Aby Ngana Diop
Liital

★★★½

A dizzying spiral of sounds and rhythms that seem completely out of this world. Just from the cover and seeing Diop's calm expression and slight smile, you'd never expect this music. And I always love when my expectations are so meaningless and opposite from the reality. This album is also unlike a lot of other African music I've heard, I guess the closest would be that Music from Saharan Cellphones series but still that's not quite there. 

This electronic whirlwind mixed with the drums creates an atmosphere much like that of drum and bass or jungle. Of course the vocals are really what sets this album apart and it would be incomplete without them. Not only is Aby's voice demanding of an audience, but her backups also create this army of voices; shouting and chanting in a manner that presses forward through anything in its way. 

The first track, "Dieuleul-Dieuleul", is arguably the catchiest and most unique in the set of songs here. The whistle being blown throughout serves as a beat along with the drums, that is only complimented by the synth stabs that are layered inside of all the different textures. The repetitive lyrics makes you want to sing your heart out. The next song, "Ndame" is quite fun too with even a sample of a horse neighing in the beginning and end. 

By "Yaye Penda Mbaye", the drums have been amplified in strength and Aby seems more serious and commanding in her singing. Yet it's still very poetic, maybe even similar to a rapper. This theme continues throughout the rest and helps create a very cohesive album that almost all blends together. There's very little of anything that sounds like this. 

Favorite Song: Yaye Penda Mbaye

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