but "Anô anô" is upbeat and skittering while "Fala tendê" is awesome with wild guitars and a bopping beat. The album ends with another gem as "Lourença" as the charming groove, bright guitar lines and "woo woo woo' lyrics ring out, floating across oceans and time.
There is a lot here, and a times things can feel a bit repetitive, but overall this is an excellent adventure to take for those looking to broaden their musical horizons. When África Negra's fantastic Antologia Vol. 2 wraps up it is hard not to smile and be a bit winded from dancing.
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