5 Free African Folk Music Albums You Need to Hear
Contents
If you’re a fan of African music, you’ll want to check out these five free albums. From traditional folk music to contemporary pop, there’s something for everyone. So take a listen and enjoy!
Introduction
With the recent popularity of global music, more and more people are becoming interested in the folk music of different cultures. If you’re looking for a taste of African folk music, there are many excellent albums available for free online. Here are five of the best.
1. Etran Finatawa – The Sahara Sessions
The Sahara Sessions is a collaboration between Saharan band Etran Finatawa and British folk group The Imagined Village. The album features traditional Saharan music with a modern twist, resulting in a sound that is both unique and memorable.
2. Orchestra Baobab – Made in Dakar
Orchestra Baobab is one of the most popular bands in Senegal, and their album Made in Dakar is a perfect introduction to their sound. The album mixes traditional Senegalese music with elements of Cuban son, resulting in a truly original sound.
3. Toubab Kreol – Toubab Kreol
Toubab Kreol is a band from Senegal that combines traditional Senegalese music with rock, jazz, and reggae. Their self-titled album is an excellent introduction to their unique sound.
4. Tinariwen – Imidiwan: Companions
Tinariwen is a band of Tuareg musicians from the Sahara Desert region of Mali. Their album Imidiwan: Companions features traditional Tuareg music with a modern twist, and is an excellent introduction to their sound.
5. Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate – In the Heart of the Moon
In the Heart of the Moon is a collaboration between Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure and virtuoso kora player Toumani Diabate. The album features traditional Malian music with a modern twist, resulting in a sound that is both beautiful and unique.
Oumou Sangaré – Moussolou
Oumou Sangaré is one of Mali’s most popular musicians, and Moussolou is her debut album. Released in 1988, the album thrust Sangaré into the international spotlight and helped to popularize Mali’s rich musical tradition. Moussolou is a collection of traditional folk songs that have been updated with modern instrumentation and arrangements. Sangaré’s powerful vocals and the album’s catchy melodies make it an essential listen for anyone interested in African music.
Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté – Ali and Toumani
Recorded in just two days in Mali’s capital city of Bamako, the 2010 collaboration between Malian guitar legend Ali Farka Touré and legendary kora player Toumani Diabaté is a master class in African folk music. Beginning with the propulsive, trance-like opener “Sonrai,” the album is a showcase for both musicians’ exceptional chops, as they zip through a set of traditional tunes and original compositions. While the playing is virtuosic throughout, it never feels showy; rather, Touré and Diabaté’s interplay feels natural and organic, as if they’ve been making music together for decades. A must-hear for fans of African music and guitar aficionados alike.
Baaba Maal – The Traveller
This magnificent album from one of Senegal’s most iconic musicians is a joyous, life-affirming celebration of the rhythms and sounds of West Africa. From the title track, with its intoxicating mix of percussion and horns, to the dreamy “Ja ndeen”, Baaba Maal’s warm, rich voice is a perfect match for the music’s joyful exuberance.
Tinariwen – Elwan
The great Tuareg group Tinariwen return with their first album in six years, and it’s a corker. Elwan was recorded in the Moroccan desert with an all-star cast of musicians, and the result is a beautifully atmospheric record that feels both old and new at the same time. If you’re a fan of African music, or just good music in general, this is definitely an album you need to check out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different types of African folk music that are worth listening to. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you a good starting point. So go ahead and explore some of these albums, and broaden your musical horizons.
