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MALI

Home to many of the best known names in African music.

This page was last updated on 22/2/24.



ARTISTTITLENUMBERFMTPRICEBUY
ABDOUL GAOULO N'DIAY GNORON VOLUME 1 SAM077292-4 TC £ 25.00
My limited literary skills just can't do justice to an album that is this good. Suffice it simply to say 'IT'S B$@@Y MAGIC' from end to end. It overflows with the sounds of balafon, kora, n'goni and percussion and as an instrumental album it would have been superb. However it isn't and Abdoul has an incredible voice that effortlessly surfs over the music frothing below. In his turn he is backed by the equally gorgeous voices of the girls who compose the chorus line. It's hopeless to try and pick out the best tracks so just have a listen to Kena Boure, the others are all equally as good! [8T/55M] 1. GNORON
2. CISSE BABA
3. KIGUE BANDA
4. DOUBE FATOU
5. M'BOLOBILA KISSO
6. KENA BOURE
7. SAMBA TOURE
8. BANDIRABE
ABDOULAYE DIABATE BENDE 09287-2 CD £ 12.00
Traditional griot music with modern electrics to really bring it to life. Have a listen. This original CD comes with a perfect CD-R as the first track on the original Cobolt recording is actually faulty with a small gap not long after the start.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BENDE
2. BALANI
3. MASSAYA
4. SENE
5. FORONTO
6. GNOKO
7. MONZON
8. DJORO
ABDOULAYE DIABATE NAMAWOU SYL83135 TC £ 0.00
Gorgeous album of traditional songs mainly played on Ngoni and Balafon with a bit of help from guitar played by Djely Moussa Kouyate. Abdoulaye's singing is really smashing and the girls backing him include Mah Damba and Assa Damba. As it's recorded in Paris they also got Jean Philippe Rykiel to do the keyboards and balafons. Absolutely fabulous tracks Yaala and Tall are not to be missed.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. FANTANYA
2. DJIBI
3. MASSASSI
4. SIKI
5. YAALA
6. NAMAWOU
7. YAYAN KONO
8. TALL
ABDOULAYE DIABATE TABALE 83178 TC £ 0.00
Produced in Paris by Boncana Maiga with a line-up that includes vocalists Sekou Kouyate, Mah Damba, Assita Keita and Mama Kouyate - guitarists Djely Moussa Kouyate, Saffre Coulibaly and Hilaire Penda - percussionist Mare Sanogo and last but not least that famous horn trio of Hatot, Bolognesi and Slominsky. Abdoulaye turns in a masterly performance with some lovely singing especially on the title track reminded me a bit of Salif Keita's 'Soro'. (F.T.Index: Djiriyo, Kanou Saba, Son Fon, Tabale. ) [6T/36M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BIMOU
2. KANOU SABA
3. DJIRIYO
4. SON FON
5. TABALE
6. DJIRIYO (Instrumental)
ABDOULAYE DIABATE AND KENE STAR KASSIKOUN 38765-2 CD £ 15.00
Abdoulaye is one of the top Bambara singers with backing here from the Kene Star Band which comes from Sikasso. Quite a modern electric sound and sweetly sung throughout but still retaining the traditional Wassalou sounds. The album was recorded at Studio JBZ in Abidjan, with arrangements by Boncana Maiga. [8T/41M]

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. KASSIKOUN
2. LOUANZE
3. DONA BOLIFE
4. WALE GNOUMA
5. SISI KOULOUN
6. DJAMA DJIGUI
7. AFRICA
8. DJARAKE
ABDOULAYE DIABATE AND KOUTIALA ORCHESTRA SAMORY 09354-2 CD £ 15.00
Real dance floor throbber this one with pounding bass heavy percussion and a great mix of string sounds behind the upfront vocals. [8T/M]

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. SERE
2. KOUNANDI
3. SOYERE-YERE
4. SOUNOU
5. SYAKO
6. SAMORY
7. KARAMOKOLE
8. SAMALOLE
ABDOULAYE SARRE LA BELLE 1078 TC £ 0.00
The title track has to be unique as far as Malian music goes, when Abdoulaye's traditional hunters story is interupted by a dispute between Shakara and Rokia Sangare which ends up in tears, absolutely terrific. The rest of the album is just as good as the music flits between Malian traditional and the more modern Wassoulou sound but this time it's the amazing guitar playing of Brahima Konate and Bakary Traore that's outstanding. Just listen to the lovely bluesy message coming across on Woye Sangaye. Also in there is ace drummer S. S. Rougeot taking time off from his own group and a lovely chorus line up in the shape of Oumou Sissoko, Fatoumata Diabate and Maimouna Kouyate. Wonderful. (F.T.Index: La Belle, Ndiagni Ba, Woye Sangaye, Banamba Kaw, Ngana Ke.) [8T/38M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. LA BELLE
2. MALI MOUSSOW
3. NDIAGNE BA
4. SARRE MAKOUNDE
5. NIKO
6. BANAMBA KAW
7. NGANA KE
8. WOYE SANGAYEA
ABLAYE DIT DOSSIN TRAORE CENAAJANI - VOL 2 IK019 TC £ 0.00
This is the second album from Ablaye and once again shows us the softer traditional sounds of Mali that come from the mix of balafon and simple percussion. Although featuring the same line-up of artists and instruments as in the first volume, this time the whole tempo of the music is much faster and the vocals more intense in their effect. (While I prefered the slower pace of the first album I found the last track on this album, 'Bekandina', was absolutely essential to my Malian collection.) (F.T.Index: Bekandina, Cenaajani, Tekereni, ) [6T/49M] The inlay card was mis-printed as colours are not aligned so the cover shown is actually an altered Vol 1.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. CENAAJANI
2. ARASA
3. TEKERENI
4. YAYOROBA
5. BENGADI
6. BEKANDINA
ABLAYE DIT DOSSIN TRAORE MOGOYA - VOL I IK018 TC £ 0.00
The traditional sounds of Mali comes to the fore on this relaxed album by Ablaye who sings and is also percussionist and calabash player. Both Kindjo Diarra and Diarra Traore play the balafon and noted percussionist Dounanke Koita also doubles up as arranger. Ablaye's rough yet velvety voice is very complementary to the softly resonating sounds of the balafon and the accompanying subdued percussion. (F.T.Index: Mogoya, Woroyafan, Arime, Curi ) [6T/49M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MOGOYA
2. WOROYAFAN
3. MANGONI
4. SAMAN
5. CURI
6. ARIME
ABOUBACAR KISSA CUBAIN DE SEGOU MALIBA CK7061 TC £ 0.00
Aboubacar as his name implies comes from the town of Segou and was originally a singer with the town's famous band, 'Super Biton de Segou' Powerful and gritty voice with rather nice chorus girls and somewhat unusual music which includes trumpet as well as guitars and more traditional sounds. Musically it is quite different from the usual Malian sounds in that it has an almost melancholy sound to it especially Democratie which sounds almost as if they had left the door to the next studio open during recording. [7T/38M] Died April 2021 in Bamako aged 69.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DJANIEBA
2. WALEGNUMA
3. DEMOCRATIE
4. GARBA MAMA
5. KIRABU
6. SO KARAFE
7. MALIBA
ABOUBACAR SIDIKI PARE dit VIEUX BARONI BARONI TC £ 0.00
A rather nice album from singer, composer, guitarist and percussionist Aboubacar who is better know as Vieux. With a bit of help from Mamadou Diakite and Karamoko Simaga on guitars, Oumar Diallo on keyboard and Backing singers Tata Sacko and Hawa Sidibe. Recorded in 1998 at Studio Yeelen in Bamako which I had never come across before. [42M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BARONI
2. CHERIE - CHERIE
3. FOLIKAN
4. KANKELEN TIGUI
5. DELIKO
6. SUBO
7. YELEMA
8. KAYUMAN
ADAMA DIABATE JAKO BAYE STCD1062 CD £ 12.50
Issued by Sterns back in 1995 with a stunning but rather unflattering cover this album is a must have of modern Malien music. The interpretations of ancient songs, delivered by an outstanding young singer and some of Mali's most distinguished instrumentalists. Cheick Tidiane Seck on Keyboards, Toumani Diabate on Kora and Keletegui Diabate on Balafon.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. SENE
2. DUNWOLO LALOU
3. JAKO BAYE
4. FALADENI
5. SABAFOLO
6. SORA
7. WILILELE
8. WENTERE
ADAMA YALOMBA NAMARAKO CK7689 TC £ 0.00
Originally released in Mali in 2004 by Mali K7 under the name Dumuni. This cassette was re-released in 2014 by Camara Production as Namarako. Recorded at Studio Bogolan by Yves Wernert and features Amy Wassidje, Awa Diabate, Binke Traore and Ramata Diakite in the chorus line. While Djadje Traore, Karamoko Diabate, Dramane Diarra and Sekou Kante provide the guitars. Adama himself not only sings but also plays Djembe and M'bole. Keyboards, programmation and a some bass guitar come from Yves Wernert. A very interesting modern Malien sound so have a listen. This is the track listing as shown on the tape and the inlay card - 1. NAMARAKO 2. MOUKOSSO 3. AFRICA 4. BANA 5. ANW BE TADON 6. DJANDELE 7. DUMUNI 8. ANK KA WILI 9. POLITIKI 10. DOUGAOU 11. LAFIA BEDI 12. HODON. As can be seen from the actual listing on the right the order is totally different as are spellings of some track titles.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DUMUNI
2. NAMARAKO
3. ANK KA WILI
4. MONKOSSON
5. AFRICA
6. BANA.
7. AN BE TA DON
8. POLITIKI
9. HODON
10. DJANDELE
11. DOUAOU
12. LAFIA BE DI
AICHATA SIDIBE LA VIE EST SI BELLE AICHATA TC £ 0.00
A very nice album from singer Aichata that on first hearing brought memories of early Nahawa Doumbia immediately to mind. The music is a bit more modern in sound and instrumentation with sax and for the first time that I have ever noticed on Malian music, a piano! However the guitars are there alongside the calabash, n'goni and djembe and Ismael Wonder on chorus with Maman. The modern traditional mix is nice and with a bit of unobtrusive rap springing a pleasant suprise every so often. I hate rap but this album is a very pleasant all the way through.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. YIKI
2. LA VIE EST SI BELLE
3. MANU MANI
4. KOKOYO
5. KANUNA
6. I MA KOU
7. KONARE A. BAH
8. KOBENA KUMA
ALI FARKA TOURE ALI FARKA TOURE WCD007 CD £ 15.00
Ali's first recording for the World Circuit label captures the essence of his unique Desert Blues style and rightly launched his career internationally. Sung in several different Malian languages, the songs here are mostly unaccompanied, showcasing his fluid guitar playing and haunting vocals with help on others from calabash and bongos. Largely recorded in London it features a rare live version of Amandrai captured during the 1987 Crossing The Border Festival. BRAND NEW STILL SEALED. 1. TIMBARMA
2. SINGYA
3. NAWIYE
4. BAKOYTEREYE
5. TCHIGI FO
6. AMANDRAI
7. KADI KADI
8. YULLI
9. BAKOYE
10. AMANDRAI LIVE
ALI FARKA TOURE RADIO MALI WCD044 CD £ 15.00
Inspired by African rhythmic and musical traditions extending back for generations, this album features materials originally recorded for broadcast on Radio Mali from 1970-78, and loaned by the station's archive. It was these tapes that introduced Toure's unique guitar style to the attention of his countrymen. Once available in France on vinyl, these were among the very first commercial records of Malian music. Ali describes these selections as being recorded at a time when he was 'an absolute fool for the guitar' - one listen will confirm why. BRAND NEW STILL SEALED. 1. NJARKA
2. YER MALI GAKOYOYO
3. SOKO
4. BANDALABOUROU
5. MACHENGOIDI
6. SAMARYA
7. HANI
8. GAMBARI
9. NJARKA GAMBARI
10. BIENNAL
11. ARSANY
12. AMADININ
13. SEYGALORE
14. TREI KONGO
15. RADIO MALI
16. NJARKA (EXCERPT)
ALI FARKA TOURE RED AND GREEN WCD070 CDx2 £ 15.00
Digipak two CD set of classic Ali Farka Toure recordings available in 2004 for the first time in over a decade. The 'Red' album is the pivotal set that launched Ali's career in the west, and the 'Green' album confirmed his status as one of Africa's most important artists. Both albums are included complete and digitally remastered from the original tapes. BRAND NEW STILL SEALED. RED ALBUM
1. LA DROGUE
2. ALI AOUDY
3. CHERIE
4. TIMBINDY
5. LALEICHE
6. KETINE
7. LAISSE LES PHASES
8. BALIKY LALO
GREEN ALBUM
1. SIDI GOURO
2. O KATA GOUNA
3. DEVELE WAGUE
4. N'TIMBARA
5. ZONA
6. M'BAUDY
7. PETENERE
8. L'EXODE
ALI FARKA TOURE RED AND GREEN WLWCD070 CDx2 £ 5.00
A promotional White Label two CD set of classic Ali Farka Toure recordings available in 2004 for the first time in over a decade. The 'Red' album is the pivotal set that launched Ali's career in the west, and the 'Green' album confirmed his status as one of Africa's most important artists. Both albums are included complete and digitally remastered from the original tapes. Almost perfect condition. Just a little bit of ageing round the edges of the cover. RED ALBUM
1. LA DROGUE
2. ALI AOUDY
3. CHERIE
4. TIMBINDY
5. LALEICHE
6. KETINE
7. LAISSE LES PHASES
8. BALIKY LALO
GREEN ALBUM
1. SIDI GOURO
2. O KATA GOUNA
3. DEVELE WAGUE
4. N'TIMBARA
5. ZONA
6. M'BAUDY
7. PETENERE
8. L'EXODE
ALI FARKA TOURE SAVANE WCD075 CD £ 15.00
Grammy nominated Savane is the last solo album by the legendary Malian singer and guitarist Ali Farka Toure. Recorded in Bamako with his specially assembled down-home ngoni group, Savane is Ali's testament, a powerful reaffirmation of his umbilical link to his Malian musical roots. Already acclaimed as his finest album, Savane is both one of the most traditional and seemingly the most blues-drenched of Ali's recordings. The record occupied Ali right into his last weeks, and he finally declared himself satisfied with it shortly before his death in March 2006. BRAND NEW STLL SEALED 1. ERDI
2. YER BOUNDA FARA
3. BETO
4. SAVANE
5. SOYA
6. PENDA YORO
7. MACHENGOIDI
8. LEDI COUMBE
9. HANANA
10. SOKO YHINKA
11. GAMBARI DIDI
12. BANGA
13. N'JAROU
ALI FARKA TOURE THE SOURCE WCD030 CD £ 12.50
Ali's vision opens even further to include a full backing band and further forays into the electric guitar. Taj Mahal, Rory Mcleod and Nitin Sawhney, who contributes tabla on Inchana Massina, weave into Ali's dense musical tapestry. While his philosophical and spiritual perceptions are enhanced by his protege Afel Bocoum's gentle narration.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED. Played once to record clips.
1. GOYE KUR
2. INCHANA MASSINA
3. ROUCKY
4. DOFANA
5. KARAW
6. HAWA DOLO
7. CINQUANTE SIX
8. I GO KA
9. YENNA
10. MAHINI ME
ALOU FANE FOTEMOCOBA FRO1 TC £ 0.00
N'goni player Alou spent 15 years in the Ballet National du Mali and left along with Zani Diabate and four others to form the Super Djata Band. If you saw the group on tour some years ago Alou was the tallest of the three singers with the Zapata moustache and deep bass voice. Two other members of that famous band are also here, singer Daouda 'Flani' Sangare and bass guitarist Abou Camara who along with Djorou Diallo on flute and Zoumana Diarra on guitar, n'goni and balafon, make up the band Fotemacoba. Not quite as electric or lively as the Super Djata sound but just as lovely to listen to and quite danceable as well. (F.T.Index: Baba No. 2, Baba No. 1, Tou Lomba, La Cle.) [4T/21M]
The CD (DKS005) is longer by 5 tracks and 26 minutes than the tape but does not include the track La Cle which is available for FREE download on .mp3 or .wav file on request.
1. LA CLE
2. BABA No. 1
3. TOU LOMBA
4. BABA No. 2
ALOU FANE'S FOTE MOCOBA KALAMAN N'GONI - DOZON N'GONI DKS005 CD £ 12.00
N'goni player Alou spent 15 years in the Ballet National du Mali and left along with Zani Diabate and four others to form the Super Djata Band. If you saw the group on tour some years ago Alou was the tallest of the three singers with the Zapata moustache and deep bass voice. Two other members of that famous band are also here, singer Daouda 'Flani' Sangare and bass guitarist Abou Camara who along with Djorou Diallo on flute and Zoumana Diarra on guitar, n'goni and balafon, make up the band Fotemacoba. Not quite as electric or lively as the Super Djata sound but just as lovely to listen to and quite danceable as well. Three of the four tracks from cassette FRO1 but doesn't include the track La Cle.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. TOU LOMBA
2. MANGOYA
3. MIRIA
4. BABA NO. 2
5. MAIMONA DIALLO
6. YA FOLIE
7. BABA NO. 1
8. DAKAN
9. MIRIA (REPRISE)
AMA MAIGA UNE FLECHE MALIENNE 79426 LP £ 0.00
Released back in 1984 it was one of the first albums to feature the fusion between traditional Malian kora music and modern African music. Definitely well worth a listen. His only other album was Ama Maiga et les Almamy du Melodie Volta released back in 1976.
Sold out but FREE download of tracks 2 and 3 available on request as either .wav or .mp3 files.
1. KELEYA
2. LANNAYA-TILEBANA
3. SOUBOURY
4. DJOUGOU SAGO
AMADOU BAGAYOKO AND MARIAM DOUMBIA LE COUPLE AVEUGLE DU MALI VOL II MAILPS1048 TC £ 0.00
Volume 2 follows on from Volume 1 in the same style with music provided by Amadou's guitar 1. KO NEYE MOUKE ALLAH
2. KANA GNINE ALLAH
3. HINE BE DELILA
4. DOUGOUBA DIA
5. EN NA KOUNGNE
6. LA PAIX
7. MADAME BOIGNY THERESE
8. SETE DJON GNE
9. KO BW NA TOU MA DO
10. TOU BALA KONO
11. FOYROUSSO KONO
12. MOUGNOU KORO KADI
13. CHERI COCO
AMADOU BAGAYOKO AND MARIAM DOUMBIA LE COUPLE AVEUGLE DU MALI VOL III MAILPS1051 TC £ 0.00
More from the original first albums. 1. KANASSON
2. NOUMOU
3. BIMOGONIFIN
4. YIKI YASSA
5. DIARRAMINE DIARRA
6. SABOU
7.MOUSSO HOU BAN NA
8. DJAMA
AMADOU BAGAYOKO AND MARIAM DOUMBIA LE COUPLE AVEUGLE DU MALI VOL IV MAILPS1053 TC £ 0.00
More great tracks from the original first albums. 1. GNEGNINI
2. MALI ISSA BORE
3. KOKOLON
4. SONIKA LEMOU
5. FOULAH
6. MOGO DJOUGOU
7. TRAORE HORON
8. BENIDAKAN
AMADOU BAGAYOKO AND MARIAM DOUMBIA LE COUPLE AVEUGLE DU MALI VOL V MAILPS1073 TC £ 0.00
Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia are 'The Blind Couple of Mali' and this is their fifth album together which is SIMPLY INCREDIBLE. Although they have both sadly been denied the gift of sight they have been endowed with wonderful voices and a superb ability to transform a simple tune into pure musical magic. Amadou is also a talented musician and with help from fellow guitarists Baka Diabate and Alou Magadji they play some real mean bluesy guitar. All ten tracks except for Di Ye La Tigue (Muddy Waters would be proud) are based on traditional sounds and from this, with their superb singing and guitar playing, they manage to wrench every last ounce of feeling. Move over Ali Farka Toure as the harder edge of Malian blues has arrived. (The F.T.Index: De Wolo Mousso Lou, Don Be Mangan, Di Ye La Tigue, Le Monde A Change) 1. LW MONDE A CHANGE
2. FASSO BARA
3. DON BE MANGAN
4. DE WOLO MOUSSO LOU
5. DI YE LA TIGUE
6. FASSO KO
7. SIRRA
8. DJIGUI
9. KOBE YE WATIYE
10. DOUAWOU DEN
AMADOU DJELIBA BAH AMADOU OU003 TC £ 15.00
Singer, composer and n'goni player Amadou and Hamadi Bori Kasse who also plays n'goni are the only two artists on this very traditional album. Quite what or where the simple percussion is coming from I haven't worked out yet! No dance floor classic this one but I can't wait for a hot summers day, deck chair on the patio, ice cold 6 pack and then let the world drift by while listening to the lovely laid back sounds of the n'goni's and Amadou's strident vocals. [4T/41M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. GARBARE
2. N'DIAROU
3. MALI HAMMA MADI
4. SEYE GALARE
AMADOU ET MARIAM SOU NI TILE 557118 CD £ 0.00
Mariam sings while Amadou also plays guitar. Accompanying them are a world wide selection of artist. Stephane San Juan on drums and percussion. Shihab M'ghezzi Bekhouche on bass. Matu on Fender Rhodes, Hammond XB3. Walde Baba Sissoko on Tama. Andres Viafara and Alberto Rodriguez on trombones. Barbaro Teunter Garcia on Trumpets. Loic Landois on harmonica. Sameh Gatalan and Johar Ali Khan on violin. Alain Hatot on transverse flute. Idwar Iskandar on ney (arabian flute) and last but not least Awa Timbo and Sanata Doumbia with the background vocals. The playing is superb, the music is magic and I still think the original tapes they took these tracks from were superior. Gorgeous album.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. JE PENCE A TOI
2. COMBATTANTS
3. MOUNA
4. PAUVRE TYPE
5. DOGONS
6. BAARA
7. DOUNIA
8. A RADIO MOGO
9. DJANDJOLA
10. ON SE DONNE LA MAIN
11. MON AMOUR, MA CHERIE
12. A CHACUN SON PROBLEME
13. TEREE LA SEBIN
14. TOUBALA HONO
15. C'EST LA VIE
AMADOU ET MARIAM 1990-1995: LE MEILLEUR DES ANNEES 3106072 CD £ 0.00
Lovely set of tracks culled from the couple's first five tapes issued between 1990 and 1995. Brand new digipak with 12 page colour booklet in French with photos. The 5 CD box set has 47 of the cassette's 50 tracks in it but even though they have the same cover and title the box set doesn't have tracks 6, 11 and 12 in it. So you will need this one to complete the full set from the cassettes.
Sold out but FREE download of tracks 6, 11 and 12 are available on request as either .wav or .mp3 files.
1. A CHACUN SON PROBLEME
2. MON AMOUR
3. SE TE DJON YE
4. GUEGNI NI
5. LE MONDE A CHANGE
6. KOBE YE WATIYE
7. ANKA MIRI GNOGON MA
8. ALLAH MANA KOSSIN KA
9. KOKOLON
10. DO BE MANGAN
11. KELEN LA SEBEN
12. FANTANI
13. BENI DAKAN
14. SIRRA
15. KANASSON
16. NOUMOU
AMADOU ET MARIAM 1990-1995: LE MEILLEUR DES ANNEES 3109842 CDx5 £ 40.00
Lovely five CD set of 47 of the 50 tracks from the couple's first five tapes issued between 1990 and 1995. The three missing tracks can be found on CD 3106072 and are tracks 6. KOBE YE WATIYE, 11. KELEN LA SEBEN and 12. FANTANI.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
CD 1.
1. NEYE MOUNKE ALLAH LA
2. KANA GNINA ALLAH KO
3. HINE BE DELILA
4. DOUGOUBA DIA
5. AN NA KOUNYE
6. LA PAIX
7. MADAME THERESE BOIGNY
8. A CHACUN SON PROBLEME
9. TERELA SABE
10. FANFAN
11. NAFOLO
12. ANKA MIRI GNOGNOMA
CD 2.
1. SE TE DJON YE
2. TERELA SEBE
3. MON AMOUR
4. ALLAH MANA KOSSIN KA
5. NEBE MOUNKE
6. DOUGNE TE SOYE
7. KOBENA TOUMADO
8. TOUBALA KONO
9. FOUROUSSO KONO
10. MOUGNOU KORO
11. CHERI COCO
CD 3.
1. LE MONDE A CHANGE
2. DOBE MANGAN
3. SIRA (LE CHEMIN)
4. SE TE GUI
5. DIYE LA TIGUE
6. FASSO KO
7. NDEN WOLO MOUSSOLOU
8. DJIGUI
CD 4.
1. GNEGNI NI
2. MALI ISSABORE
3. KOKOLON
4. SONIKE LOMOU
5. FOULAH
6. MOGO DJOURA
7. TRAORE HORON
8. BENI DAKAN
CD 5.
1. KANASSON
2. NOUMOU
3. BIMOGO FING
4. YIKI YASSA
5. DIARAMINE DIARA
6. SAOU
7. MOUSSOU HOU BANA
8. DYANA
AMADOU ET MARIAM COUPLE AVEUGLE DU MALI - SE TE DJON YE CDS7044 CD £ 12.00
The 1999 French release Se Te Djon Ye captured the intimate feel of their duet performances without a backing band. BRAND NEW STILL SEALED. 1. SE TE DJON YE
2. KELEN LA SEBEN
3. MON AMOUR
4. MIN NI MIN BE GNOGONFE
5. ALLAH MA NA KOMIN KE
6. DOU GNE TE SO YE
7. KO BE NA TOUMA SON
8. TOUBA LA KONO
9. FOUROUSSO KONO
10. MOUGNOU KORO KADI
11. CHERI COCO
AMADOU ET MARIAM DIMANCHE A BAMAKO BEC5772000 CD £ 12.00
Together as a musical entity since 1980, three years after they met at the Institute for the Young Blind in Bamako, Amadou & Mariam have slowly gained an audience outside West Africa since achieving major label status in 1998. I have to admit to finding their work up to this point a little monochrome, but suddenly they're in Technicolor courtesy of Manu Chao, who here takes on the role of producer. At first listen and especially on the instrumental 'M'Bife Balafon' this could almost be Chao's long awaited third solo album. Certainly, the way the French public have lapped it up adds to that impression. But despite a generous sprinkling of his trademarks (frequent backing and lead vocals, the cop car siren on 'La Realite', a vibrant skanking strum on 'Camions Sauvages' and the general sense of momentum created by judicious segueing throughout, to name a few), it's very much an Amadou & Mariam record. Amadou still writes much of the material, but his noodling guitar grooves jump out of the speakers as never before on tracks like 'Coulibaly' and 'Artistiya'. And Mariam still struggles with the high notes in her endearingly naive way. She's hardly Bamako's finest singer, but finds form on the likes of 'La Paix'. It's the atmospheric use of ambient 'found sounds' and occasional novel (for Malian music) instruments like trumpet, tabla and keyboards (imitating everything from Theremins to xylophones) that really spice things up. You don't have to be a fan of African music to enjoy this. It's a fantastic album to drive to, with a recurring 'going places' theme, humorously underlined by the lyrics of 'Taxi Bamako' and other tracks. You'll soon get it. The only niggling question it begs is: what on earth will Amadou and Mariam do next? Jon Lusk 2005
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/498c/

