![Album Review: Soothsayers – Tradition [Wah Wah 45s; June 2018]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/soothsayers-tradition-335x335.jpg)
Tradition was released on the Wah Wah 45s label in June 2018 by South London based Soothsayers, traditionally renowned for their modernised 1960s afrobeat and contemporary jazz fusion mashups, coupled with big band brass sections and cutting-edge vocal harmonies. Ironically though, Tradition is far from traditional. Idris Rahman’s lyrical themes...
Album Review
Articles![Album Review: Gianni Denitto – Kāla [Elastica Records; 26th June 2018]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/denitto-kala-335x335.png)
As a professional saxophonist, Gianni Denitto has spent the past two years touring, playing gigs and giving masterclasses around the world. Coming from a classical formation and with extensive experience in jazz music, the Italian musician has explored the intersection of classical and jazz with electronic music since his first...
![Album Review: Dobet Gnahoré – Miziki [Wagram Music; May 2018]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/gnahore-miziki-335x335.jpg)
Having been raised in an environment where performing arts and African traditions were paramount, Ivorian vocalist Dobet Gnahoré has always had great artistic confidence and a strong sense of self. Her fifth album, entitled Miziki after the Bété word for music, is a true reflection of that assurance and traditional...
![Album Review: Hallouminati – Tonight, Is Heavy [Batov Records; June 2018]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/hallouminati--335x335.jpg)
Hallouminati, of Derby, Nottingham, London and Cyprus, present their debut album, released on London based gipsy, rock, jazz London label Batov Records. They have been touring extensively since 2010, making a mark in the gipsy, klezmer, ska, and raucous party scenes with their pretty original blend of “brass, bouzouki and...
![Album Review: Stella Chiweshe – Kasahwa: Early Singles [Glitterbeat Records; 14th September 2018]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/chiweshe-335x335.jpg)
Stella Chiweshe does not command the same level of respect as Thomas Mapfumo to the world outside of Zimbabwe. The outspoken artist, however, is still a legend in her home country. Kasahwa: Early Singles is her first release in over a decade and contains 8 tracks, made between 1974 and...
![Album Review: Samba Touré – Wande [Glitterbeat Records; May 2018]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wande-335x334.jpg)
Samba Toure, Malian blues legend, guided by one of Africa’s finest composers, Ali Farke Toure, released his third album, Wande, on the Glitterbeat label (May 2018). The opening track, “Yo Pouhala” (“blah blah blah”), sung in Fulani, is an unusually sedated introduction to the album. In sympathy with its subject...
![Album Review: Khalab – Black Noise 2084 [On The Corner Records; 20th July 2018]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/khalab-noise-335x335.jpg)
In recent years, a growing number of producers have engaged in exploring the potential of mixing electronic music with music, traditional sounds and field recordings coming from all corners of the globe — giving birth to some of the most interesting records of the decade. Some, like Nicola Cruz or...
![Album Review: Dur-Dur Band – Volume 1, Volume 2 & Previously Unreleased Tracks [14 September 2018; Analog Africa]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/dur-dur-vol1-335x335.jpg)
During the 1980s, Somalia was in turmoil. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, a disillusioned population, and a tiring dictatorship, the 1980s became the beginning of the end for President Said Barres’ regime, which had been in place since 1969. Despite all of this, the Mogadishu disco scene was...
![Album Review: Various Artists – African Scream Contest 2 [Analog Africa; May 2018]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/african-scream-335x335.jpg)
Once again, our eyes are opened to a world of music and rhythm, hidden between two musical powerhouses. We twist and turn through the funky, ska, afrobeat, soul, jazz and psychedelic sounds of Benin and Togo. Ten years after its predecessor, African Scream Contest 2 opens more doors, as well...
![Album Review: Kobo Town – Where the Galleon Sank [Stonetree Records; February 2017]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/kobo-town-335x335.jpg)
This is the second album from critically acclaimed Kobo Town, named after the historical neighbourhood in Trinidad’s capital Port of Spain. Kobo Town are fronted by modern day poetic master, Trinidad/Canadian Drew Gonsalves, known for his dexterous and determined lyrics, critically commenting on political and social aspects of his home...
