Recently, it seems that record store bins are full of compilations. For some reason, an overwhelming majority of them focus on the music of Cuba, West Africa, and "Women of the World." Perhaps that is part of the reason why The Rough Guide to Marrabenta Mozambique is so refreshing. This is not only one of the first looks at music from this former Portuguese colony in Africa, it is a remarkable collection of one of Africa's most infectious dance rhythms.

The word Marrabenta has its origins in the Portuguese word, rebentar, which means "to burst". Alberto Mula, one of Marrabenta's elders (from a generation of musicians called "the grand old men") featured on this collection explains that the origins of the etymology came from the dance. "We were dancing to this music until we burst," he explains.

The collection itself spans three generations of Marrabenta stars, featuring legends such as Mula and Orchestra Marrabenta Star, current stars including Ghorwane and Eyuphuro, plus hot new talents such as Mabulu that brilliantly blend marrabenta and hip hop. Traditionally, Marrabenta was played on whatever instruments were available: oil tins, wood, and pieces of fishing line. Today, it's lineup (and sound) is a bit reminiscent of the music of Zimbabwe's Oliver Mtukudzi: infectious electric guitar rhythms backed by driving percussion and brass sections.

Unlike most compilations that simply re-sequence existing material, more than half of the tracks on this collection were recorded especially for this project. One of the most notable was Dilon Djindji's "Maria Teresa". In a departure from the brass driven dance music so prevalent in most of the tracks on this recording (and marrabenta in general), here, one of the genre's elders, Djinjji (now 76) proves his is one of Africa's leading troubadours. With just an acoustic guitar and minimal percussion and an incredibly uplifting raspy old voice, the song is both a testament to the infectious roots of marrabenta, and its vitality. This is an album that takes you both to Mozambique's hottest nightclubs and intimate bars without missing a step. A real gem.

-Dan Rosenberg

Contributed by: Dan Rosenberg