This Week's Picks (#9)

This week's picks are inspired by the WOMAD festival that took place this weekend in Wiltshire. WOMAD saw a fabulous line up of musicians and artists and by playing some of the music here I'm trying to convince myself that it is not the end of the world that I was not able to attend. I don't believe it's working.

"Je T'Aime" by Staff Benda Bilili


Staff Benda Bilili is a group of Congolese street musicians whose core members were disabled by polio. The core musicians are backed by a younger line-up of ex-street kids taken under the wings of the older musicians. The main soloist is an 18 year old boy who plays on a one string lute made of a tin can. This track "Je T'Aime" is from their debut album Tres Tres Fort (2009). The group is known for their rumba rhythms that back their eclectic sound.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)


"Lamp Fall" by Cheikh Lô


Cheikh Lô is often mistaken for a Rastafarian thanks to his dreadlocks and reggae influences. He is actually a member of the Senegalese sect of Islam, Baye Fall, which plays an important role in his music. The patchwork clothes and long dreadlocks are trademarks of Baye Fall. Cheikh Lô started playing drums at an early age and dedicates his music to Baye Fall.  This is the title track from his 2005 album.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)


"Stória Stória" by Mayra Andrade


This artist may not have been one of the headliners of this festival, but she is one of the artists I really wished I had seen. Mayra Andrade is Cape Verdean, but hails from a varied background- born in Cuba, growing up in Senegal and Germany, and recording in France. This background is reflected in her music. While influenced by her exposure to the great musicians of Cape Verde, her style is a refreshing mix of all her influences. This is the title track from her 2009 album.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)


Were you lucky enough to see the WOMAD festival in Wiltshire? We would love to hear your stories and see your pictures. Please send us your experiences for a special post about WOMAD.