Victime de Afrique

 

Mdou Moctar ‎- Afrique Victime [OLE 1614LP UK 2021 24-Bit FLAC]

Thank you for all the kind gestures and comments these last few days ....I can't tell you how much they are genuinely appreciated. Right then, time for something very different. I have a few African albums, generally the acknowledged classics and mostly on compact disc. This album is very different in many ways from all those, it is delivered from a purple platter, but could very well be added to that list of African classic albums.

Dressed in traditional robes, which would have all Trump fanatics rushing for their M4 Carbines, Nigerien Mdou Moctor, real name Mahamadou Souleymane picks up his guitar and delivers a kaleidoscope of rock pyrotechnics, blending in atmospheric field recordings and traditional Nigerien folk rhythms & harmonies. The songs are in his native Taureg tongue, lyrically ladled (if you speak Taureg) with fierce criticism of the French colonial legacy in his native Niger (pronounced niʒɛʁ). 

Moctor's self confessed love of American rock is evident during his searing solos, the seven minute title tracks delivers blistering Fender solos which would make any rock head sit up and weep. This blend of styles give the whole album a heavy psychedelic edge however this album truly defies any attempt a genrefication. 

You need to hear this record.

A1 Chismiten

A2 Taliat

A3 Ya Habibti

A4 Tala Tannam

A5 Untitled

B6 Asdikte Akal

B7 Layla

B8 Afrique Victime

B9 Bismilahi Atagah