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED.
1. M'BIFE
2. M'BIFE BALAFON
3. COULIBALY
4. LA REALITE
5. SENEGAL FAST FOOD
6. ARTISTIYA
7. LA FETE AU VILLAGE
8. CAMIONS SAUVAGES
9. BEAUX DIMANCHES
10. LA PAIX
11. DJANFA
12. TAXI BAMAKO
13. POLITIC AMAGNI
14. GNIDJOUGOUYA
15. M'BIFE BLUES
AMADOU ET MARIAM TJE NI MOUSSO 5430672 CD £ 12.50
The Blind Couple of Mali were pure magic when their series of cassettes came out back in the 80's but this is a 1999 reworking of some of those stunning sounds. Is it good.......No. It's ABSOLUTELY FRIGGIN FABULOUS, over an hour of dance till you drop music that brought the memories flooding back. Have a listen to the clips and try not to move while they are playing, go on just try. Ha ha, no chance! [15T/67M]

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. CHANTEZ-CHANTEZ
2. DJAGNEBA
3. DANS CE MONDE TROUBLE
4. SI NI KENEYA
5. C'EST COMME CA
6. LABAN
7. BEKI MIRI
8. BALI MAOU
9. SI NI KAN
10. BEKI LALAN
11. BE'SMI LAH
12. MIANGA TITI
13. FANTANI
14. KO BE NA TOUMA DO
15. NANGARABA
AMADOU ET MARIAM WATI 168582 CD £ 12.50
More musical magic from the blind Malien husband and wife duo. Brand new digipak CD with booklet containing lyrics in English and French. Have a listen and try not to like what you hear.

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED.
1. WALIDE
2. LLBIWAN
3. LES TEMPS ONT CHANGE
4. BARONI
5. SARAMA
6. DOUGOU MASSA
7. CHAUFFEURS
8. MALI DENOU
9. LAHILALA
10. BARIKA
11. FANA
12. POULO
AMBASSADEUR INTERNATIONAL MANDJOU BLP5040 LP £ 0.00
A five track LP with the original version of Mandjou (not the Island one) along with Kandja, 4 V, N'toman and Balla, the last track is not out on any compilation CD's.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MANDJOU
2. KANDJA
3. 4 V
4. N'TOMAN
5. BALLA
AMI KOITA HOMMAGE A SAMBAYAL GAYE 'CONCORDE' AK001 TC £ 15.00
An absolutely out of this world album! Bakary Diabate excels himself on the cora, as does n'goni player Makan Tounkara, laying down a profusion of notes like a carpet for Ami to walk over. Balafon and keyboard player Kemo Kouyate also provides some lovely backing for Ami's magnificent vocals and I do mean MAGNIFICENT. (F.T.Index: Toro Mo Douman, Bambougoutchi, Mamaya, Lamban, Kaira. ) [6T/40M] Now out on CD as 'SONGS OF PRAISE' which also includes the six tracks from the cassette 'NAKAN'. 1. KAIRA
2. BAMBOUGOUTCHI
3. TORO MO DOUMAN
4. KIRIKE
5. LAMBAN
6. MAMAYA
AMI KOITA LA SUBLIME - DJAMBA KONO AK005 TC £ 0.00
I put the tape on without reading the inlay card and sat back and started to really enjoyed some great Paris influenced Malian songs. However by the time I got to the third track, 'Koro Ta', I had to rethink it as Ami went back to a very traditional number which was wonderful. Switching over to side 'B' sent me scratching around for the inlay to find out what should be on there instead of this slightly strange Soukous music that was now booming out! Enter now, Wawali Bonane on vocals and the magic of 'Huit Kilos' and Kayen Madoka on guitars. The first mix of Malian and Congolese music that I had ever heard. Wonderful but with those three on it and Ami as well what else could it be. A real gem this one which was released back in 1992. Her cooperation with Zaire's Afrisa International de l'an 2000 didn't go down very well in Mali however and Ami was forced to remove her cassette from sale in her home market. On selling my collection copy in 2021 I went as usual to make a CD-R to replace it in my collection and found it had a couple of small recording flaws. While searching the web for a better version I found that the cassette did not match up with recordings possibly taken from an LP that was probably produced at the same time for the Zaire market. Anyway to cut a long story short I noticed that the three YouTube tracks, which were all that I could find, were quite a bit longer. I realized then that EMI Mali K7 had speeded up the recordings on the cassette for some unknown reason. The edited CDR version in my collection now sounds much better.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
From the Cassette.
1. DJAMBA KONO
2. FAMA DEN
3. KORO TA
4. DJOMAGA DJELI
5. PETIT
6. CELEN
From my CDR.
1. DJAMBA KONO
2. FAMA DEN
3. KORO TA
4. DJOMAGA DJELI
5. PETIT
6. CELEN
AMI KOITA LE DEFI LEDEFI TC £ 25.00
This album is entitled 'Defiance' and was released in 1994 as a reply to those that didn't like her album Djamba Kono. She has toned down that stupendous voice of hers so that you can actually hear the music and the girls in the chorus. A mix of both traditional and modern music with xalams and balafon forming the traditional base and keyboards, linn drums, guitars and horns the modern instrumentation, which for once doesn't interfere but actually enhances the traditional elements. The modern tracks such as Benide and Djonson are very nice and for Ami quite different to her usual output. Recorded at Studio JBZ in Abidjan, the album features two well known Ivoriens, Sax player Manou Yodan and singer Antoinette Konan, also in the line-up is another well known Malien singer Aminatta Kamissoko. (F.T.Index: Benide, Djeliman, Soman, Kotouba. ) [9T/46M] 1. TCHE
2. N'TEKELEFE
3. GOMBA
4. KEGNALAN
5. BENIDE
6. DJONSON
7. DJELIMAN
8. KOTOUBA
9. SOMAN
AMI KOITA MORY DJO 120590-4 TC £ 25.00
Top selling vocalist Ami really sings her heart out on this stunning album. Some great music with backing from a mix of modern and traditional intruments including Ami's own acoustic guitar. I particularly liked the caribbean rhythm that she's used to great effect on 'Defa Wane' but the best track has to be 'Hampate Ba' with it's gorgeous kora and flute music. BRILLIANT ALBUM. 1. MORY DJO
2. DJOLIBA KONO
3. DEFA WANE
4. MATIA
5. HADJA BILA
6. HAMPATE BA
AMI KOITA NAKAN SS-66 TC £ 10.00
No inlay notes as to who is playing the wonderful music but Ami's superb voice is as usual driving all before it. Nice mix of traditional songs and more modern styles to try and get a bit of international interst. Now out on CD as 'SONGS OF PRAISE' which also includes the six tracks from the cassette HOMMAGE A SAMBAYAL GAYE 'CONCORDE'. 1. NAKAN
2. CONCORDE GAYE
3. SANOU DJOUBE
4. GNAGNA
5. LOLAN
6. ALLAH NOH
AMI KOITA VOL. I HINE MANSA HINE TC £ 30.00
Four tracks of the six first released on the LP Bomboli Niare back in 1976 and what an album. SUPERB, just Ami accompanied by Mama Drame on n'goni and Bouba Sacko on guitar. Their playing is simply exquisite to say the least, the sort of thing that knocks a classic like DJAM LEELII into a cocked hat. Ami herself hasn't yet developed the powerful style of singing that her recent albums are famous for but she still comes across as a tremendous singer. [42M] 1. HINE MANSA
2. DEN TE SANNA
3. BOMBOLI NIARE
4. MALI GUINDO
AMI KOITA VOL. II DEBE DEBE TC £ 30.00
This album is quite different from 'Hine Mansa'. For a start Moriba Koita takes over from Mama Drame on n'goni and virtuoso musician Keletigui Diabate comes in to give us a wonderful display on both the violin and his favourite, the balafon. Once again, Bouba Sacko accompanies them on guitar. Ami's voice powers out over the music but she does let the musicians have plenty of room to show their paces. The first two tracks are from the LP Bomboli Niare back in 1976 and the next two are from Nene Daou released in 1978. [32M] 1. DEBE
2. BANNY KEBE
3. AMY NANA
4. IDJODO
AMI KOITA VOL. III TARA TARA TC £ 30.00
A very young looking Ami graces the cover of this album but in fact the tracks complete her second LP Nene Daou released in 1978.. The backing of n'goni and balafon is lovely but Ami is really out to display the formidable power of her vocals, the thing that was to make her famous. In fact so strong is her singing that the music is almost hidden behind it! Great album from a great singer. [34M] 1. TARA
2. LASSANA SACKO
3. NENE DAOU
4. TANGABALY
AMINATA KAMISSOKO MALAMINE STCD1079 CD £ 12.50
Aminata‚ a jalimusolu (with the voice to prove it) sings original songs about her experiences as a modern woman immersed in an ancient culture. According to Sterns write-up 'This is an album of passion and emotion from one of the most exceptional voices to come out of Mali. A voice that will move the soul, while the rhythms move the body. I have to agree. BRAND NEW AND SEALED. 1. MALAMINE
2. KOUNFEKO
3. TITATI
4. MAMADOU KAMISSOKO
5. KANI BA
6. SOKONA BA
7. BAYA
8. BENSON MA
9. MAMADOU KONEKEOU
10. DJELI KANDJA
AMY KOITA AFRICAWE AFRICAWE TC £ 0.00
Stunning stuff from one of Mali's top artists. Recorded at Studio Bogolan in Bamako in 2003 and sounds a very polished product. Not quite Paris but getting there. Shame about NDH Production who made this cassette as they missed the end off the last track on both sides. Also ignore the track order on the inlay and cassette the actual order is as per my list on the right. My collection CD-R however is complete and in the right order.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. AFRICAWE
2. TELE BELEN
3. DUNIA
4. DARO GUELEN
5. DARHAT
6. BONGO
7. DJIGON KARILIEN
8. FATOU
9. BONNE ANNEE

10. MOGO KAN
AMY KOITA DJIGUY IC1297 TC £ 20.00
Another smashing album of traditional and modern sounds from one of Mali's top artists. 1. DJEKANOU
2. BALLON
3. WADJAN
4. DJIGUY
5. FERI
6. FANAN
7. YAFA
8. KELE
ASKIA MODIBO WASS REGGAE STCD1060 CD £ 12.50
Superlative fifth album from Askia but only his second as 'The Rasta of the Sahel'. As 'Modibo Kone' he showed his understanding of traditional Malian music and the kora in particular. This album follows closely in the footsteps of his 'Wass-Reggae' album 'Djiguiya' which he played with the group 'Bamanaya'. This time he plays with top Paris session musicians such as guitarists, Yves Ndjock, Djely Moussa Kouyate and from Mozambique, Gito Baloi, plus the superb horn trio of Hatot, Slominski and Bolognesi with keyboards by Wurrie Moctar. It isn't strictly Reggae as we're used to and it isn't Malian as we're used to but its 'Sahel' of an album!

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. FOUROUSSIRY
2. NIMATO
3. OU VA L'AFRIQUE
4. CIRCULATION DE BAMAKO
5. PARDONNER, TOLERER
6. DEVALUATION
7. BA NI BAKA
8. IMMIGRATION ZERO
9. LES AIGLES DU MALI
10. WADJOU
11. CONSEIL GRATUIT
ASKIA MODIBO (MODIBO KONE) LES AIGLES 83177 TC £ 10.00
Taken from his fifth album Wass Reggae for home release this his second as 'The Rasta of the Sahel'. As 'Modibo Kone' he showed his understanding of traditional Malian music and the kora in particular. This album follows closely in the footsteps of his 'Wass-Reggae' album 'Djiguiya' which he played with the group 'Bamanaya'. This time he plays with top Paris session musicians such as guitarists, Yves Ndjock, Djely Moussa Kouyate and Kenyan, Gito Baloi, the superb horn trio of Hatot, Slominski and Bolognesi with keyboards by Wurrie Moctar. It isn't strictly Reggae as we're used to and it isn't Malian as we're used to but its 'Sahel' of an album! WONDERFUL. ( F.T. Index: Devaluation, Les Aigles Du Mali, Nimato ) The last track LES AIGLES DU MALI (remix) is not on the CD but is available for download free on WAV or MP3 on request. 1. NIMATO
2. LES AIGLES DU MALI
3. WADJOU
4. DEVALUATION
5. CIRCULATION DE BAMAKO
6. LES AIGLES DU MALI (remix)
ASKIA MODIBO AND THE BAMNAYA DJIGUIYA DJIGUIYA TC £ 30.00
One of Askia's first Wass-reggae albums although he does have previous albums of Manding music released under his real name of Modibo Kone. As soon as you hear the music you will know why Alpha Blondy took him under his wing. Later on Ibrahima Sylla took him to Paris to record an album which was released in the U.K. by Sterns as a CD called Wass Reggae. None of these tracks are on the CD. A locally recorded cassette so the music quality is not as good as it could be. Nonetheless a very interesting set of tracks.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DJIGUIYA
2. ALLAH-AKBAR
3. MOUSSO DJOUGOU
4. LADILIKAN
5. R.F.K.
6. SOUTE MONEBO
ASSITA TOUNKARA AND BAKOROBA DIABATE FOUROU SAM077192-4 TC £ 0.00
Husband and wife, Assita and Bakoroba have got together with Keletigui on balafon and Mama Sissoko on guitar for a lovely album of laid back Malian traditional music. Abdoulaye Samassa, who produced it, has added a bit of Paris style musical improvisation here and there but it doesn't detract from the album's overall ethnic feel as exemplified by the track 'Dougou Mimadia' Gorgeous music and singing throughout.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. FOUROU
2. GNAGARAN FOLI
3. ASSOU DEMBELE
4. DOUGOU MIMADIA
5. SEBABOUGOU
6. BARODA SOUMALE
AZIZ WONDER JAH IS MY GUIDE JAH TC £ 20.00
An unusual and extreemely rare album from Mali is this bright and breezy 1993 Reggae offering from Aziz and his band. As you would expect it's keyboards and guitar up front but the drummers also get the chance here and there to remind you that they can take up the running as well. The girls in the chorus don't usually get much of a chance here but they are lovely and deservedly get to take centre stage on Wary Wary. A bit short in length as the title track gets a repeat play at the end but this whole album is still a very interesting set of songs. Have a listen and enjoy. (F.T.Index: Tchamatchama, Shake Them Down, Pauvre Voyageur Ou Poor Traveler, Wary Wary, Jah Is My Guide ) [7T/28M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. TCHAMATCHAMA
2. DON'T FALSE MY PEOPLE
3. WARY WARY
4. JAH IS MY GUIDE
5. PAUVRE VOYAGEUR OU POOR TRAVELER
6. SHAKE THEM DOWN
7. JAH IS MY GUIDE
AZIZ WONDER NI PINADJOW GUELEYA CFMK79502 TC £ 20.00
A modern Malien reggae album recorded by Mali K7 in Bamako back in 1995. It has got some very interesting almost hypnotic and very catchy songs. I love it but I don't think my descriptive powers will do it justice so please have a listen to the clips and make up your own mind.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. JIGIYAFOLY
2. YEOYIRI
3. RASTA CONTROL
4. AVENTURIER
5. GUELEYA
6. PEACE IN AFRICA
BABANI KONE BARIKA MK79809 TC £ 0.00
Her next cassette album released in 1998 is definitely not to be missed. You have just got to hear this marvelous set of tracks from the powerhouse voice of Malien diva Babani. Just have a listen.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NTA FOLA
2. DIAGNINKO
3. SOYEBA
4. DAGNAN
5. KOBARIKA
6. GNANIMA DJOUGOU
7. MARIE LOUISE
8. SARA NANA
BABANI KONE SANOU DJALA CK7335 TC £ 0.00
Her first cassette released in Mali in 1996 and it's a real belter as Babani's deceptively fragile looks hide a voice that rolls like thunder. (8T/38M) Also released on CD two years later by Sterns as STCD1085.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MOUSSO GNINIKAN
2. TAMAGNOSON
3. BARADJO
4. DJOHORO
5. DJELI BABA
6. SANOU DJALA
7. LAGARE
8. NANIYE
BABILI KANOUTE CORA AA002-4 TC £ 0.00
You do see some wonderful covers on African cassettes and seeing Babili with his cora strapped on his back and riding a little blue moped immediately tells you that he is a travelling musician. What it doesn't tell you though is just how superbly he plays that cora. There's no singing, just the wonderful sounds of a real maestro at work. On most albums the beautiful sound of the cora is nearly always in the background so this album is a real gem of a find when that much revered instrument takes centre stage in the hands of a master musician. You will find him listed as a member of the famous ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI, need I say more. (F.T.Index: No favourite as all tracks are wonderfull, so have a listen to a bit and see what you think.) [6T/32M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SOUNDJATA
2. LAMBAN
3. ININIAMANKAN
4. TOUTOU
5. M'BE DIATA LEMA
6. NYA NYA
BADIE COULIBALI ET SON ENSEMBLE DIANDJIGUI DE SEGOU VOL. 1 IK013 TC £ 0.00
Badie plays the traditional ngoni while the other two sadly unnamed musicians provide the calabash percussion and some rather nice guitar play. Listening to it reminded me of the early Ali Farka Toure albums. Don't bother looking this album up on the web as you will only find my entry. Also last one in stock.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DEDIE AU CSTP
2. DEDIE A L'ADEMA
3. KONO BALOLEBE
4. BADALA MALE
5. N'DABE MALA
6. FEZIN
BADIE COULIBALI ET SON ENSEMBLE DIANDJIGUI DE SEGOU VOL. 2 IK014 TC £ 0.00
Volume ll with more traditional ngoni music and some nice guitar play. Thumping calabash percussion sets the beat while Badie's own ngoni playing and vocals drive the songs smoothly on. Like Volume 1 a soft more traditional version of the early Ali Farka Toure albums. Also last one in stock. There is a seventh track which I haven't listed as it is just a two minute filler from track 3. [50M/7T]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. GARBA
2. N'FINZIN
3. BANANI
4. MALI DEMISSENOU
5. C.N.I.D.
6. FOUROUKERA DIAGOYE
BAJOUROU BIG STRING THEORY CDORBD078 CD £ 15.00
Recorded in 1993 with two of Mali's outstanding guitarists. Djelimady Tounkara of Super Rail Band fame and Bouba Sacko who's Kora style guitar play is superb. Accompanying them is singer and fellow Super Rail Band member Lafia Diabate's who's magic vocals took over from Mory Kante and Salif Keita. As new with 8 page booklet inlay.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. HAKILIMA
2. MANSA
3. MANKAN
4. FANTA BARANA
5. I KA DI NYE
6. SORA
7. BASTAN TOURE
8. NKANI
9. JODOO
BAKO (BACKO) DAGNON KEDO VOL 2 KEDO TC £ 0.00
Bako or Backo as it says on the album was already a well known singer having spent ten years singinging with the ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI. Released in 1995 this, her second cassette, came out well before she found fame with her first CD's in the early 2000's. Rare isn't the word for this album as only my site and Frank Bessam's list the two volumes. The tape has a track 9 which is a repeat of part of track 1 as an unlisted filler. [57M/9T]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. FILA NA DJAMOU
2. KEDO
3. SAMA KORO
4. MARI I MAKOUN
5. WAWABA
6. NGNEMIRILA IMA
7. KOSSA WALE
8. KITA FOLI 9. FILA NA DJAMOU (filer)
BAKO (BACKO) DAGNON NNAH VOL 1 NNAH TC £ 0.00
Bako or Backo as it says on the album was already a well known singer having spent ten years singinging with the ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI. Released in 1995 this cassette came out well before she found fame with her first CD's in the early 2000's. Guitar player Djelimadi Tounkara leads the band with balafon by Keletigui Diabate. Rare isn't the word for this album as only my site and Frank Bessam's list the two volumes.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. N'NAH
2. SOUNDIATA
3. KANOU DIABA
4. BIMO MAGNIN
5. TIYA MOGNOGO
6. DOLO MAGNI
7. HINA YE DARIRO
8. KAMADIA
BAKO DAGNON SIDIBA 6146642 CD £ 10.00
The late Bako Dagnon who died in 2015 was one of Mali's premier Mande musicians, as well as a respected female griot. This was her follow-up to her highly-acclaimed international debut, 2007's Titati. Her clear, soaring voice and rolling melodies mirror the savannah landscape where she was born, in the west of Mali. Bako sings with the authority, passion and wisdom born of having learned her craft the old way: not from recordings, as many young singers do nowadays, but at the feet of masters, deep in the countryside. As such, she was one of the last griots to live according to the old ways of griotism, though she carried her message for the current age with a knowledge base that ranges from her native Biriko style, to the more lyrical Maninka music from Guinea to the Bambara style from Segou. Her songs sound deceptively simple; yet they are informed by a prodigious knowledge of Mande history and culture, with even Ali Farka Toure often consulting her and Banzoumana Sissoko,he invited her regularly to his house in the 1980s to sing famous old songs like 'Janjon.' She has left us the gift of bringing the old stories to life, making them sound utterly contemporary. She was the bridge between the old and the new. On Sidiba, the special character of her voice found a new expressive freedom, with a subtle production that brought out the best in her voice and music. Details culled from Sylart Productions. Album Discograph Digipak with booklet.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. WOUYA LARANA
2. N'OUHOUMBA
3. M'BA
4. LE GUIDE DE LA REVOLUTION
5. SIDIBA
6. BADJIGUI
7. TIGA
8. ALPHA YAYA
9. KONO
10. FADEEN TO
11. BE BE BORI I NO FE
BAKO DAGNON TITATI 170037 CD £ 10.00
The late Bako Dagnon who died in 2015 was one of Mali's premier Mande musicians, as well as a respected female griot. This CD was her international debut released in 2007. It was mainly recorded at Studio Bogolan Bamako and the rest in Paris. Arranged by François Breant of Soro fame, it offers an interesting mix of ancient songs set to modern arrangments. Her crystal clear vocals and the variety of the repertoire makes this album an instant classic. Original Syllart Card Sleeve not a Digipak

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. DONSOKE
2. TOUBAKA
3. LASSIDAN
4. SANSANDO MINATA
5. NOUMOU
6. BOUNTENI
7. TITANI
8. SALIMOU
9. SALIYA
10. IKERIFAYE
11. TELEMBA
12. BELEBELE
BAKOROBA DIABATE FIFI JOLIE VOL III BD5007 TC £ 15.00
Third album from Bakoroba and his backing singer or singers (no liner notes) and from what I can gather he is a top notch artist. Having played with ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI before going solo but having not made a living from his music due to piracy in Mali he found other work in Paris. Although lots of mentions of CD's Bakoroba Vol 1 and 2 plus Wariko and the Paris made Sumu Sekou Cisse on the internet I couldn't find this album mentioned anywhere at all or even any of its tracks. Images on the internet all show him rather fuller in face and older than the picture on the cassette so this could be an earlier album. The recording had no manufacturers name on it and is rather hit and miss volume wise so if you buy this you will also get a copy of my collection CDR which has been edited to make it quite listenable. The clips have been taken from my CDR. [4T/30M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. FIFI JOLIE
2. PONT COURA
3. AN KA YONKO MINE
4. KOLON
BAMBA DEMBELE ET LE GROUPE DJOLIBA PERCUSSIONS Vol. 1 SYL8350 TC £ 0.00
No notes inside so I have no idea who is playing what. I do know that the female singers are really giving it their all as their powerful vocals stream out over the throbbing drums . The band, twelve stong on the cover photo, play flute, balafons, ngoni and kora's as well as the various drums. The music on all tracks belts out right from the start but it's the stunningly thunderous rhythmic drumming that ends each track that will take your breath away. You don't get this in the studios - this is for real. Cover is a bit faded on the edge as picture. [38M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MORIATA
2. MANSADIN
3. YERI YERI
4. FANTAN NI MONE
5. KOUMA MAGNI
BAMBA DEMBELE ET LE GROUPE DJOLIBA PERCUSSIONS Vol. 2 SYL8351 TC £ 0.00
Just like Volume 1. tracks this time are Halamandia, Liberia, Djoliba Percussion, Kouma Magni. Cover is a bit faded on the edge as picture. [41M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. HALAMANADIA
2. LIBERIA
3. DJOLIBA PERCUSSION
4. KOUMA MAGNI
BINA COUMARE VOLUME I MAIKANO TC £ 0.00
Ethnic to the core, a very simple offering from Bina who plays a one string bow lute and is accompanied by various other stringed instruments. The call and response singing is also very simple, Bina sings the song and the other guy just says 'namou' all the way through. There is only one song on the tape which covers both sides and is easily LP length. Every so often the shrill all girl chorus comes in to spice up what can only be described as totally laid back acoustic music. It's never going to make the best sellers list but it is seductive with it's simplicity and beautifully played string sounds. No details on the inlay but made in 1990 by EMI Pathe Marconi C. I. 1. MALIKI
2. MALIKI
BINTOU SIDIBE VOLUME II SAM182292-4 TC £ 20.00
Great mix of modern and traditional instruments and music with Bintou's super vocals powering out. My favorite tracks are 'Aye Ben Djila' and 'Tieba' but the real cracker has to be 'Beni Siya' which is outstanding. You may disagree as the varied musical content is great on all the eight tracks. Recommended for anyone who likes the great female singers of Mali. Released in 1992 by EMI Pathe Marconi C.I.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. AMADOU BA GUINDO
2. BARIKA BOGNALA
3. KA DJOUROU NANI
4. AYE BEN DJILA
5. N'DIAGNA MOGO
6. TIEBA
7. SARA MA
8. BENI SIYA
BOUBACAR TRAORE KONGO MAGNI 46809-2 CD £ 15.00
Magic stuff with this 2005 album which was recorded in Bamako and Paris. The harmonica play of Vincent Bucher and Regis Gizavo's accordion are superb and gives a whole new slant to one of Mali's greatest Blues guitarist singers.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. DJONKANA
2. KONGO MAGNI
3. KANOU
4. HORONIA
5. DOUNIA TABOLO
6. KAR KAR/VINCENT
7. INDEPENDANCE
8. SOUGOUROUNI SABA
9. SENEKELA
BOUBACAR TRAORE LES ENFANTS DE PIERRETTE KAR001 TC £ 0.00
An incredibly atmospheric and totally stunning album from Malian blues guitarist Boubacar that makes his first two Paris released albums actually sound dull in comparison. Having had to endure a live solo performance and believe me I do mean endure, I was absolutely knocked out by this gorgeous release. Blues guitars backed by simple gourd percussion and balafon shouldn't be able to sound this good but they do. Having just done a quick check on all his CD's, track 1. and 4. would appear to be only on this cassette unless they have been released under another name also the track lengths are very different, longer in fact. Also having just played track five in comparison to the CD track it was totally different. Looks like this album is pretty unique as it does not appear anywhere else on the web. I loved that 'Mali Twist' for something really different. Shades of The Shaddows? UTTERLY BRILLIANT. [9T/56M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MAOU LAYE MARA
2. KELE MAGNI
3. LES ENFANTS DE PIERRETTE
4. BA DENOU
5. KALILOU
6. TOUGA MAGNI
7. MASTRI
8. MALI TWIST
9. BEBE BO NADERO
BOUBACAR TRAORE MACIRE LBLC2564 CD £ 15.00
Wow! Having spotted the track Les Enfants De Pierrette I was sure this was a CD release of that superb cassette under a new title but it wasn't. Boubacar had actually gone to the studios with Habib Koite and his band Bamada, no less, and recorded a brand new album with new versions of some of his old tracks. To say it is stunning just doesn't do it justice, it is absolutely delicious from start to finish. Comes complete with a 20 page booklet. [12T/53M] BRAND NEW STILL SEALED. 1. DUNA MA YELEMA
2. BABA DRAME

3. LES ENFANTS DE PIERRETTE
4. SAMBA
5. BEBE BO NADERO
6. TUNGA MAGNI
7. COURIR UN HOMME QUI VOUS AIME
8. MACIRE
9. SERRER LA MAIN
10. KALILOU
11. SOLO DE KAR KAR
12. KAR KAR MADISON
BOUBACAR TRAORE SA GOLO LBLC2534 CD £ 15.00
Superb album from velvet voiced guitar maestro Boubacar and his calebasse tapping sidekick Baba Drame. Reminded me straight away of the early sounds of Ali Farka Toure.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. SA GOLO
2. MOUSO TEKE SOMA YE
3. YAFA MA
4. DOUNIA
5. LE JOUR DU TRENTE ET UN
6. NTAARA DIAGNAMOGO FE
7. ALA TA DEYE TIGNAYE
8. JE CHANTERAI POUR TOI
9. SOUNDIATA
COUMBA SIDIBE DJANDJOBA SAM268 TC £ 0.00
Wonderful stuff as Coumba and her thunderous warbling get to grips with some smashing tracks. Bako Keita picks some real mean guitar while Mamadou Sidibe and Lassana Diabate back him on ngoni and bass guitar respectively. Abdoulaye Diabate's keyboards and electric percussion hold onto that traditional rootsy sound that proclaims this to be the music of Mali perfectly. The trouble with Coumba is that her singing style is so musical in itself she doesn't actually need any backing - just listen to her go on Manika Sira, Souba or Djguiballa - pure magic to the ears never mind the tootsies. Who needs music when you can sing like that. ( F.T.Index: Manika Sira, Souba, Djguiballa, Pouikanpoui, Sissi, Tani Gony, Djanjoba, Fouru. ) [8T/51M] Sadly she passed away 9th of May, 2009.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DJANDJOBA
2. FOURU
3. MANIKA SIRA
4. SOUBA
5. DJGUIBALLA
6. POUIKANPOUI
7. SISSI
8. TANI GONY
COUMBA SIDIBE DOUNOUYAN EXPLOSION DU WASSOULOU SHA02901 TC £ 20.00
I don't know about explosion, the opening track is more like a damp squib when compared with the Sanghan album. However you have to listen to the fuse fizzing before the dynamite blows your rear end off....and this album is no exception. The primer ignites with 'Ninin' and the main charge goes off with 'Baba'. As with all good things the best is saved until last. A CRACKER. (F.T.Index: Ka Lanongon Yan, Tche Kani Wele, Baba, Ninin) Last one in stock.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DOUNOUYAN
2. NININ
3. BABA
4. TCHE KANI WELE
5. HEE ! ! ! NDANANI
6. KA LANONGON YAN
COUMBA SIDIBE GNOGONTE SYL8352 TC £ 20.00
1. GNOGONTE
2. YALI DJAMOU
3. FAKOLYE NOUMOUYE
4. BALLA MOUSSA TRAORE
5. KOULOUN YELIMA DJOHBA
6. DIAYE BANA
COUMBA SIDIBE MANSA CK7473 TC £ 0.00
I think this tape has a couple of tracks in the wrong order. Mansa is 3 while Telephone is 2 and strangely that mistake is on every website that has this album even if it was taken from a CD version. Have a listen and see if you agree. My own CD-R has the tracks in the correct order. Talking of tracks, what a cracking set they are on this her final album which Coumba made in 2001 before passing away in 2009. The chorus comes from the late great Ramata Diakite and unusually Adama Yalomba who is also now making a name for himself. Magic album have a listen.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SOLI
2. MANSA
3. TELEPHONE
4. NAMARATO
5. COGOYON
6. AYE WILI
7. AYE BO SIRALA
8. WELE WELE
9. SANDJI
COUMBA SIDIBE SANGHAN FDB300017 CD £ 0.00
The latest release from Coumba, who has probably the most stunning voice in Mali. She is backed throughout by a guitar and kora led group that plays some of the best music to come out of that part of Africa in recent years Together the 'Voice' and the 'Music' are as near to heaven as I can imagine. Incredibly beautiful. (F.T.Index: Nabahe-Tabahe, Souya, Deligllelema, Djagolla)

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DJAGOLLA
2. DELIGLLELMA
3. SOUYA
4. LOLAYA
5. SANGHAN
6. SOU
7. KOLIMAGNI
8. NABAHE - TABAHE
DAOUDA SANGARE - FLANI KAMBELE N'GONI DE GANADOUGOU OUO15 TC £ 0.00
Absolutely amazing album of traditional ethnic Malian music and song. I thought I'd heard it all and then this stunner smacks you right between the eyes. From the cover and title I expected some great N'goni playing, which is just what I got along with some superb singing and wonderful percussive accompaniment. However I wasn't expecting the flute player who totally steals the show from all the other traditional instruments with sounds that defy description or even any idea as to how he could produce them. Hearing is believing and this album is simply unique, both fascinating and incredibley beautiful.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MAIMUNE DIALLO
2. BADALAKONO
3. N'TEKENI FILE
4. GNANI SOROMANGOU
5. LOLO
6. SIAKA BESSOM MOUSSO
DIABA KOITA KHASSONKE BIP91CD CD £ 0.00


ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SEBEN DJARA SEBEN
2. TOUTOU
3. LELILE-MIREILLE GASSAMA
4. KELEEABA
5. KULANDJAN
6. WAYE
7. N'DIAYE MAKHANSE
DIALIOU DAMBA VOLUME II SYL8333 TC £ 15.00
1. NARE DIALLO
2. MARIAM SALL
3. MARIAM SOW
4. KOROTOUMOU TOURE
5. MAMADOU KAGNASSY
6. YOUSSOU NIANGADOU
DIARRAH SANOGO BOUGOUNIERIE AM91021 TC £ 30.00
I thought it sounded rather good as soon as the music started but I certainly wasn't prepared for the feast that was to follow. As Diarrah launched into her first song it was apparent that here was a superb album by an artist who was totally unknown outside Mali. Her voice was vibrant, full of the passion and fire that has become synonymous with the Wassoulou sound and the music was absolutely superb as well. Whilst I hadn't come across either Moussa or Saiba Doumbia who were providing the beautiful guitar playing I was overjoyed to find that old friends, sisters, Rokia and Assetou Sidibe ( LES SOEURS SIDIBE ) were belting out the chorus, Just listen to 'em go on Diarabi. (F.T.Index: Diarabi, Faso, Kampa Lare, Pinia Mi You, Djougouya, Avion Billet ) [6T/32M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DJOUGOUYA
2. FASO
3. KAMPA LARE
4. AVION BILLET
5. DIARABI
6. PINIA MI YOU
DIENABA DIAKITE FARAFINA LOLO ( VOLUME I ) 83121 TC £ 15.00
Malian magic from one of the top woman artists who's vocal power is beautifully matched by the inspired Kamale Nkoni playing of Oumar Sibide which almost steals the show. Two of the tape's six tracks were featured on 'Women of Wassoulou' STERNS 1035 and if you liked that I can positively say that they didn't get the best tracks from this album. Beautiful music that's guaranteed to be played again and again. RECOMMENDED. 1. IBE MIRI MOUNA
2. DIABIRA
3. DOUGOUDASSIRI
4. NALENALE
5. KONYA
6. DIARABI
DIENEBA SECK (DJENEBA SECK) THE TRUTH - LA VERITE STCD1099 CD £ 12.00
Dieneba Seck started out as an actress, but the beauty and purity of her voice inevitably led to a career as a singer. Her 1991 solo hit 'Kankeletigui' became an anthem during the transition to democracy in Mali and gave her the sobriquet 'the preacher'. After a successful 14-year career, she continues to seek out every nuance and subtlety in her musical compositions and her lyrics comment freely on the social and political problems of Malian society. Delicate touches of percussion, piano and double bass are added to traditional Malian instruments, making 'The Truth' a crystalline acoustic recording full of beauty and wisdom. This is her first full international release, a Syllart Production, arranged by her old mentor Sekou Kouyate and produced by Cameroonian guitarist Yves Ndjock. Four tracks in my computer juke box should tell you how good it is.

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED.
1. NITEKE NELA
2. BOLOKOLONIA
3. NATU FURU
4. TIGNE (THE TRUTH)
5. FOULBE
6. SOUNANA
7. ANKA MALIBA
8. SIDIAN
9. SANTA
10. DOTHI I FASSOLA
11. YERE LADI
12. OUDIOBILA
DJELIMADY TOUNKARA SIGUI LBLC2580 CD £ 12.50
The first solo release from Malian guitar maestro Djelimady Tounkara. Eleven superb tracks of acoustic guitar which cover various music styles from blues to flamenco and on through Arabic and some with a hint of Cajun in the background. Joined throughout by a host of masterful musicians and vocalists such as the outstanding Samba Sissoko. A wonderful album.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. MANDE DJELIOU
2. GNIMA DIALA
3. SIGUI
4. AYEBO
5. DIAOURA
6. AMARY NDAOU
7. DJANFA MAGNI
8. SAMAKOUN
9. MAKAN DJAN WOULE
10. SENELALOU
11. YAMARYO
DJELIMADY TOUNKARA SOLON KONO 46810-2 CD £ 12.50
Following the success of his album, Sigui, released in 2001 and honoured with the BBC World Music Award for African music in 2002, Dj‚limady now returns with Solon Kono. He began with Pioneer Jazz in the Missira area of Bamako in the early 1960s and had a special penchant for rock and roll, but this changed with independence and roots consciousness, He became a founder member and soloist of Super Rail Band du Mali, which the started the careers of Salif Keita and Mory Kante, with whom he appears to this day. This album features some of Bamako's hottest young musicians and highlights his exceptional gifts as composer and arranger. Recorded at Bamako's Studio Bogolan during an intense week in September 2004, it is surprisingly mellow. Dj‚limady gives free reign to his improvisational talents on acoustic guitar (as well as on electric guitar on two pieces) in subtle and elegant style. Traditional rhythms are modernised subtly and the assembled cast, including Samba Diabate on guitar, Mariam 'M'Bau' Tounkara, Mariam 'Djodjo' Diabate, Samba Sissoko and Mountaga Diabate on vocals, rock in that imperceptible African way. For Super Rail Band fans there's a glowing version of the Mory Kante classic Sarankegni.

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED.
1. FANTA BOURAMA
2. IKADIGNE
3. SOLON KONO
4. BOLONDOLA
5. M'BEMATOMA
6. TEGUINDO
7. ADAMA
8. KANOUGNOGON
9. SARANKEGNI
10. TEYE
DJELIMADY TOUNKARA AND L'ORCHESTRE SUPER RAIL BAND ALLO BAMAKO ORK002 CD £ 12.50
A stunning album that had my ears pricking up like my dog's when the magic word 'Walkies' is said. Wow just drop everything and listen as the band go through a set of songs culled from a variety of LP's recorded and issued in the Ivory Coast and Togo back in the late 70's. Easily eclipses the earlier Rail Band releases in my book. Absolute magic pure and simple.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. MARIGOUNDO
2. AFFAIR SOCIAL
3. DJIGUIYA
4. YOBALEMA
5. ENIYELEBA
6. NAMA
7. WASSO
8. MA AWABA
DJENEBA DIAKITE FOUROU FOUROU TC £ 0.00
A lovely soft album of sweetly sung wassoulou songs from top artist Djeneba and her group plus help from husband Madou Ba Traore. No point in trying to describe the beauty of the music, just have a listen to the clips and make up your own mind. Shame about Mali K7 who made this cassette as they missed the end off the last track on both sides. Hence the low price. My own CD-R is complete though.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. FOUROU
2. MOUSSOLOU
3. DENWOLO LAHOU
4. WASSA
5. RABBANA
6. NEBA HOUFOLA
7. DJIGUIYE
8. N'GOYE N'GAYE
DJENEBA DIAKITE GNOGONDEME MC19 TC £ 0.00
Back to basics Wassoulou from writer and star singer Djeneba and her group 'Farafina Lolo'. The partnership of Djeneba and composer and guitarist Madou Bah Traore has without the use of keyboard, drum machines or other fripperies produced a superb new album. Madou plays lead, Dramane Traore is on bass, Benogo is on the tinkling n'goni and Drissa Bagayogo pounds it out on the djembe. However much Djeneba's beautifully sung and power packed vocals are enhanced by the lovely chorus of Sata Sidebe and Fanta Doumbia I'm sure you will find that the seductive and throbbing sound of the traditional music is the thing that will stamp itself firmly on you memory. WONDERFUL. (F.T.Index: Kanou, Sora, Djigui, Denko, Gnogondeme, Tunga, Nani, Nelson.) [8T/38M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. GNOGONDEME
2. DJIGUI
3. SORA
4. KANOU
5. DENKO
6. NELSON
7. TUNGA
8. NANI
DJENEBA DIAKITE PIRATERIE 09265-2 CD £ 0.00
This album could be the 'Wassalou Sound' Volume 2 except that it is all sung by one artist! The wonderfully powerful yet sweet voice of Djeneba is on stupendous form backed by some gorgeous music from a whole tribe of Traore's, there's Abdramane on Balafon, Mamadouh Bah on Guitar, Ibrahima on Djembe, Ousmane's vocals and last but by no means least, the wonderful Boubacar on Kamele N'goni instead of his usual Guitar! This album should have been entitled 'The Traore's present Djeneba Diakite'. However it doesn't matter what you call it, the album is an absolute knockout. Originally released on cassette as LIBERIA.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. LIBERIA
2. DENKAGNY
3. FASOYE TOMOYE
4. ANABAN
5. DJOUROUNI LADY
6. PIRATERIE
7. TAOUME MAIDE
8. AEEM
9. WASA
10. KUNFEKO
DJENEBA SECK BARIKA BARIKA CK7263 TC £ 30.00
Djeneba's singing is simply gorgeous as she belts out another stunning set of songs just as good as, if not better than, those on 'Kankeletigui' if you can remember that album from 1994. Just listen to the beautiful guitar play of Djeli Moussa and Sekou Kouyate accompanied by Lassana and Akorba Diabate. Mamadou Kone and Alpha on n'goni and percussion respectively add a traditional flavour to the music which is enhanced with a few modern flourishes from keyboard wiz Jean Phillip Rykel. However it's the singing of Djeneba and the chorus of Assaita Keita and Kande Diabate that is really outstanding. A real stunner. [6T/31M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BARIKA BARIKA
2. FASSA MAGNI
3. KONKANKOKONONI
4. MALIDENW
5. MAYA
Above are the tracks as listed on the cassette. Below are the tracks in the correct order and with the sixth track named.
1. MALIDENW
2. KONKANKOKONONI
3. MAYA
4. FALA
5. BARIKA BARIKA
6. FASSA MAGNI
DJENEBA SECK DJOUROU SYLAF96065 CD £ 10.00
Put together in Paris by Ibrahima Sylla this album has a more Western feel to it but still retains its Malien roots sound. Great backing singing from Nanou Coul and Wande Kouyate while Djely Moussa Kouyate's guitar is on top form. Last but by no means least I must mention the superb input from Senegalese percussionist Thio Mbaye. The crystal clear recording almost makes you feel that you are right there in the audience. Beautiful. Comes complete with 16 page booklet about Djeneba and her songs.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. ATIKORO
2. ABIBAN
3. MALI DJE
4. NDIYANI
5. DJOUROU
6. A MEWOME
7. ARMY MALI
8. NTEN NKO FILE
9. SAMA
10. TILEKE
11. FOUROU
12. KOUMASSE
DJENEBA SECK KANKELETIGUI AM92003P92 TC £ 0.00
This album has swept all before it across Francophone West Africa. With very good reason, Djeneba's voice is on tremendous form, rather like a powered-up version of Nahawa Doumbia if you can imagine that. The gorgeous accompanying music is totally traditional in style but also uses modern instruments to enhance and expand the ethnic sounds. A brilliant album that should without doubt be given a home in every collection of Malian music. (The F.T.Index: Ladilikan, Baro, Mirimagni)

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KANKELETIGUI
2. BARO
3. MIRIMAGNI
4. LADILIKAN
5. DJOUGOUYA
6. KEWALEDJOUGOU
DJENEBA TRAORE YAYOROBA CFMK79504 TC £ 30.00
1. YAYOROBA
2. SAYA
3. MAKANA
4. SAABA
5. MANGOYA
6. SANGA TCHI
7. NIANI
DJURU KELENI MOUSSA SO TULUMA Volume I MAI2001 TC £ 40.00
Sat on my shelf since it was released back in 1995 with a note that says - Gorgeous little album. Just a shame it wasn't a lot longer. Here I am now in 2021 and only just noticed the inlay notes. Moussa Traore who is the spitting image of the then President is accompanied by Zani Diabate, Kassim Koita and Bakari Diabate on guitars and S.S. Rougeot on Drums. Backing vocals come from Mai, Sata and Nanou but no surname. I wonder if they were to become famous later on. 1. SO TULUMA
2. AN KA SIGUI KA KUMA
3. ALLAH KO NYUMAN DON
4. WOYA SON DIA
5. KUMAKAN KELE
6. WU YA DANDE KURI
DOGOMANI DAGNON SANOUKOULE MADY SAMASSA TC £ 15.00
Stupendous stuff all the way through - great music superb vocals but Wawamba's sudden and unexpected end is a bit of a black mark. Tracks 6 and 7 are marked BIS which means encore or repeat but not quite as they are slightly different recordings. She began her career with the National Instrumental Ensemble of Mali at the end of the 1960s and used her stunning voice as an instrument of seduction. It worked as I love it.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SANOUKOULE MADY
2. BOUNTANI
3. KEME BOURAMA
4. GANGNY DJO
5. WAWAMBA
6. KANIBALA
7. KANIBALA (bis)
DOMANI WAWAMBA CDS5513 CD £ 10.00
All written and composed my Domani Dagnon except the last track which was by Kouyate Sory Kandia. Released back in 1993 and what a lovely album it is with Abdoulaye Diabate on keyboards and Lassina Kouyate on balafon to mention just a couple of the players. Modern manding music with a deep beat throughout except for the final stunningly beautiful traditional style track. Domani is a incredibly powerful singer but then what would you expect from someone who has sung with l'Ensemble Instrumental du Mali for 25 years.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. BOUTENENI
2. DJELY MADY
3. GAGNY
4. KAMIMBALA
5. WAWAMBA
6. ALALA FE
7. BOUREMA
DOUMBIA M. SESSE KONONY OMA001 TC £ 0.00
A cracker of an album from Doumbia and his unmentioned backing band. His very striking and razor sharp voice is a real pleasure to hear but its the glittering modern Malian style guitar picking that steals the show at every opportunity - wonderful stuff. The very sweetly sung backing from the also unnamed chorus girls is also pure magic. Definitely gets my recommendation.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KONONY
2. SIDA
3. KANADJORO
4. DESTIN
5. DOUNOUGNAN
6. MOGOKAN
7. DJOUGOU
8. DIARABY
DOUNAWKE KOITA BOBO BIEN006 TC £ 25.00
Rather nice I thought and a bit different too but when the drums started to come in it was quite stunning. A modern, up beat and rather danceable album from composer, singer, guitarist and keyboard player Dounawke who could almost be a one man band. However on this very versatile album he does have some very capable help from the super chorus provided by singers, Siaka, Sekou and Mamouna Koita and the drumming of Eric Barre. Whilst the music retains its Malian roots connections, trying to work out the other influences is more difficult, but I'd reckon he has an interest in rock music! A LITTLE BELTER THIS ONE. (F.T.Index: Ouara, Sinsinbo, Yera Seniouwe, CFA, Anzawe, Seniouwe. ) [6T/28M] See also MAMA KOITA and DOUNAWKE KOITA - BE K'I JANTO 1. SINSINBO
2. SENIOUWE
3. OUARA
4. ANZAWE
5. CFA
6. YERA SENIOUWE
ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL RAOUL FOLLEREAU DE BAMAKO ARF001 TC £ 0.00
The inlay card looks like a play school collage but hidden behind it is stunningly beautiful album. The first thing that hits you are the layers of notes cascading from the cora's, and interweaving with the sweetly played balafon, soft percussion and the lovely flutes. As if that wasn't enough the singers are also absolutely wonderful as well. The narration in the homage to Raoul is incredibly atmospheric, its simplicity adds immensely to its beauty. In fact I think this album is one of the most beautiful of all the traditional albums that I've ever heard from West Africa, not just Mali. Miss it at your peril, it's a real stone bonker! Follereau was a French journalist who made helping lepers and beating leprosy his life's work. His world wide foundation has offices on Ave Raoul Follereau in Bamako. (F.T.Index: Hommage A Raoul Follereau, Sabali, Beneko Jaby, Jula Bemba, Mben Diyala. ) [5T/44M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BENEKO JABY
2. JULA BEMBA
3. MBEN DIYALA
4. HOMMAGE A RAOUL FOLLEREAU
5. SABALI
ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI VOLUME II LIAISON1 TC £ 0.00
Another stunning release from the twenty four members of this star studded and elite troupe. Singing their heads off are Souadou Soumano, Oumou and Fatouma Diabate, Dogmani Dagno, Dogmani and Djeneba Doumbia, Fanta and Adama Sacko, Saranfing Kouyate, Noumouncounda Damba, Fissa Maiga, Bintou Sidibe and N'faly and Siriman Sissoko. While the wonderful traditional backing comes from Babily Kanoute on kora, Djelimady and Modibo Diabate on balafons, Makan sacko on djely dounou, Madou Diallo on flute, Fanga Diawara and Mahamane Cisse on traditional violins, Binefou Koita on n'goni, Mady Diallo on m'polon and djembe and finally Abdoulaye Kone on n'tamani. The only other thing to say is that it is an absolutely wonderful album. (F.T.Index: Mama Salia, Securite, Wato Malila, Dialonka, Diaba, Mamadou.) [8T/52M] Released in 1993 and I couldn't find any mention of it on the web

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. FASO BAARA
2. DIAWARALA
3. SOGO
4. SOWETO
5. DUNIA
6. DIABA
7. LOUTIGI
8. MAGNOUMAN
ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI VOLUME III LIAISON2 TC £ 0.00
Another stunning release from the twenty four members of this star studded and elite troupe. Singing their heads off are Souadou Soumano, Oumou and Fatouma Diabate, Dogmani Dagno, Dogmani and Djeneba Doumbia, Fanta and Adama Sacko, Saranfing Kouyate, Noumouncounda Damba, Fissa Maiga, Bintou Sidibe and N'faly and Siriman Sissoko. While the wonderful traditional backing comes from Babily Kanoute on kora, Djelimady and Modibo Diabate on balafons, Makan sacko on djely dounou, Madou Diallo on flute, Fanga Diawara and Mahamane Cisse on traditional violins, Binefou Koita on n'goni, Mady Diallo on m'polon and djembe and finally Abdoulaye Kone on n'tamani. The only other thing to say is that it is an absolutely wonderful album. (F.T.Index: Mama Salia, Securite, Wato Malila, Dialonka, Diaba, Mamadou.) [8T/52M] Released in 1993 and I couldn't find any mention of it on the web

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. WATO MALILA
2. DIALONKA
3. SECURITE
4. DIABA
5. MAMOUDOU
6. DAGALY
7. SOSSO
8. MAMA SALIA
ENSEMBLE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTAL DU MALI SYL8379 TC £ 15.00
Original 70's recordings taken from vinyl of the forty strong group that features amongst others such singers as Hawe Drame track 1, Maimouna Damba track 2, Djeli Madi Sisoko track 3, Coumba Sidibe track 4 and Wande Kouyate track 5, before they became household names. In fact probably their first recordings. The music is totally traditional being played by a profusion of koras, balafons, flutes and drums. This cassette was released my Mali K7 in 1992.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. ZAZURU
2. SAMA
3. LAIDU
4. DIYA YE BANNA
5. NAKANA
FANTA DAMBA BAHAMADOU SIMOGO CEL6637 LP £ 15.00
One of Mali's original great singers accompanied on guitar by Moctar Kone and recorded at Studio J.B.Z. in Abidjan C. I. back in 1982. Record and cover almost as NEW. Clips taken direct from record. 1. BAHAMOGO SIMOGO
2. BOUREIMA SYLLA
3. HAYA HANE
4. SIDI MOHAMED SACKO
5. BEYDI TRAORE
6. DJADJIRI
FANTA DAMBA MAMADOU MAGADJI ESP7518 LP £ 25.00
FANTA DAMBA SEKOU SEMEGA SON8210 LP £ 25.00
FANTA NAYA DIAWARA ANKA AUTOKOMA DONI DONI MK7007 TC £ 0.00
Released back in 1994 and in the case there is a little note which I wrote about 25 years ago. It says very simply - Wonderful - Grab a load. 1. ANKA AUTOKOMA DONI DONI
2. TIEKAN WELE
3. GNUMANKELE
4. MA DJELIMA
5. TOU BA YAYALE
6. BOLO DJOU ROU
FANTA NAYA DIAWARA DELI YANGUELIN ( VOLUME II ) AM91002 TC £ 0.00
This second album from Fanta follows much the same line as her first one except that Sidi Mohamed Koita's lovely guitar features a lot more. I don't know why this should be, as both albums were recorded at the same time and with the same line-up, but this album is slightly more guitar orientated? For that matter the music is also a bit more up-tempo and the style is slightly more Paris than Bamako even if it was recorded at Studio Sequence in Abidjan! (F.T.Index: Deli Yanguelin, Yala Kono, Togola Mourini, Bara Dala, Sabali, ) [6T/34M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DELI YANGUELIN
2. BARA DALA
3. SABALI
4. YALA KONO
5. TOGOLA MOURINI
6. SAYA MAGNI
FANTA NAYA DIAWARA DJAKA WARA ( VOLUME I ) AM91001 TC £ 0.00
A really lovely album of Wassoulou music from Fanta, who's rough edged vocals compliment Sidi Mohamed Koita's sweetly played guitar perfectly. It's also got some nice drumming and n'goni backing from Solomani and Seydou Camara. Scores a definite ten out of ten on the Wassoulou scale and gets my seal of approval! (F.T.Index: Dibi, Mana Mani, Ikana Dj Or O, N'toman.) [6T/36M] The cassette has a short filler after tracks 3 and 6 taken from the other side. These have not been included in the track list.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DJAKA WARA
2. N'TOMAN
3. IKANA DJ OR O
4. YANKA DI
5. MANA MANI
6. DIBI
FANTALY TOUNKARA KONIYA KONIYA TC £ 0.00
Definitely the strangest singing I've heard from Mali. Fantaly's style has to be unique as her voice provides nearly everything, she doesn't really need the simple percussion and string backing as her voice plays the tunes to perfection. 1. KONIYA
2. SONKOMA
3. SOUMBA
4. SIOSI
5. ALLOUBE SANGALA
6. SOUMBA DIATA
FANTANI TOURE DANS BOZOLA BOZOLA TC £ 0.00
Released in 2000 for local consumption in Mali on cassette only. It comes three years after Sterns CD release of N'tin Naari and follows the same mix of modern and semi traditional Bambara music. To some it may be a bit rough and ready but to others it is just beautiful. I'm definitely one of the latter. She was born in Bamako, in the popular district of Bozola, on May 30, 1964, four years after the independence of Mali. He first name was actually Fatoumata but she was known as Fantani. She died in December 2014 at the age of fifty and will be much missed.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. YAKARE
2. YA-ARIYA
3. BESSE FOLY
4. DJUDJOU
5. DJUKUSSAKA
6. BOZOLA
7. MUSSELOUW
8. NALOMA
9. DEN-KELE
10. KELEMASSADEN
47 MINUTES
FANTANI TOURE N'TIN NAARI (Salif Keita presents) STCD1080 CD £ 12.00
Released in 1997 it was the first to be recorded at Salif Keita's new Studio in Bamako and which Sterns Music released internationally later the same year. Fantani Touré went on to international festivals and tours and feature roles in two popular Malian films. She died in 2014 at the age of 50 and her magical voice will be sadly missed..

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED.
1. SANKA NYONKON
2. N'TIN NAARI
3. DOUSSOUDA
4. DEN NADO
5. BARROW
6. DOMBA
7. DIYANIEBA
8. LES ARTISTES
FASSERI BAGAYOKO VOLUME I DK0001 TC £ 15.00
Ethnic music with probably a very limited appeal, until you hear it full blast on your hi-fi system. (Go on scare the neighbours). Call and response vocals backed by locally produced traditional instruments. Trance inducing music that's marvellous to listen to when you're too tired for all the 'hot' sounds. Released back in 1990. 1. NOUKOULOUBA
2. GNINTIGUI
3. MORIDEM
4. MANKABA
5. KOUMFE KO
6. NTANA
FASSERI BAGAYOKO VOLUME II DK0002 TC £ 15.00
1991 1. BILAKORONI
2. SOTIGUI
3. BILAKORONI
4. SOTIGUI
FATOUMATA DIAWARA FENFO 3355752 CD £ 18.00
Fatoumata Diawara is one of the finest and most inventive female singers in Mali as she showed with Fatou her debut album. On Fenfo her second album which translates as Something to say, she produces an impressive musical range with her powerful voice covering a variety of styles. A wonderful guitarist in her own right she is accompanied here by kora player Sidiki Diabate and French star Matthieu Chedid. More soulful and expressive vocals than on Fatou and with styles from melodic Afro-pop through blues to funky stompers like Negue Negue it has obviously been aimed at the international crossover market and it has definitely succeeded. Sung mainly in Bambara with a little bit of English as it covers a wide range of current issues.

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED DIGIPAK.
1. NTERINI
2. KOKORO
3. OU Y' AN YE
4. KANOU DAN YEN
5. FENFO
6. NEGUE NEGUE
7. MAMA
8. TAKAMBA
9. BONYA
10. DIBI BO
11. DON DO
FATOUMATA KOUYATE AKILIMA 1992 TC £ 30.00
Although numbered 1992 it was released by Mali K7 1n 1993. 1. AKILIMA
2. DJAHELI
3. DIADJIRI
4. KANA KASSI
5. KELE MOUKOU
6. DJANFA MAGNI
FILANY KENEDOUGOU FILANY TC £ 0.00
His real name was Daouda Sangare but his nickname was Flani which has change for some reason unknown to Filany. He died in Bamako on January 12, 2008 at the age of 63. I will always remember him as the lead singer with the Super Djata Band alongside guitarist Zani Diabate. Listening to this tape you can hear in it a lot of the style that made the Super Djata album so great. Instruments being played are ngoni, kamale-ngoni, balafon, flute and djembe. ABSOLUTE MAGIC. Also shown below is a photo of Flani.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DOUGA
2. DAMBE
3. KONONAGAN
4. LAYDOU
5. TAKASSEGUI
6. LOLO
7. YIRI-BINE
8. KONOTEKOUMA
FISSA MAIGA MALI ISSA BERO 83125 TC £ 15.00
Calebasse and simple violon play side by side with the guitars on this superb traditional album. The music and singing remind me very much of Ali Farka Toure's earlier albums. Simple percussive backing with the guitar picking out the tune over the violon, to this Fissa adds her own and the girls lovely vocals. Yehia Arby's solo guitar is brilliant throughout but he really comes into his own on the final track 'Hayira Chen'no'. A smooth but vibrant album that is now a firm favorite of mine without a doubt. 1. MALI ISSA BERO
2. DJIRI MARDIE
3. MAHA TOURE
4. IDIE FOUTOU
5. WOYINE BIBI
6. HAYIRA CHEN'NO
FODE KOUYATE ANKA WILI 38123-2 CD £ 10.00
A real cracker of an album from start to finish. Manding musical styles using kora, ngoni and flute for the more ethnic tracks and combining guitar, drums and horns somewhat like 'Soro' to stamp the 'Paris' style firmly onto the others. The line up includes Papa Kouyate on percussion, Djely Moussa Kouyate and Kemo Kouyate on guitar plus Ismael Lo puts in an appearance on the track 'Diouma'. FANTASTIC ALBUM.

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED.
1. SIMBO
2. ANKA WILI
3. DIOUMA
4. BEN
5. NTERIKE
6. VANILLE ET CHOCOLAT
7. TAMBA
8. BABOU
9. DEN
10. FADIGA
FODE KOUYATE ANKA WILI SYL83147 TC £ 0.00
A real cracker of an album from start to finish. Manding musical styles using kora, ngoni and flute for the more ethnic tracks and combining guitar, drums and horns somewhat like 'Soro' to stamp the 'Paris' style firmly onto the others. The line up includes Papa Kouyate on percussion, Djely Moussa Kouyate and Kemo Kouyate on guitar plus Ismael Lo puts in an appearance on the track 'Diouma'. FANTASTIC ALBUM. Track 10 is a repeat of track 2 but is replaced by FADIGA on the CD version. 1. SIMBO
2. ANKA WILI
3. DIOUMA
4. BEN
5. NTERIKE
6. VANILLE ET CHOCOLAT
7. TAMBA
8. BABOU
9. DEN
10. ANKA WILI
GANDA FADIGA ECONOMIE CK7006 TC £ 30.00
One of two albums that I've been after for ages. It's not just Ganda's deep and resonant vocals that enthral the listener but also the deceptively simple but astonishingly beautiful sound of the xalam* and guitar with simple calabash percussion accompaniment. It reminded me very much of Ibrahim Hamma Dicko or the early style of Ali Farka Toure when I first heard him. ( F.T.Index : Poye, Economie, N'boundy, Segailare, N'diarou, Farra. ) [6T/47M] * five string lute. 1. ECONOMIE 88
2. N'BOUNDY 85
3. SEGAILARE
4. N'DIAROU
5. POYE 90
6. FARRA 90
GANDA FADIGA Vol. 2 KAKA BALI CK7121 TC £ 30.00
Another one of a set of albums that I've been after for ages. ( F.T.Index :Kaka Bali, Fara Boubou Aradoguli Massina, M'bodi Sandiara Hayere, Ladji Diegue Saranbounou Bakari Diawara. ) [4T/M] 1. KAKA BALI
2. FARA BOUBOU ARADOGULI MASSINA
3. M'BODI SANDIARA HAYERE
4. LADJI DIEGUE SARANBOUNOU BAKARI DIAWARA
HABIB KOITE AND BAMADA BARO PUT192-2 CD £ 13.00
Released by Putumayo in 2001 as a digipack CD it was Habib's third album. So popular it even got a re-release in 2009 as well. Comes with a 20 page book inlay with all the lyrics in French and English plus the song's own languages, Bambara, Songhai, Peul, Bobo, and Habib's own Khassonke. There is also a new version of his early 90's hit Cigarette Abana which was so popular that it was released on its own cassette. Absolutely gorgeous throughout and my favourites the title track and Kanawa went straight into my computer juke box.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. BATOUMAMBE
2. KANAWA
3. WARI
4. SIN DJEN DJEN
5. CIGARETTE ABANA
6. WOULABA
7. BARO
8. SAMBARA
. 9. ROMA
10. TERE
11. MALI SADIO
12. TAKAMBA
13. SINAMA DENW
HABIB KOITE AND BAMADA MA YA CJ003 CD £ 0.00
Abolutely stunning second studio album from Habib and his group Bamada which was released back in 1998. With four tracks straight into my computer juke box it is easy to tell how beautiful the music and the vocals are. Just have a listen to the clips and I'm sure you will agree that it is a must have in your collection of Malian music.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. WASSIYE
2. MA YA
3. BITILE
4. SIRATA
5. FORO BANA
6. SARAMAYA
7. KUMBIN
8. MARA KASO
9. PULA KU
10. KOMINE
11. I MADA
12. MANSANE CISSE
HABIB KOITE AND BAMADA MOUSSO KO CD001 CD £ 0.00
A long awaited album release from one of the rising stars of modern Malian music. Singer, song writer and guitarist, Habib has here added nine extra tracks to his original hit single tape 'Cigarette Abana and Sirabulu' that was released back in 1993. No matter what type of music he plays, fast or slow, modern or semi-traditional - he gives it a new musical slant. Souleymane Ann provides the furious drumming and backing vocals while Wahab Berthe and Boubacar Sidibe belt it out with their powerful Malian style guitar playing. The stunning percussive sounds of traditional instruments such as tamani, taman-ba, cragnan balafon, djembe and barra come courtesy of Baba Sissoko and Sidiki Camara. Dance wise, the last but one track 'Kunfe Ta' with its pounding drums, throbbing guitars and driving vocals is a masterpiece of dance floor mania. Thankfully you've still got the atmospheric and acoustic 'Koulandia' to wind down with. PURE MAGIC. (F.T.Index: Nimato, Cigarette Abana, Kunfe Ta, Nanale, Din Din Wo, I Ka Barra, Muso Ko, Sira Bulu, Koulandian, Den Ko, Fatma.) [11T/54M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KA BARRA
2. MUSO KO
3. DEN KO
4. NANALE
5. FATMA
6. SIRA BULU
7. NIMATO
8. CIGARETTE ABANA
9. DIN DIN WO
10. KUNFE TA
11. KOULANDIAN
HADJA SOUMANO AIGLES DU MALI ADJA001 TC £ 12.00
A little gem here from Hadja named after the national football team who are known as the 'Eagles of Mali'. Hadja's stunning vocals are backed up by the the chorus of Mai Baby and Fatoumata Kaloga. Guitarists Djelimady Tounkara, Sambaly Soumano and Moussa Diabate team up well with Dave Gilden's kora and keyboard. There are only two songs on the album with two so called instrumental versions, not quite so much singing but a lot more kora than keyboards and I must admit that I liked the Instrumental versions much more. The first two tracks on side 'A' are on 'The Best Of...' but not on the 'Nteri Diaba' or 'Tounga Magni' albums. The two instrumental versions were only on this album. [4T/28M]

Both tracks 3 and 4 are available for FREE download on request as either .wav or .mp3 files.
1. AIGLES DU MALI
2. SAMBE SAMBE
3. AIGLES DU MALI (Instrumental)
4. SAMBE SAMBE (Instrumental)
HADJA SOUMANO NTERI DIABA SYL8393 TC £ 25.00
A simply stupendous album of Malian praise singing that should be used as the benchmark against which all the others are measured. Boncana Maiga is in the driving seat and on keyboards with Djelimady Tounkara and Moussa Diabate on guitar, Moriba Koita on ngoni and not forgetting Djely Mady Diabate on balafon. Hadja's vocals are simply staggering. An all time great 'Must have it' album. ( F.T. Index. Ayebo, Boureima Sylla, Mandin Kono.)

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NTERI DIABA
2. BOUREIMA SYLLA
3. AYEBO
4. MANDIN KONO
5. SOSSO
6. DJOMBO
HADJA SOUMANO THE BEST OF HADJA CD £ 0.00
A fourteen track compilation with all the tracks from Tounga Magni, Les Aigles du Mali and Nteri Diaba with the exception of the two Les Aigles instrumental versions.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. TOUNGA MAGNI
2. LOUNTAMBA
3. NI DJUGU YABE WOLO SA
4. KOUNGO BA
5. KANIBOLI
6. MOUSSOBE SA DENDE NOFE
7. LES AIGLES DU MALI
8. SAMBE SAMBE
9. NTERI DIABA
10. BOUREIMA SYLLA
11. AYEBO
12. MANDIN KONO
13. SOSSO
14. DJOMBO
Sorry no image.
HADJA SOUMANO THE BEST OF.... ( From Tounga Magni and Nteri Diaba ) EMK004H TC £ 0.00
A fabulous compilation from 'Nteri Diaba' and 'Tounga Magni' which sadly are no longer available. However eight of the best tracks out of the twelve plus two from 'Aigles Du Mali' are on this album and what a cracker it is too. ( F.T. Index: Tounga Magni, Ayebo, Boureima Sylla. ) [10T/56M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
See HADJA - CD for tracks and clips.
HADJA SOUMANO TOUNGA MAGNI SAM0401924 TC £ 0.00
Flaming brilliant and that's putting it mildly! A mix of modern and traditional instruments played with superb precision and thought to Hadja's fantastic vocals. Very modern in style but totally retaining its traditional roots, this album is definitely set to be a 'Classic'. Innovation wise you can't beat the kora played in lead guitar style on the last track. I wouldn't say that this album was the pick of the newsletter more like the 'PICK OF THE YEAR'! ABSOLUTELY STUNNING.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO SAM0401924 Track. Lountamba 1 . NTERI DIABA
2. BOUREIMA SYLLA
3. SOSSO
4. TOUNGA MAGNI
5. NI DJUGU YABE WOLO SA
6. KOUNGO BA
7 . LOUNTAMBA
8. AYEBO
9. LES AIGLES
10. SAMBE SAMBE
HANK JONES AND CHEICK TIDIANE SECK SARALA 528783-2 CD £ 0.00
World renowned U.S. jazz pianist Hank Jones at 80 years of age meets with his roots in the shape of Cheick Tidiane Seck and the Mandinkas. Who are the Mandinkas? ....Cesar Anot, Moriba Koita, Djely Moussa Conde, Assitan 'Mama' Keita, Sekou Diabate, Aly Wague, Amina Annabi, Lansine Kouyate, Ousmane Kouyate, Mare Sanogo, Maniam Damba, Djely Moussa Kouyate, Moussa Sissokho, Eric Vinceno, Kasse Mady Diabate, Jorge Amorim, Tom Diakite, Fatoumata 'Mama' Kouyate and last but not least Kante Manfila. What a line-up, what music, absolutely stunning. Released back in 1995.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. ALY KAWELE
2. SARALA
3. MANINGAFOLY
4. TOUNIA KANIBALA
5. KOMIDIARA
6. FANTAGUE
7. MAKE
8. WALIDA YA
9. SOUNDJATA
10. HANK MIRI
11. HADJA FADIMA
12. MORIBA KA FOLY
HAWA DRAME DJANDION SYL8384 TC £ 0.00
Another one of those lovely traditional albums that very rarely find their way onto the record shop shelves. Hawa's voice is very definitely outstanding on songs that are quite basic. The nearly all string orchestration with just a bit of simple calabash percussion is definitely worth a much closer listen especially if you're into Malian roots music. A couple of the songs have been a bit roughly recorded but that just adds to the rustic charm of the music as a whole. Long and lovely to listen to throughout although a couple of tracks do end a bit suddenly. ( F.T.Index: Djandion, Mbaoudi, Demeba, So Danso, Diambandjo, Mayabe Diyabo. ) [6T/48M]

When transfering this album to CDR for my own collection I found that the last 4 tracks were actually the last 3 tracks from SYL8391.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DJANDION
2. MBAOUDI
3. DEMEBA
4. SO DANSO
5. DIAMBANDJO
6. MAYABE DIYABO
HAWA DRAME NAMABLE SYL8391 TC £ 0.00
The second of those lovely traditional albums that very rarely find their way onto the record shop shelves. Hawa's voice is again definitely outstanding on songs that are quite basic. The nearly all string orchestration with just a bit of simple calabash percussion is definitely worth a much closer listen especially if you're into Malian roots music. Like Djandion it is lovely to listen to throughout. [5T/46M]

When transfering this album to CDR for my own collection I found that the last 3 tracks were actually the last 4 tracks from SYL8384.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NAMABLE
2. NIONGOMARI
3. HINEBE DELILA
4. DJOBA
5. NOUMOU FOLI
HAWA DRAME SADA DIALLO VOLUME 1 SAM077492-4 TC £ 0.00
Tracks: Sada Diallo, Damba Yorodjan, Den Batiguiya, Dion Be Ni Dakan, Sira Dala Sama, Aye Woyo Dadonkan, Maakan Mangnie, Ika Kanou Bi Kanou. Released in 1992

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
HAWA DRAME YELEMA CK001 TC £ 0.00
One of those lovely traditional albums that very rarely find their way onto the record shop shelves. Hawa's voice is outstanding on songs that are very basic but the nearly all string orchestration is definitely worth a much closer listen especially if you're into Malian roots music. Seven tracks, very long and lovely to listen to throughout. Released in 1992.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
IBRAHIM HAMMA DICKO GAO 09272-2 CD £ 12.00
Born in 1937 and died in 1995 the same year as this, his final album, was released.

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED.
1. KOGAY
2. TAMIDI TIN
3. GNA
4. WOTI BAYEN
5. SIDA
6. BABA
7. BADI TIBA
8. TANDINA
IBRAHIM HAMMA DICKO MARIANA 83120 TC £ 25.00
Finally in stock after a six month wait but it was worth waiting for. Ibrahim sings very much like Ali Farka Toure but with a much more musical backing which includes some exquisite playing on traditional instruments and some super guitar to help it all along but it's the traditional violin that steals the show for me. SUPERB ALBUM IN EVERY WAY AND DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED. 1. MARIANA
2. ALFARO
3. ACHAGAL
4. HAMIDOU
5. MAHANONGA KOY
6. ANDOURINIA
IBRAHIM HAMMA DICKO RADIO BISSINDIE SS-10 TC £ 25.00
Released back in 1989 this album has until now defeated all my efforts to get hold of it. Ibrahim sings very much in the same style as Ali Farka Toure and this album is very like the early material that brought Ali to the forefront of the Malian blues scene. It's the exquisite playing of traditional instruments such as the violin and the gourd percussion that steals the show from the guitar which shines out in latter releases by both Ali and Ibrahim. A wonderful album of uncomplicated but very fragrant music. [5T/43M] 1. RADIO BISSINDIE
2. TAZIRO
3. KOUBOYE DIREYE SETE
4. HINY NAWA
5. TIEGA
IDRISSA SISSOKO ILOO OU001 TC £ 15.00
A very intriguing Pot-pourri of an album from singer, composer and guitarist Idrissa and his session band. The opening track N'gasso with its zouky, almost nursery rhyme sound thudding out Malian style from the drums is a portent of something very different to come. The guitar of Don Modia Diakite shines out from the blues based Sontan while reggae forms the basis of Afrikaya Dance . There is also a bit of rather nice jazz with some funky horns on the title track, a hint of jive and lots more in this lovely musical jigsaw puzzle. It's also the first album produced by Studio Oubien in Bamako. (F.T.Index: N'gasso, Sontan, Afrikaya Dance, Afriki Den Nyuman. ) [8T/35M]
INA BABA COULIBALY ALLAH HOLLAME SIDI MODIBO CK7031 TC £ 0.00
A wonderful traditional album from superb singer Ina who's echoing nasal toned vocals are a delight to hear. Not only the singing is great, the music is too, with Sekou Kouyate and Djeli Moussa Kouyate playing with care and precision on guitars, Fode Tounkara playing brilliantly on n'goni and Djoke Sissoko on traditional flute. ( F.T.Index: Woullou Maliki Gagne, Dimoyaoutata Barkinade, Allah Hollame Sidi Modibo, Borou Djenga Niadia, Faguimba Keita, Samba Sissoko, Ainabe Tiedou, Gollobe Mali. ) [8T/42M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. ALLAH HOLLAME SIDI MODIBO
2. BAROU DJENGA NIADIA
3. FAGUIMBA KEITA
4. SAMBA SISSOKO
5. WOULLOU MALIKI GAGNE
6. AINABE TIEDOU
7. GOLLOBE MALI
8. DIMOYAOUTATA BARKINADE
INA BABA COULIBALY LOBO LOBO TC £ 0.00
Wonderful traditional album from superb singer Ina with Sekou Kouyate on guitar, Abdoulaye Sackone on n'goni, Djoke Sissoko on traditional flute and bass and percussion by Bako Keita plus the booming doundoumba played by Moriba Koita who also plays n'goni. Add to that the voices of Mama Assitan Keita and Niama Tounkara and you've got one hell of an album. ( F.T.Index: Mamipiaka, Asnaleile, Yomi, Lobo, Lelima, Mbidone, Alawela, Ndjawounane, Sambasada, Wadjou Sidy. ) [41 Minutes]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MAMIPIAKA
2. ASNALEILE
3. LELIMA
4. MBIDONE
5. YOMI
6. LOBO
7. ALAWELA
8. N'DJAWOUNANE
9. SAMBASADA
10. WADJOU SIDY
ISSA BAGAYOGO FENGUE AA016 TC £ 0.00
A terrific album if you are looking for true ethnic sounds. Vocalist Issa is accompanied only by the beautifully laid back sound of the ngoni and percussion provided by very simple metallic rasping and hand clapping. It might not sound too interesting at first glance but once you hear Issa's very powerful and deeply melodic story telling voice I'm sure you'll change your mind. Almost hypnotic in it's simplicity I would rate it as the best of it's style that I've heard to date. 1. FENGUE
2. DIANDO
3. DIARABI NENE
4. DJIGUE
5. NYANGARAN
6. DIANFA MAI
ISSA BAGAYOGO SYA 09292-2 CD £ 0.00
ISSA COULIBALY CA VA EMK004 TC £ 10.00
The incisiveness in the voice of singer Issa stands out beautifully above the soft singing of the chorus girls on this quite modern sounding album. The use of horns and keyboards places the music into the present-day but the Malian style guitar and balafon backing retains its true identity throughout. I must say that I found it rather adictive and will be on the lookout for more of the same. (F.T.Index: Ca Va, Bi Mogo Ya, Nassongoko, Je M'en Fou. ) [6T/30M]
JAH YOUSSOUFOU NE TUN BE MI MAI2004 TC £ 25.00
KADJA TANGARA SEGUIN MAGNI HYBONISS001 TC £ 0.00
Modern Malian music beautifully sung by the gorgeously voiced Kadja and her four girls. Basically ethnic instrumentation with the addition of guitar and keyboards make for some really rhythmic music, mind you, having the arrangements made by non other than Boncana Maiga certainly helps. BEAUTIFUL ALBUM.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SEGUIN MAGNI
2. KONIFALE
3. BALLONTA NAOU
4. KELE TCHEOU
5. KALIFA
6. BARA
KAGBE SIDIBE L'ADIEU MGS1114 TC £ 0.00
Very nice album from Kagbe with her rough but powerful voice booming out above the usual chorus girl backing. No liner notes so no idea who is playing but it is really does sound teriffic.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DOUGOUNALO
2. SARAMA
3. MORILE
4. U.T.B.
5. FANTAN DIMI
6. DJOMBENI
7. MELEKE
8. SEYDOU FANTA
KAGBE SIDIBE VOLUME I MAILPS1056 TC £ 0.00
A real stunner of a first album from Malien songstress Kagbe with some beautiful backing from the guitars of Bayini Koita and Amadou Bagayoko. Boy, can those guys tweak the old strings or what? As if that wasn't enough Kagbe also has some superb backing vocals which really adds the finishing touch to what can only be described as a Wassoulou masterpiece. I haven't heard Vol II yet but I've already got it on order. Be warned, nail down the furniture as this girl is brilliant. [6T/34M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KOULOUMBA
2. PATRON
3. BREHIMA
4. DJE KANI DJELI
5. BANA
6. DIA WALE NI
KAGBE SIDIBE VOLUME II MAILPS1997 TC £ 0.00
1.SIMBO
2. MORODJAN
3. SOGO NA KAN
4. FANGATA (Kassimou)
5. IMAKOUYE
6. DEN KAGNI
KAIRA BEN SINGA STCD1072 CD £ 10.00
Strong vocals from group leader Idrissa Magassa are backed in jazzed up traditional style by Abdramme Fall on percussion, Keletigui Diabate on balafon, Makan Tounkara on ngoni, Tidiane Kone on saxes/trumpet, Zou Diarra and Moussa Diakite on guitars, Cheikh Tidiane on keyboards and Mama Keita with the backing vocals. Rather nice. [8T/38M]

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. BAMBA
2. POULO
3. SINGA
4. TOUNGA
5. MASANI CISSE
6. SARA
7. MOUSSO LOULE
8. ZE ME FO
KALORY SORY RASTA MALIEN SYL83124 TC £ 0.00
Now resident in the Ivory Coast he is a Reggae singer mainly in the Malinke language of his native Mali. Nice vocals from Kalory and his three girls plus a rich backing sound from Emmett McDonald on trombone, Kwame Divine on trumpet and Manu Yodan on sax. In general it's pretty laid back sound but I particularly like 'Nga Taffe' on side two. Nice album all round. Released by EMI CI back in 1992.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. RASTA
2. DOUROUNI
3. WALATA
4. SIETIGUI
5. NGA TAFFE
6. PETIEKE
KAMALE NGONI KELEA LBLC2517 CD £ 0.00
The kamale n'goni is constructed in the traditional manner, calabash, skin, wooden neck like the kora, but it's a modern instrument created in the 1960's by the rebel hunters of the Wassolou region of Mali. Rough and packed with emotion, it brings alive the sound of its rebel origins, before the trendiness that made it a favourite of the young Malien generation. Alou Fane and Daouda Sangare have come to symbolise the ferocious attachment to its roots and at the same time a great creative freedom. Joining them is Djourou Diallo who's haunting bambara flute playing is simply stunning. (9T/45M)
KANAGA DE MOPTI ORCHESTRE KANAGA DE MOPTI KS-MALI-01CD CD £ 0.00
At last having watched the crazy prices on ebay someone - Kindred Spirits - have reissued it in all its splendour on LP and CD. Still a few crackles in there but with music of this quality who cares. See also - SORRY BAMBA - ORCHESTRE KANAGA DE MOPTI 1. KULUKUTU
2. N'DO N'DO
3. SARE MABO
4. KANAGA
5. GAMBARI
6. SORY BAMBA
KANAGA DE MOPTI PAWI PAWI TC £ 0.00
From the city of Mopti in the centre of Mali come the traditional group 'Kanaga' and although they play instruments both traditional and modern its almost impossible to hear any modern sounds what so ever! The powerful voice of Sekou Diankouba and the chorus girls definitely takes a back seat on the album. In the driving seat is the strangely un-named flute player who steals the show from both the singers and the other musicians. The overall effect of the music is one of peace and tranquillity with the loudest sounds actually coming from the rhythmic hand clapping of the chorus girls. Definitely one for those hot summer evenings in the garden with an ice cold four pack! Lovely. [8T/50M]

2011.......I have just completed making a CD-R of this album for my own collection and when I got this cassette twenty years ago and wrote the write-up above I had not heard anything else by Kanaga de Mopti and so thought no more about it. However it is quite different musically so was it actually Kanaga De Mopti?

2012 ....... I did contact Boureima Diabate who sang on the cassette and he has listened to my samples and confirmed it is all correct. His web site was at a "http://mali.educanet2.ch/kanaga/.ws_gen/?6" but this now seems to have been taken over by some unconnected German site? Boureima also confirmed the titles of the songs and the pictures of their costumes. The over ten minute long track 5 is superb.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. PAWI
2. DOSSI DOSSI
3. DANANE
4. NGOLONI KELEN
5. YAGANA BABA YEYA
6. SENIWE
7. WAGOULOUME
8. KOUNALI
KANDIA KOUYATE BALASSAMA AD001 LP £ 25.00
KANDIA KOUYATE BIRIKO STCD1095 CD £ 0.00
KANDIA KOUYATE KITA KAN STCD1088 CD £ 0.00
This is Malian diva, Kandia's first CD release and was the cassette 'Woulale' with two extra tracks added. [9T/65M]
KANDIA KOUYATE SA KUNU SA SA KUNU TC £ 0.00
Recorded at Studio Liaison in Bamako, this album is a lovely example of traditional singing from the rich and power packed voice of Kandia. It is also a superb example of traditional music with notes cascading from the balafon, kora strings tinkling and the throb of the n'goni all the way through. Thankfully they managed to keep the bleedin synth well caged and away from the music. Just one minute short of an hour of pure bliss. Miss it at your peril, they don't make many albums this good. (The F.T.Index: Alla Le Djon Sona, Kita Kourou, Mande Mansa, Lagare)

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SA KUNU SA
2. GNE BORI IFE
3. LAGARE
4. MANDE MANSA
5. DEN MUSO KALAN
6. MANSA YOUMAN
7. ALLA LE DJON SONA
8. KITA KOUROU
KARAMOKO KEITA SAHRAMA SAM077392-4 TC £ 0.00
A lovely album of traditional style Malian music and singing with modern instrumentation taking on the roll of the Kora and Balafon beautifully. A recipe with more than a hint of Parisienne spicing that gives the music a slightly modern flavour. Karamoko's strong but smooth vocals fit in perfectly with the music and the girls typically sharp chorus line adds the cutting edge. Slow and melodic the music captures the timeless essence of the Malian sound wonderfully. Released in 1992. 1. NOUMOUKE
2. SORO NAH
3. SAHRAMA
4. DOLO NA YELENBO
5. KOROTCHAMABE
6. AYE DOGO DOGO
KARAMOKO NIANG AND ENSEMBLE DE SEGOU DABAKALA VOLUME I BM517 TC £ 0.00
You should never judge a book by the cover or a tape from its inlay picture. I thought this was just another traditional album but its a modern soft bluesy sound that powers out and whose style can be traced back to that famous outfit from Segou - 'Super Biton'. Karamoko's powerful and gravelly voice is superb but it's Kalifa Kone who steals the show with some stunningly beautiful guitar playing. Other famous names in the line-up are Aboubacar Kissa Cubain and Oumou Diabate in the chorus, although possibly not 'the' names, are Boubacar Traore and Zany Diabate on percussion. Either way its a gorgeous album. (F.T.Index : Souniele, Merouba, Kaira, Salubrite ) [6T/28M] A Super rare recording with virtually nothing on the net except for Natari.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DABAKALA
2. KAIRA
3. SOUNIELE
4. MEROUBA
5. SALUBRITE
6. SONATAM
KARAMOKO NIANG AND ENSEMBLE DE SEGOU DIARABI MOUSSO VOLUME II BM518 TC £ 0.00
Like the first volume this album also sounds very much like the famous 'Super Biton De Segou'. Once again its the guitars that shine, in fact even more so here than on the first album. Lovely atmospheric vocals throughout from Karamoko with Oumou Diabate getting up front on Niemina which adds to the mystique. But what the hell is 'M'bolo Bila' - Mali's answer to 'Country and Western' maybe! The final track is quite different to the others but its the cracker of the album with its Afro-Cuban sound pounding out. So good in fact that it had to be on the sampler. ( Also there is a little un-credited finishing track ) (F.T.Index: Macourouni, Tere, Mosso Fourou Wari, Diarabimousso, M'bolo Bila, ) [6T/28M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DIARABIMOUSSO
2. M'BOLO BILA
3. TERE
4. NIEMINA
5. MOSSO FOUROU WARI
6. MACOUROUNI
KASSE MADY FODE STCD1025 CD £ 0.00
KASSE MADY KELA TRADITION STERNS1034 LP £ 7.00
KENE STAR SIKASSO LALA CK7102 TC £ 0.00
Blimey! You just gotta read this.... It's got a tinny sounding horn line up. It's got warbling keyboards. It's got twangy guitars and a variety of squeaky voiced singers and was probably rather roughly recorded back in the 70's. Having said that it is absolutely 'bleedin' gorgeous from end to end. Oh! If only they could make more music like this. INCREDIBLE.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. LALA (21'27)
2. HODI HU YENYAN (5'34)
3. KENE OUGU FANGA (7'29)
4. FITRIWALE (6'47)
KOKO DEMBELE AFRIQUE DIORE - BAGUINEE HYBONISS002Y TC £ 15.00
Definitely the smoothest African Reggae inspired album that I've heard for a long time. Koko, a Malien who sings in the Bambara language has a charismatic voice with a beautifully melodic style. The African influence in the music is unmistakable, somewhat like Senegalese group 'Toure Kunda' but with more Reggae overtones. The backing of Zakaria Namboue on lead, Boko Didier on bass, Manu Yodan and Robert Alolah on tenor sax and trumpet respectively with keyboard wizard Geroges Kouakakou make for a really stunning album. DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED.
LALA DIABATE Vol. 1 - NKANOU CK7033 TC £ 0.00
A lovely musical mixture from what appears to be a modern backing band fighting for supremacy over a traditional ensemble and loosing - ha ha! On the trad side you've got ngoni, various drums, flutes, balafon and percussion while on the modern side there are guitars, drums and a bit of background keyboard. Lala's voice with its distinctive nasal drone booms out over the battling musicians to great effect and there's a nice chorus to take over when she's not belting it out. ( F.T.Index: Djougoule, Dounigna Baro, Nkanou, Lalla, Dia, Sougoulon. ) [6T/33M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NKANOU
2. LALLA
3. DJOUGOULE
4. SOUGOULON
5. DOUNIGNA BARO
6. DIA
LALLA DIABATE WASSOULOU KAW MAI2003 TC £ 20.00
LES AMBASSADEURS DE MOTEL DIANDJON SAF50.014 LP £ 0.00
Original Ambassadeurs from 1976 with Salif Keita singing.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DIANDJON
2. WARA
3. KIBARU
LES AMBASSADEURS DE MOTEL DE BAMAKO VOLUME 1 SAF50.030 LP £ 0.00
Wonderful album released back in 1977 with singing from Salif Keita, Ousmane Dia and Kante Manfila. ( F.T.Index: Yassoumouka, Fatema, Super Pitie, Bolola Sanou, Mali Denou, Sabar, Saranfing. ) [7T/41M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
LES AMBASSADEURS INTERNATIONAL WITH SALIF KEITA ROUCD5053 CD £ 0.00
LES AMBASSADEURS INTERNATIONAUX MANDJOUGOULON - WASSOLON-FOLI CEL6635 LP £ 25.00


ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DJOUGOUYA
2. WASSOLON-FOLI
3. BARA WILILE
4. MANDJOUGOULON
LES AMBASSADEURS INTERNATIONAUX TOUNKAN - MANA MANI 532529-5 CDx2 £ 30.00
Originally released as two superb LP's back in 1981 and now re-released in 2010 as a two CD digipak album. Features Kante Manfila and Ousmane Kouyate on guitar, Ray Lema on keyboards, Moussa Sissoko on saxophone and last but not least, Salif Keita's wonderful vocals. Case and discs as new. TOUNKAN CD 1
1. TOUNKAN
2. WALE
3. SIDIKI
4. KANKELENTI
MANA MANI CD 2
1. MANA MANI
2. DJATA
3. MARFA
4. PRIMPIN
5. TOUBAKA 81
LES ASSELARDS REVELATIONS 82 AS007 LP £ 0.00
LES SOEURS SIDIBE NI LA KANI MAIKANO1070 TC £ 0.00
Sisters Rokia and Assetou who I'd not come across before have got to be one of the hottest sounds to come out of Mali. Music that reminded me of the classic 'Zani Diabate and the Super Djata band' and vocals that sound slightly reminiscent of the 'Lijadu sisters'. Put the two together and you've got an incredibly brilliant album. Like the sisters I don't recognise any of the musicians but they are all fantastic, tam tam - Mamane Samake, kamale n'goni, karignan and guitars - Souleymane Sidebe and Kader Gueye, keyboards and percussion programming - Ernest Dompreh. If this album doesn't get you charging round the dance floor then you've probably died. Check your pulse. HOT and BRILLIANT!

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NI LA KANI
2. MBEBA
3. DEMISSIN KANI
4. SABALI
5. NTOGOMA
6. FILI FIN
LOBI TRAORE BAMAKO 82893-2 CD £ 0.00
Lobi's 1994 release follows the same formula as his electric version of Bambara Blues but a shade more up-beat and more drum orientated with Yaya Dembele's djembe throbbing out an almost overpowering beat, just hear him go on Deni Kele. Ali Farka Toure also lends a hand or two with the clapping and production but leaves the gorgeous guitaring to Lobi, Pascal Hubert and Moryene Kalan, and what a lovely job they make of it too. PURE BAMBARA MAGIC. (F.T.Index: Fatoumabe, Sabaminya, Deni Kele, Maby Djoudjon Don, Nama Da Yele, Djankana, Banani. ) 1. DJANKANA
2. NAMA DA YELE
3. DENI KELE
4. MABY DJOUDON DON
5. BANANI
6. SABAMINYA
7. FATOUMABE
8. MORYENE KALAN
9. AYE N'DEME DEN KO LA
10. DOUNOUYA
LOBI TRAORE BAMAKO AA024 TC £ 15.00
Lobi's 1994 release follows the same formula as his electric version of Bambara Blues but a shade more up-beat and more drum orientated with Yaya Dembele's djembe throbbing out an almost overpowering beat, just hear him go on Deni Kele. Ali Farka Toure also lends a hand or two with the clapping and production but leaves the gorgeous guitaring to Lobi, Pascal Hubert and Moryene Kalan, and what a lovely job they make of it too. PURE BAMBARA MAGIC. (F.T.Index: Fatoumabe, Sabaminya, Deni Kele, Maby Djoudjon Don, Nama Da Yele, Djankana, Banani. ) [10T/60M] BRAND NEW STILL SEALED. 1. DJANKANA
2. NAMA DA YELE
3. DENI KELE
4. MABY DJOUDON DON
5. BANANI
6. SABAMINYA
7. FATOUMABE
8. MORYENE KALAN
9. AYE N'DEME DEN KO LA
10. DOUNOUYA
LOBI TRAORE BAMBARA BLUES 82816-2 CD £ 0.00
This CD is in fact two absolutely amazing cassette albums featuring the same set of songs but played as differently as chalk and cheese! The first album showed the roots of the Blues like I've never heard before. Great traditional vocals and guitar from songwriter Lobi, Stephane Sarlin and Michel Jules while the throbbing drums come courtesy of Zani Diabate no less, on Djembe and Djelli Baba Sissoko on Tamari plus the magic flute of Mamadou Diallo. In the second album Lobi together with fellow guitarist Wurrie Moktar and percussionists Eric Barre and Philippe Berthier get together at Studio Oubien in Bamako and make an electric version of the same Bambara blues songs that have now become classic. Lobi's soft vocals and gorgeous guitaring floats around Wurrie's hypnotic rythms with effortless ease. Superb.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SONTAN N'GNI
2. NI TOUGOU LA MOGO MINKO
3. BAMANA DIMA
4. TCHANA DIANI
5. MALO MAGNY
6. ABARIKA
7. MOGO YA KASI KABO
8. WARANI
9. SONTAN N'GNI
10. MALO MAGNY
11. ABARIKA
12. NI TOUGOU LA MOGO MINKO
13. BAMANA DIMA
14. MOGO YA KASI KABO
LOBI TRAORE BAMBARA BLUES AA005 TC £ 0.00
One of the two cassettes that went to make the CD of the same name. An incredibly beautiful set of tracks. Have a listen to the clips on CD 82816-2. (THIS ENTRY IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY) 1. SONTAN N'GNI
2. NI TOUGOU LA MOGO MINKO
3. BAMANA DIMA
4. MALO MAGNY
5. ABARIKA
6. MOGO YA KASI KABO
LOBI TRAORE BARRA COURA - ACOUSTIC BAMANA BLUES KSK-2007 CD £ 0.00
Lobi with his rough voice and precicely picked lead guitar teams up with the deep bass voice and rhythm guitar of Lamine Soumano. A wonderful album of original Malien blues. 1. MAAYA: HUMANLY TIES
2. BAMAKU NOE
3. YAYAYO
4. MAA T'L LABAN DON: NOBODY KNOWS HIS END
5. A' N' DEME N' KUNGO LA: HELP ME WITH MY PROBLEMS
6. KONO: BIRD
7. N'BADENW: WE SHARE THE SAME MOTHER
8. JANTO YERELA: TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
9. N'AW MA DAYELE: PLEASE OPEN THE DOOR
LOBI TRAORE DUGA 09289-2 CD £ 0.00
LOBI TRAORE MALI BLUE DFGCD8574 CD £ 0.00
LOBI TRAORE SEGOU 09275-2 CD £ 0.00
On this album, Lobi and his band once again mix the traditional blues sounds of the Bambara with electric guitars. However this time to start with the guitars are played in an somewhat U.S. blues style rather than Malian. Half way through he reverts to the rich and magical traditional sounds of the Bambara region with three stunning tracks that really bring to the fore the ever faster and faster percussion and wild vocals. The final track, which is my favourite, is recorded live and is to my mind equal to, if not better than, the 'Blind Couple of Mali's' stunning 'DiYe La Tigue' which it resembles in many ways. Sublime guitaring and vocals throughout. (F.T.Index: Ni Tougou La Mogo Minko, Korote Massiki, Grayere Nafun, Kassima Soumaya, Tjounde, Kanu La Bin, Sadiourou, Maya Ye Sanka Ye, Kunanadi.) [9T/48M]
LOBI TRAORE SEGOU AA9601 TC £ 5.00
On this album, Lobi and his band once again mix the traditional blues sounds of the Bambara with electric guitars. However this time to start with the guitars are played in an somewhat U.S. blues style rather than Malian. Half way through he reverts to the rich and magical traditional sounds of the Bambara region with three stunning tracks that really bring to the fore the ever faster and faster percussion and wild vocals. The final track, which is my favourite, is recorded live and is to my mind equal to, if not better than, the 'Blind Couple of Mali's' stunning 'DiYe La Tigue' which it resembles in many ways. Sublime guitaring and vocals throughout. (F.T.Index: Ni Tougou La Mogo Minko, Korote Massiki, Grayere Nafun, Kassima Soumaya, Tjounde, Kanu La Bin, Sadiourou, Maya Ye Sanka Ye, Kunanadi.) [9T/48M]
L'ORCHESTRE NATIONAL - A DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU MALI BM30L2605 LP £ 0.00
A wonderful album of Malian music and the only one from the 'A' formation of L'Orchestre National. There were actually three groups formed by the government from the National Orchestra of Mali after independence from France. The 'B' group, which only issued one cassette, eventually joined with the 'A' to form the Orchestre National Badema while the 'C' group went on to become Zani Diabate's Super Djata Band. The 'A' was led by renowned multi instrumentalist the late great Keletigui Diabate more famous later for his roll in Les Ambassadeurs. This album has some really wonderful guitar playing from Keletigui and also some great vocals.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MALAMINI
2. TAARA
3. JANFA
4. SON T'AW LA
5. DUGA
6. SAAKOBA
7. NONSI KOMOTIGI
8. CIWAARA
MADJAN DOUMBIA N'BESSOKOMA CK7118 TC £ 0.00
Nice Wassalou hunter style music with an un-named chorus and band. Madjan's crisp sounding vocals rises above and compliments the backing girls voices. No inlay notes so no idea who is singing or playing. The original tape has dropout flaws and so do all the internet copies.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. N'BESSOKOMA
2. BENSSEMAN
3. BIMOGOLOU
4. LEROULE
5. DJIGUIASSI
6. DIANE
MAH DAMBA MALI: THE VOICE OF THE MANDE 927492 CD £ 0.00
MAH DAMBA PORY SYL8371 TC £ 0.00
1. PORY
2. SOSOLY
3. DIADIA KONO
4. DANAMA
5. NDIANKA FALA
6. NANTAN
MAH DAMBA AND MAMAYE KOUYATE DEN NIALE CK7332 TC £ 0.00
Wonderful album of traditonal music and singing from Mah and her ngoni and flute playing husband Mamaye. The three guitarists are up front but there's plenty of n'goni, balafon and flute bringing up the rear. Not a keyboard or drum machine in sight and boy can Mah get the old tonsils throbbing. Smashing voice, great music, a beaut of an album. ( F.T.Index: Konami, Den Kolo, Lahidou, Saya, Sowou Tara, Niarela, Ndialla, Den Niale. ) [6T/38M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DEN NIALE
2. KONAMI
3. DEN KOLO
4. NDIALLA
5. LAHIDOU
6. SOWOU TARA
7. SAYA
8. NIARELA
MAIMOUNA SONGS OF MALI PS65226 CD £ 0.00
MAIMOUNA DEMBELE FARAFINA DJOGO OK027 TC £ 0.00
You could tell this was going to be a good album simply by the beautiful soft singing and lovely music. The variety of instruments being used was starting to sound more like an orchestra so when the horn section came in I had to checked out the inlay card and who should be in there - none other than - NATIONAL BADEMA. Long time , no hear, but now back with Maimouna instead of Kasse Mady and with a very impressive album to boot. Maimouna's voice is soft and soothing as is the singing from the girls in the chorus but its the georgeous music of National Badema that really makes this album superb. Loved it all the way through. (F.T.Index: Daamu, Jeeya, R T M, Ma Nin Ka Ko, Ngoyo, So Bin Do.) [6T/34M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SO BIN DO
2. NGOYO SEGI
3. JEEYA
4. MAA NIN KA KO
5. R T M
6. DAAMU
MAMA KOITA NOUVELLE GENERATION BGDA92008 TC £ 0.00
Another superb album from Boncana Maiga which once again highlights the sheer beauty and danceability of the Malian/Paris fusion. You will be taken from the start with Mama's wonderful voice but backing her you have also got three Diabate's, Doussouba, Bako and Oumou. The music comes from a mix of instruments with traditional Ngoni, Kora and Balafon playing side by side with Horns, Guitars and Keyboards.
MAMA KOITA AND DOUNANKE KOITA BE K'I JANTO BIEN018 TC £ 0.00
How do you describe this album is the first problem. The first four tracks are entitled Minianka which is a language and people of southern Mali, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast. The songs are sung by Mama Koita and are fairly straight forward traditional music with traditional instrumentation and great singing from Mama and his group. The last three tracks are entitled Bobo which is also a language and people in southern Mali and Burkina Faso. The songs are sung by Dounanke Koita and they are extraordinary. Again traditional music with traditional instrumentation but this time it is drum driven, faster and faster with Dounanke's mesmeric vocals. My Mali K7 cassette says released in 1993 but I have also seen that it was released in 1991. Also, lucky guy, he is also credited with playing keyboards on the Zani Diabate and the Super Djata Band album back in 1985.

As a matter of interest somebody please let me know if you also think tracks 6 and 7 are in the wrong order?

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. YA YIRIPO
2. ILA WOLOLA NALEGENI
3. YA MILE
4. PIOUCANI
5. WAWE PARI
6. ZAMA BE TYIDA
7. BIO MAWE WAWI
MAMA SISSOKO AMOURS JARABI 82940-2 CD £ 0.00
MAMA SISSOKO SOLEIL DE MINUIT 82990-2 CD £ 0.00
MAMADOU DOUMBIA KELEA DIOUGOU CK7047 TC £ 0.00
Top Malian star Mamadou alias 'Percey' realy belting out the Manding sound with gorgeous backing vocals from Mama Keita and Aissata Demba. Papa Kouyate on percussion is helped by the marvelous Djele Moussa Kouyate and Sekou Kouyate who provide the guitar magic that has the whole album throbbing from end to end. Just have a listen to my favorite track, 'Secheresse'. The ethnic sound really belting the hell out of the Paris style and showing how it should be played. A very unusual album as the seven track CD version also released by Camara does not contain the last track. STUNNING ALL THE WAY.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. ALLA MANDOGO
2. SOKONA
3. MOMDOLE
4. MAGO DIARA
5. MALI LECOLEDENU
6. KELEA DIOUGOU
7. SECHERESSE (DABAKALA)
8. MALE MOUSSOU
MAMANY KOUYATE THE GOLDEN VOICE OF MALI PS65283 CD £ 0.00
In a country famed for its astonishing array of female musical talent it can be hard for a new singer to make an impression. In Mali, Mamany Kouyate‚ made such an impression when she was invited to perform for visiting royalty. In the West she is best known for her contribution to the famed 'Sarala' album, by Hank Jones with Cheikh Tidiane Seck. This new album exhibits her stunning voice in traditional and contemporary musical settings, and proves she can be ranked amongst the best singers in Mali. 1. CRY CRY MA
2. LILLAN
3. DJOULA BANA
4. FATOU NANA
5. KOUMA TENE DA
6. DELY FARA MANDY
7. N'DOMBA
8. ALFA MAKY
MAMOU SAMAKE L'ENFANT DE DJITOUMOU OK035 TC £ 0.00
I had never heard of Mamou until I got this when it was released back in 1994 but after hearing this album I'll be keeping an eye out for any more of her releases. The album is pure Wassoulou but what makes it stand out from the rest is the way the musicians, especially all the percussionists, creep up and overtake the singers. There is also some smashing guitar playing which sails over and around the more traditional sounds of the balafon and n'goni. A very beautiful album in every department and an absolute must for anyone who likes the Wassoulou sound. PERFECTION. (F.T.Index: Diarabi, Dounouya Magni, Toubani Kele, Djin Djin Kono, Kanou Dogolen, Djoula Nagnewa,) [6T/29M] 1. DIARABI
2. DJOULA NAGNEWA
3. TOUBANI KELE
4. DOUNOUYA MAGNI
5. KANOU DOGOLEN
6. DJIN DJIN KONO
MANOU SIDIBE NAKAN 9912 TC £ 30.00
1. MOGO
2. BASSA KELE
3. DONI TABA
4. KAFO
5. BE TA LAME
6. NAKAN
7. DIARABI
8. NIMISSA
MARIAM BAGAYOGO SENE - KONO VOL 1 SENE TC £ 30.00
1. SENE
2. KONO
MARIAM DIAKITE VOLUME I SY001 TC £ 0.00
Traditional Wassoulou songs from singer Mariam with chorus from Tata, Kadia and Ramata Diakite before she became famous. Some nice guitar from Bayini Koita, Maha and Lamine Soumano to accompany Benogo's n'goni and the regulating beat of Solomane Sidibe's djembe and the metalic strum of his karignan. I must admit that I found the girls voices much nicer than Mariam's, She sounds a bit stretched to say the least. Having checked out the net and discographies this appears to be her only release. Even Mali-K7 who issued it don't list her. I wonder why? Recorded in 1994 at Studio KIP-K7 in Bamako where they made this cassette and missed the end off the last track on both sides. Hence the low price. My own CD-R is complete.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SAYI YIRIBALA
2. DOUNIA
3. CHRIS SEYDOU
4. DIOULA
5. NA
6. SOUNOGO
MODIBO KONE (ASKIA MODIBO) WASS MANDING L'AN 2000 VOL II AM91007 TC £ 30.00
Actually this is his third album. His crisply executed gruff traditional call and response vocals with the girls of the chorus are accompanied throughout by some beautiful and unexpected modern style guitar playing that overlays but doesn't obscure the simple Wassoulou and Manding musical base. Out of the four tracks 'Bana' is my favorite but 'Sanga' isn't far behind. LOVELY.
MODIBO KONE (ASKIA MODIBO) WASS MANDING L'AN 2000 VOL. I E018491-4 TC £ 30.00
Certainly not his first album as I've already got 'Hommage a El Hadj Souleymane Doumbia' and also 'DJIGUIYA' which I thought was by 'ASKIA MODIBO' but it turns out that he uses the former name when he's playing traditional Manding music and the later when he plays 'Wass Reggae'. So what's this album like? Well it continues in the same vein as 'Hommage' - modern interpretation of Mandingue rhythms and singing with some super guitar to enhance his striking vocals and those of the girl backing singers. According to the the 'info' that I've got, he's also got some other albums out, I haven't got them yet, but I definitely will as this guy is magic. Andy Kershaw likes him.
MODIBO KONE (ASKIA MODIBO) WASS MANDING L'AN 2000 VOL. IIA (OK 010) E028591-4 TC £ 30.00
MOGONTAFE SACKO MOGONTAFE OU-011 TC £ 0.00
Born in 1934 (or 1937) into a family of Griots at Segou, Mali, she was through no fault of her own given the name Mogontafe which translates as 'nobody loves you because you are so ugly' which is totally untrue of this magnificent singer. She has been singing since the 50's and this album released in 1990 is a prime example of her work. Superbly played balafon, flute and kora provide the exquisite traditional backing to her songs. The music alone makes this album a classic let alone her lovely singing. One of the original founder members of l'Ensemble Instrumental du Mali with which she sang for many years. She released 4 LP's on the Sonafric label in the 1970's and also released the album Fifi Doumbia on the Syllart label in 1987. This cassette from Mali K7 is only mentioned here and nowhere else on the web. She retired in 1990 and sadly she passed away in 2002.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. WALE NYUMAN
2. IKANA N'DIANFA
3. MANDELA
4. LAMBA
5. KELE MASA DJURU
6. DJIGUIN'TANIA
MOHAMED JONY BIMBALIA MAIKANO1071 TC £ 0.00
Modern Malian music from composer and vocalist Mamadou Sissoko better known as Mohamed Jony with an outstanding performance by Kader Gueye, who plays lead guitar, this guy is pure magic! The music is based on Southern Manding folklore and the other instruments are a mix of traditional and modern including kamale n'goni and karignan both played by Soulemane Sidibe and keyboards and druming by Eavriste Yace and Ernest Dompreh, who also provides the bass guitar. However good and I promise you they are, the other artists are all overshadowed by Kader's exquisite guitar playing. Wonderful album. ( 6 tracks )

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BIMBALIA
2. WADOU LI KONO
3. LANI FIN
4. YACOUBA KONE
5. FISSIRIWA LEYA
6. R. T. M.
MOHAMED LAMINE TRAORE alias JOHN DJOUDJON 155 TC £ 0.00
Released back in 1994 with gorgeously seductive chorus singing from the Diakite girls Tata, Kadia and soon to become famous, Ramata. Their singing is only upstaged by the deep throb of Mohamed's voice and the wonderful sound of Bayini Koita's guitar. Add a bit of keyboards, ngoni, karagnan and djembe and you have a very smooth album of modern Malian music.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DJOUDJON
2. KELEN NASIGUI
3. KELE MAGNI
4. SABALY
5. DIARABI
6. KO KUMA
MOLOBALI KEITA VOLUME 3 IK010 TC £ 0.00
Produced at Studio Oubien in Bamako by Idrissa Konate this album exemplifies the the true roots of Malian music. Molobali and un-named friend sing their hearts out to the accompaniment of N'goni, Kora, traditional percussion instruments and some really wonderful Balafon playing. The Jali tradition is alive and well, listen for yourself, the whole album is alive with sound from start to finish. Truly beautiful. Released in 1992.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MAGAN
2. WALE GNUMA
3. SIGNANA TOLO
4. TIETE MAYE
5. MAYA GASI KABO
6. MAN COUMBA
MOLOBALI KEITA VOLUME I IK002 TC £ 0.00
Produced at Studio Oubien in Bamako by Idrissa Konate in1992. This was Molobali and unknamed friends first album of Malian roots music which was released by EMI-MALI-K7. Contains some lovely Balafon playing. I couldn't find a mention of the album anywhere on the web so it is obviously Mega Rare. 1. SIRIKI
2. AWA DADOLA
3. DJAGNEBA
4. NIAGARA
5. TOULOKE
6. SIDE
7. CHERIE
MOLOBALI KEITA VOLUME II IK003 TC £ 0.00
Produced at Studio Oubien in Bamako by Idrissa Konate in1992. This was Molobali and unknamed friends second album of Malian roots music which was released by EMI-MALI-K7. Again contains some lovely Balafon playing. Once again I couldn't find a mention of the album anywhere on the web so it is again obviously Mega Rare. 1. DJEBILE
2. DJANDJO
3. DJAGNEBA
4. TOBE
5. BOBOLA
6. FANTANTI PRESSE
7. BANKEBAGA
MOLOBALI TRAORE BAMANANA KONO VOL. 1 AEMD001 TC £ 0.00
Another wonderful album of traditional music from Wassoulou singing star Molobali and her band. Nanou Coul, Maimouna Sidibe and Lamini Konta provide the sharp chorus line while the soft guitars of Ibrim Cisse and Kalifa Kone float along in company with Zoumana Fane's n'goni. The simple percussion comes from the tam tam of Madou Diarra while Remi Mariko's flute adds to the atmosphere. A first rate album from an explosive singer of classic Wassoulou. (F.T.Index: Ani Souro Baro, Tie La Sigui Dioro Bena, Sebi Kebali. Kobi Na Wati. ) [6T/38M] Issued 1993.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. ANI SOURO BARO
2. SI NI DON BALI
3. KOBI NA WATI
4. TIE LA SIGUI DIORO BENA
5. SEBI KEBALI
6. DEMISSIN TIMI
MOLOBALI TRAORE BAMANANA KONO VOL. 2 AEMD002 TC £ 0.00
Soft and smooth traditional Wassalou with outstanding vocals from Molobali backed by a wonderful chorus from Nanou Coulibaly, Maimouna Sidibe and Lamini Konta.Guitars, flute, tam tam and n'goni provide the lovely music. (6T/36M)

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KABAKO
2. DATI NGANATO
3. LOBI LOBI
4. DE LI FARAMANDI
5. SANGA TIGUI
6. PIRATI
MOLOBALI TRAORE DIALABA DIALABA TC £ 0.00
From 1993 a lovely Wassoulou traditional album from wonderful singer Molobali with the help of Solo Coulibaly on violon, Baba Kone on Guitare, Mahamane Tandina on keyboards and percussion. A slow start which is quite calming but with some rather nice guitar play from Baba Kone which pick up the pace as it goes on.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DIALABA
2. SIGUIGNOGO DJUGU
3. FISAN
4. NE MA NE
5. N'DOUNDE
6. KELE MAGNI
MOLOBALI TRAORE MOLOBALI 92 IK010-4 TC £ 0.00
Beautiful album of traditional music and singing from Molobali and her band. Simple vocals, simple percussion and simply loads of strings and things. N'goni's and one string lutes abound and mix perfectly with the bits of electric guitar. No credits on the inlay but boy oh boy is that guitarist good! (F.T.Index: Dianjo, Niania, Tindro)

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MONIAN
2. LABAN KASI
3. NIANIA
4. DIANDJO
5. TINDRO
6. DELY MAGNIN
MOLOBALY TRAORE NAFIGUI NAFIGUI TC £ 0.00
A very nice album from singer Molobaly which also features Djeneba Seck and Sadio Sidibe in the chorus.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DEMBE
2. NAFIGUINI
3. BONYA
4. DJOUGOUYA
5. SONFO
6. FLANOU
7. KAMALAMBA
8. MANIAN
9. FANTAYA
10. MAKANKONO
MORIBA KOITA SOROTOUMOU 09279-2 CD £ 0.00
MUSIQUE TRADITIONNELLE DU MALI MUSEE NATIONAL VOLUME I MC1 TC £ 15.00
NABINTOU DIAKITE MA OULENI MAOULENI CD £ 0.00
Released in 2005 this is a great album which shows how she has polished up her act since releasing Nadiaramiye. A new line-up but with help still from Oumou Sangare.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MA OULENI
2. OUMOU
3. CHERIF
4. DIA YE BANA
5. N' NALENA
6. AN DIA
7. SIGUI
8. DOGONI
9. MALI DENW
10. DONSO
NABINTOU DIAKITE NADIARAMIYE NABINTOU TC £ 0.00
Wonderful 1998 album from rising star Nabintou Diakite. Djeneba Seck, Alima Toure and Oumou Sangare provide the chorus while Kassim Sidibe knocks out some very nice tunes on the n'goni helped by Adama Drame and Bah's guitars and Alto Fofona's flute and last but not least the thudding beat of Basidy Keita's Djembe. [30M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NADIARAMIYE
2. DIARRALBY LEE
3. BE DIAGNEMOKO
4. DJENINA WELE
5. SO TOUBANI
6. TAMA DIAYE SEKIKOYEE
NAHAWA DOUMBIA DIBY 93622 CD £ 0.00
NAHAWA DOUMBIA DIDADI 64015 CD £ 0.00
NAHAWA DOUMBIA DIDADI SHAN64015-4 TC £ 5.00
NAHAWA DOUMBIA KOUROUNI A5005 TC £ 0.00
Kourouni (or as Sterns Guide II calls it 'Djankonia') was Nahawa's first album released way back in 1980 and it is still being produced in Mali today, which speaks volumes for its popularity. Nahawa's stunning vocals first came to prominence with her hit album 'Didadi' where she was backed by a studio full of session musicians. Here however the sum total of her backing is one superbly played acoustic guitar! Listening to this album has for me been a tremendous experience and in fact I think it's true to say that this album is in fact 'A TRUE CLASSIC'. (F.T.Index: Kourouni, Nianimanjougou, Tjefouroule, Sokonon Woulouni ) [6T/32M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KOUROUNI
2. TOU DIBILE
3. TJEFOUROULE
4. DJANKONIA
5. NIANIMANJOUGOU
6. SOKONON WOULOUNI
NAHAWA DOUMBIA LA GRANDE CANTATRICE MALIENNE VOL. 3 AS011P82 LP £ 0.00
Her hardest one to find, and one of her best, as this one also includes bass, piano by either Cheick Tidiane Seck or Pierre Houon on the 10 minutes long and outstanding Korodia. 1. KORODIA
2. KUNGO SOGONI
3. DANAYA
4. DAN TE DINYE LA
NAHAWA DOUMBIA MANGONI STCD1041 CD £ 0.00
NAHAWA DOUMBIA MANGONI SYL83128 TC £ 10.00
This Paris recorded album is another gorgeous offering in the same style as her classic 'Didadi'. Features Djely Moussa Kouyate and Mamadou Doumbia on guitars, Mare Sonogo belting out the magic percussion, Cheickh Tidane Seck on keyboards and of course the stupendous voice of Nahawa herself. Just listen to it sweeping all before it on 'Barika Da'. This album is definitely set to become another classic.
NAHAWA DOUMBIA NYAMA TOUTOU SYL83102 LP £ 0.00
NAHAWA DOUMBIA NYAMA TOUTOU SYL83102-4 TC £ 6.50
NAHAWA DOUMBIA SAKORO MERY AS90004 TC £ 0.00
Her second album released back in 1990 and every bit as good as the first.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SAKORO MERY
2. DJIGUI YIRI
3. MAI NI WOULA
4. DEMISSEW KOULOU
NAHAWA DOUMBIA YAALA 09296-2 CD £ 0.00
NAHAWA DOUMBIA YANKAW 09278-2 CD £ 0.00
NAINY DIABATE FARAFINA MOUSSO CK7030 TC £ 0.00
Guitarists Cheik Oumar and Modibo, both Diabate's, definitely steal the limelight with their playing. Nainy's lovely crisp vocals stand absolutely no chance against their superbly interpreted rendition of kora played on guitar. Sad to say, but her singing is totally overshadowed by the guitarists. Even N'goni player Ba Sekou Kouyate must be Wondering why they needed him. The track 'Dincole' is a perfect example of 'anything you can do I can do better with a Guitar'. A super album of modern versus traditional Malian music, if you can stop listening to the guitars, if you can't, it's outstanding.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. FARAFINA MOUSSO
2. NAINY KANA KASSY
3. KANOU
4. DINCOLE
5. SANKOY DJELI
6. MAMAYA 1
NAINY DIABATE MAGNOUMAGO CK7336 TC £ 0.00
This is the second of Nainy's albums that I've got hold of and 'wow' does it go or what? Her voice absolutely belts out over the music and the chorus girls in one of the most impressive displays of vocal power that I've heard in years. A far cry from her first album Farafina Mousso where she got lost behind the band a bit to say the least. The traditional style music is very nicely played with soft and fragrant guitar up front backed by kora, balafon, drums and keyboards. (F.T.Index: Fossakadi, Treinanko, Massassi, Nakamadi, Mousso Dje, Nafa, Kono, Magnoumako.) [8T/45M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. FOSSAKADI
2. MAGNOUMAGO
3. TREINANKO
4. MASSASSI
5. MOUSSO DJE
6. NAFA
7. KONO
8. NAKAMADI
NAINY DIABATE NAFA STCD1083 CD £ 0.00
Contains all but one track from her tape albums Farafina Mousso and Magnoumago. (13T/71M) Missing track is Kanou from Farafina Mousso.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MAGNOUMAKO
2. FARAFINA MOUSSO
3. TREINANKO
4. SANKOY DJELI
5. MASSASSI
6. MAMAYA
7. MOUSSO DJE
8. NAFA
9. DINCOLE
10. KONO
11. NAINY KANA KASSY
12. NAKAMADI
13. FASSO KADI
NANOU COUL MALIBA CK7413 TC £ 0.00
Absolutely stunning set of songs from the wonderful Nanou Coul and her band and chorus girls. I was asked by one of my contacts if I would like a copy of this very hard to find album. He then very kindly sent me a picture of the cover (see below) which did not match up to the other ones on the web. They appeared to be CD covers altered from the original cassette inlay. He also sent me two different sets of tracks, one set was marked slow and the the other set fast. Now this is were it gets interesting as neither set matched the music available on the web from Utube, Amazon and others. They all carry the same picture but the tracks are very different in sound and length. I wonder if anyone knows the answer to this.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BARRA
2. DJONFOLY
3. MOUSSOW
4. DJORONANKO
5. DIYANIE
6. ARTISTE
7. MALIBA
8. DIYENATIQUE
9. SONIKA LEMOU
10. ANABOLO
NANOU COUL TIE BA TIE BA TC £ 25.00
Superb set of songs from razor sharp songstress Nanou and the band. All the tracks were composed by Nana Coulibaly, to give Nanou her real name, or by guitarist Mamadou Sissoko, probably better known to newsletter readers as 'Mohamed Jony', who this time round plays keyboards! Malian singing star Djeneba Seck along with Mai Sidibe provide the chorus while Mahama Sissoko plays guitars and n'goni to Bakari Diabate's percussion. Definitely one of the Wonders of Wassoulou! (F.T.Index: Tie Ba, Mousso Fissiriwale, Aye Diourou La Yoba ) [6T/34M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. TIE BA
2. MOUSSO FISSIRIWALE
3. DANAYA MABALOU
4 ANKA FOUROU BOGNE
5. AYE DIOUROU LA YOBA
6. DIEME NI
NANOU COUL YEBALIFO CK7403 TC £ 25.00
NATIONAL BADEMA TIRA MAKAN SYL8355 LP £ 20.00
From way back in 1981 comes the stunning sound of National Badema one of Mali's top groups at the time. Hearing is believing.....

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. TIRA MAKAN
2. SAMA
3. KANA BLA N'A
4. GUEDE
5. CIRO
6. NAKANLE
NATIONAL BADEMA AND KASSE MADY NAMA SYL8390 TC £ 6.50
Issued in 1983 this album was taken from earlier vinyl recordings and is as fresh today as it was then. The lovely early Cuban influence is very apparent. Gorgeous in every department and definitely not to be missed.
NEBA SOLO KENEDOUGOU FOLY (Balafon) 09281-2 CD £ 0.00
[7T/56M]
N'NAN DIAKITE YANTOMADIA ACSB008 TC £ 0.00
I bet you haven't heard of her until now, I know I hadn't but she is now definitely one of my favourite Malian singers. N'nan's stunning voice is classic Wassoulou to say the least and that also applies to the backing provided by Adjaratou Cisse and Mah Doumbia. If the voices aren't outstanding enough then the pulsating beat of Bramawoule Sidibe's tam tam and the deep rhythmic throbbing of Sayo Keita's dum dum should just about take your breath away if it doesn't blow your head off first! Fast, furious and great fun! (F.T.Index: Kola Bamko, Bama, Yantomadia, Djirimoko ) [6T/33M] And lastly a comment by Akenataa who has just bought a copy. Simply great! Probably the only recording of pure sokonikun rhythms out but the producer/remixer spoils it a bit with a looped electronic beat accompanying the drums. Well Akenataa, I don't know about that as I still think it's a great album.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. YANTOMADIA
2. DJIRIMOKO
3. BOLONDA
4. BAMA
5. KOLA BAMKO
6. NOUMOUNAKALOU
N'NAN DIAKITE ( Na Diakite ) SAN FINNE 158 TC £ 0.00
Made in 1994 for Studio Kip K7. The opening track sounded a little strange as N'nan's microphone had an echo to it but the backing singers, her neices Ramata, Tata and Kadia Diakite didn't. Her rough almost gravely voice contrasts with the sweet backing vocals of the soon to be famous Ramata Diakite and her two cousins.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SANFINE
2. NGNALE
3. DOUNIAN
4. DIAMADOBA
5. DENAFOUFE
6. DELILE
7. NDENKELEN
8. KAMALEN
ORCHESTRE RAIL BAND DE BAMAKO ORCHESTRE RAIL BAND DE BAMAKO BM30L2606 LP £ 0.00
From the opening seconds its easy to see why the band have become so popular and famous. Wonderful percussion driven music with great vocals and some super brass sounds combine to make this a must have album. ( F.T.Index: Rail Band, Koro Koni, Gansan Na, Mali Cebalenw, Sunjata. ) [5T/49M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
ORCHESTRE REGIONAL DE KAYES BEST OF THE 1st BIENNALE 1970 BM30L2604 LP £ 0.00
This LP represents the Orchestra's only recording - on the excellent Barenreiter-Musicaphon series. It is a travesty that with the exception of a few tracks on the double-CD 'Musiques du Mali vols 1 & 2' these seminal LPs have never been released on CD. They represent some of the finest modern music to have been recorded in West Africa. The Kayes Orchestra were particularly outstanding, with arresting, searing guitar solos performed in classic Mande songs such as Duga and Malisajo. This information on Orchestre Regional de Keyes has been taken from the Radio Africa webpage. Both record and cover as NEW.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SANJINA
2. KAYI
3. KANYUMAN
4. DUGA
5. MALISAJO
6. TERENA
7. BADAGE
ORCHESTRE REGIONAL DE SEGOU BEST OF THE 1st BIENNALE 1970 BM30L2601 LP £ 0.00
Magic as the 13 piece orchestra of Segou bounces in with the modern sound of Korodogo. Next come the more traditionally styled Da Monzon and Lefenin with the horns taking turns with the singers. The stylish but sad sounding Batumanbe is soon left behind by the fast paced and happy sound of Sabu Man Dogo. Finally finishing off with the beautifully played Mali gundo. If you like horns over simple malian percussion and even simple songs then this is it. ( F.T.Index: Korodogo, Da Monzon, Lefenin, Batumanbe, Sabu Man Dogo, Mali Gundo. ) [6T/41M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KORODOGO
2. DA MONZON
3. LEFENIN
4. BATUMANBE
5. SABU MAN DOGO
6. MALI GUNDO
ORCHESTRE REGIONAL DE SIKASSO BEST OF THE 1st BIENNALE 1970 BM30L2603 LP £ 0.00
Loved it even if the first track is a recitation. Having said that, its wonderful as the music tinkles along in the background while the arresting voice of the speaker keeps you glued to his story. The canned cheering was probably great stuff back in 1970 but it does make you jump when it spontaniously erupts out of nowhere. Then its hot foot to the dance floor with the superb Mali Senekelaw and once you've settled into the swinging rhythm the vocals will take over big time. Nafarima is next and very nice but Batuta Mori with its trinkling guitar play and smooth vocals is a fitting finale especially when it shifts up a gear. ( F.T.Index: Recital, Mali Senekelaw, Nafarima, Batuta Mori. ) [4T/50M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
OUMAR KOITA BAMBE KA SO SAM3 TC £ 6.50
Oumar is one of the rising stars of Mali, here with his new album. While reggae is the style of music he is best known for, his inovative mixing of it with Manding music has produced a hybrid of exceptional beauty
OUMOU SANGARE BI FURU ( KO SIRA ) BI FURU TC £ 25.00
1. KAINI WURA
2. KO SIRA
3. DUGU KAMALEN BA
4. NAWO NAWO
5. SIGI KURUNI
6. MANI JIN DALA
7. BI FURU
8. SAA MAGNI
OUMOU SANGARE LABAN 4294 TC £ 0.00
New release from Oumou which while not quite traditional is very nicely roots orientated with some lovely traditional flute playing, calabash percussion and of course that beautiful voice. However those of you looking for a more modern side will love the up tempo beat and the magic guitar playing that goes hand in hand with the catchy vocals of Oumou and her girls. (F.T.Index: Ya La, Sina, Magnumako, Been, My Yetima, Malado, Laban, Tcheou, Wa Yeina, Ne Bife.) [10T/47M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
OUMOU SANGARE MOUSSOLOU SYL83103 TC £ 12.00
OUMOU SANGARE MUSSOWLA DIALA 5097 TC £ 0.00


ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
OUMOU SANGARE WOROTAN WCD045 CD £ 0.00
A Wassoulou wonder that topped the World music Charts for months when it was released. In Europe it grabbed first place on the radio world music 'Most played list' for the whole of 1996. This is Mali's most celebrated female singer's third album and mixes traditional with exquisite ballads. Oumou and her band are joined by sax player Pee Wee Ellis who's horn line-up with Winston Rollins and Greame Hamilton was arranged by James Brown and Van Morrison. Also released as 8 track tape 'Den' without tracks 'Sabu' and the traditional 'Kun Fe Ko'. (F.T.Index: N'guatu, Djorolen, N'diya Ni, Den, Sabu, Kun Fe Ko, Baba, Worotan, Tiebaw, Fantan Ni Mone. [10T/59M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KUN FE KO
2. N'GUATU
3. BABA
4. WOROTAN
5. DENW
6. N'DIYA NI
7. TIEBAW
8. SABU
9. FANTAN NI MONE
10. DJOROLEN
OUMOU SINAYOGO NAWO NAWO EMK7003 TC £ 15.00
A beautiful album that mixes traditional sounds and styles with those of modern 'Wassoulou' to great effect. Oumou's soft yet razor-sharp vocals are lovely to listen to but I found that it was the jazzy backing guitar of Mamadou Bah Traore that kept grabbing my attention, wonderful stuff. Talking of Traore's this is definitely a family get together with Ousmane on chorus, Boubacar on n'goni, Abdramane on balafon, Ibrahima on Djembe and Madou Bah doing the arranging! It doesn't say who's playing the flute but Sibiri Sanou and Kadia Diakite provide the backing vocals on this gorgeous album which was released in 1993. [6T/28M] 1. NAWO NAWO
2. NABA YE TABAYE
3. TIELASSIKI DIORO
4. DIANANA
5. BANAN
6. AYE NOUMOU
OUSMANE BAKHAGA DEMOCRATIE KIP005 TC £ 15.00
PAPUS DIARRA PEKELE IC0996 TC £ 0.00
I wasn't over impressed by the first three tracks but on the others the gruff voiced Papus and his shrill chorus girls are wonderfully offset by Pape Noir and Diamou Traore's guitar play while the dbembe's pound out the beat. A bit rough round the edges but that is more than made up for by the music. The title track gets a second unlisted play in a slightly different recording at the end. Although made in 1996 track 6 definitely had echoes of Zani Diabate. [7T/31M ]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MAMA
2. DOMBA LAFILY
3. AMADOU SIMAGA
4. PEKELE
5. KOROLEN
6. N'GNAGARAN FOLY
7. PEKELE
RAIL BAND BELLE EPOQUE VOLUME 1: SOUNDIATA STCD3033-34 CDx2 £ 13.50
A slice of history - 2 CDs that take you back to a time when, as the liner notes put it: 'a penniless Salif Keita was still plucking his old Chinese guitar under a tree, forlorn and desperate, lamenting the human condition .' includes the earliest recordings of Salif Keita and Mory Kante - singers that went on revolutionize African music in the West vol. 1 of three double CDs that tell the story - from 1970 to 1983 - of a band that can truly proclaim its greatness compiled by Ibrahim Sylla; legendary producer, entrepreneur and man who knows this music like no other - he was there! full-colour, 20-page booklet with notes detailing the history of the band plus full-page reproductions of the original album covers. CD1
1. SOUNDIATA, L'EXIL (FEAT. MORY KANTE, 1975)
2. MALIYO (FEAT. LANFIA DIABATE, 1982)
3. SUNJATA (FEAT: SALIF KEITA, 1970)
4. ARMEE MALI (VAR. VOX 1973)
CD2
1. DUGA (FEAT. MAGAN GANESSY 1975)
2. MALI CEBALENW (FEAT. SALIF KEITA, 1968)
3. ARMEE MALIENNE (FEAT. MORY KANTE, 1974)
4. FANKANTE DANKELE (FEAT. MAGAN GANESSY, 1974)
5. ARMEE MALI (FEAT. TATINE DEMBELE 1973)
6. SOUNDJATA (FEAT. SALIF KEITA, 1972)
7. MALI TEBAGA MOGOMA (FEAT. SALIF KEITA, 1972)
RAIL BAND BELLE EPOQUE VOLUME 2: MANSA STCD3039-40 CDx2 £ 13.50
Following on from their earlier, critically-acclaimed 'Belle Epoque - Vol. 1: Soundiata', with Vol. 2. Sterns go much deeper. Not least into the 11 minutes 56 seconds epic title track 'Mansa' featuring Mory Kante, or the formidable 'Kaira' which showcases Djelimady Sissoko, a singer critical to the Rail Band's story, but one who has rarely received the attention he deserves. Because – even though it was the proving ground for singers the stature of Salif Keita and Mory Kante – the story of the Rail Band has never been the story of just one member. Nor is it a story of a band with just one style: the great rolling, savannah rhythms are still here, as well as the beautifully hypnotic progressions that give the music of this region so much power even today. But in their residency in the hotel by the railway station, where 'a motley crew of businessmen… French and Chinese, Lebanese and German, Russians and Arabs' rubbed shoulders with the locals and 'the nightlife was bubbling', more than a few pan-African influences crept in, and on this album we find the Rail Band's marvellous interpretation of, for example, Fela's 'Afrobeat' on 'Dugu Kamaleba' or, on 'Konowale', of Congolese rumba guitar. The Rail Band truly was greater than the sum of its parts… and its parts were the best! CD1
1. RAIL BAND - SALIF KEITA
2. MANSA - MORY KANTE
3. FINZA - MAGAN GANESSY
4. DEMBA - DJELIMADY SISSOKO
5. KANKOUN - SALIF KEITA
6. KONOWALE - SEKOU KANTE
7. BALAKONONIFING - MORY KANTE
8. DUGU KAMALEBA - MORY KANTE
9. MAMOBO - MAGAN GANESSY
CD2
1. KORO KONI - SALIF KEITA
2. KAIRA - DJELIMADY SISSOKO
3. TIE DIUGUYA - DJELIMADY SISSOKO
4. DIOULA - MAGAN GANESSY
5. TIRAMAKAN - SALIF KEITA
6. LANSENY - MORY KANTE
7. GNAGNA - LANFIA DIABATE
8. MAMADOU BOUTIQUI - MORY KANTE
9. GANSANA - SALIF KEITA
RAIL BAND BELLE EPOQUE VOLUME 3: DIOBA STCD3043-44 CDx2 £ 13.50
Following on again from 'Belle Epoque - Vol. 1: and Vol. 2. this is the final piece in the anarchic jigsaw that is the story - as told by world-renowned producer and entrepreneur, Ibrahim Sylla – of Mali’s legendary Rail Band. Once again we have the soaring guitars, impassioned vocals and long, compelling workouts such as “Wale Numa Lombaliya”, that were a trademark of this group. And again, in songs such as the chugging locomotive that is “Sinsimba”, we hear the powerful impact that Fela’s Afropop had throughout West Africa. CD1
1. BEDIANOMOGO - SEKOU KANTE
2. SINSIMBA - MORY KANTE
3. KADIA KANDIAN - MAGAN GANE
4. WALE NUMA LOMBALIYA - MORY KANTE
5. DIBY - SEKOU KOUYATE
6 MAKI - SALIF KEITA
7. DJAMBAN - MAGAN GANESSY
8. MADY GUINDO - MAGAN GANESS
9. DEN NADIYA - MORY KANTE
CD2
1. KIBARU - MAGAN GANESSY
2. MARIBA YASSA - MORY KANTE
3. DIOBA - MAGAN GANESSY
4. TIDIANE KONE - DJELIMADY SISSOKO
5. DIABATE - LANFIA DIABATE
6. FOLIBA - SEKOU KANTE
7. SOYOMBA - SALIF KEITA
8. KARITEA - MORY KANTE
9. JURUKAN - MORY KANTE
10. TALASSA - LANFIA DIABATE
RAIL BAND MELODIAS DU MALI KLP1043 LP £ 0.00
The Rail band on top form with five superb tracks which includes on the final track the voice of Fanta Damba. Tracks : Soundiata, Mali Tebaga Mogoma, Maki, Armee Malienne Chant Fanta Damba and le Rail Band.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
RAIL BAND MELODIAS RAIL BAND DU MALI KLP1040 LP £ 0.00


ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
RAIL BAND MORY KANTE AND SALIF KEITA CDS7051 CD £ 0.00
RAIL BAND SALIF KEITA AND MORY KANTE 38750-2 CD £ 0.00
RAIL BAND WITH MORY KANTE WALE NUMA LOMBALIYA SYL8378LP LP £ 20.00
A classic album first issued in 1977 and re-issued in 1989 with the Rail Band for the most part playing their distinctive Cuban style music to Mory Kante's lead vocals. However it's the stunning Mandingo sound of 'Sinsimba' that is really the scene stealer. Smashing album, classic throughout. