Omar Ka
Fula Band
Mbaaranaabe/Nomad
Self Produced, 2000
An impressive debut from this Fulani Senegalese band now based in Holland. Ka's voice is rougher and more limited than Senegalese vocal giants like Baaba Maal and Youssou N'Dour, but in it's very roughness, it approaches the bottom line of passion found in Van Morrison's early recordings. And the Fula Band cranks. Fleet acoustic and electric guitar, tight ensemble arranging, and a palpable sense of band fraternity grace these 10 tracks. "Nyaaral Pural," with its mournful vocal hook and swirling, funky triplet groove plays like a loping West African cowboy song, as does the title track. The charm of vintage R&B comes through on a few tracks as well--"Ko Ngon Belngol" plays like a transfigured version of Nilson's "Games People Play," and "Dimel" pumps out a funky, rolling backbeat. There are a couple of hot mbalax numbers, and effective quieter moments as well, such as the ballad "Dumaale" and the slow, juju-esque groove of "Koode Nyaari," which features kalimba, unusual in West African pop. Overall, the exuberance of talented youth and the intimacy of a band that loves to play together make this a very promising first recording indeed.
Contributed by: Banning Eyre for www.afropop.org
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