Afel Bocoum: interview and playlist of Sophian Fanen

Malian musician Afel Bocoum is releasing his new album, Lindé. © Christien Jaspars

By: Laurence Aloir

Each month, Sophian Fanen, journalist for the Les jours site, offers five new products, including the eagerly awaited release of Afel Bocoum's “Lindé” at World Circuit. The Malian artist will be our guest in the second part of the show.

Publicity

Sophian Fanen's playlist: 
Afel Bocoum , Avion, from the album "Lindé" (World Circuit, 2020)
Meridian Brothers , Cumbia del Pichaman, from the album "Cumbia Siglo XXI" (Bongo Joe, 2020)
Burna Boy , 23, from the album "Twice as Tall" (Atlantic, 2020)
Jessy Lanza , Face, from the album "All the Time" (Hyperdub, 2020)
Nina Simone, Alone Again Naturally, from the album “Fodder on my Wings” (reissue, Verve 2020)

On the left, Afel Bocoum Lindé's album. On the right, Nina Simone Fodder's album on my Wings Verve / World Circuit

Then we will call in Bamako, the famous Malian songwriter and guitarist Afel Bocoum  who will be releasing his new album Lindé on World Circuit Records on September 4th. The 1st single "  Avion  " is already available in streaming. Damon Albarn, executive producer of the record alongside Nick Gold of World Circuit: “  Afel's voice is one of Mali's treasures, and this record is a gift for all of us.  " 

Named after the wilderness near his hometown Niafunké, Lindé  is a remarkable blend of deep traditions and daring innovations. Supported by producers Damon Albarn and Nick Gold (World Circuit), the album was recorded in the capital of Mali, Bamako.
It brings together the secular music of the Niger River Delta bend with styles from around the world. He boasts performances by many prominent Malian musicians including Madou Kouyaté, the late 'Hama' Sankaré and Madou Sidiki Diabaté, alongside the drums of the late Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, the trombone of Vin Gordon (Bob Marley / Skatalites) and of Joan as Police Woman's violin.

Traditional instruments like the n'goni, njurkele two-stringed lute, kora and calabash blend with guitars, percussion, and responding vocals to create a gentle ripple that emanates from a source hidden deep in traditions. historical and mystical of his native land. It was enriched along the way by tributaries and cross currents. Always sure of its purpose and direction, it is music of minimal design that “rolls” more than “rocks”, graceful and unconstrained. Lindé is an album that also carries a message.

Faced with an uncertain and turbulent world in a country that is fighting against jihad, poverty and tribal wars, Afel Bocoum urges hope, solidarity and unity. “  We have to meet each other, talk to each other and look each other in the eye and tell each other the truth,  ” says Afel. “  If we don't unite, I don't see a solution. Our social insurance is music. That's all we have left. People love music, so we have to use that fact  ”.
Discover the new clip "  Penda Djiga  ".

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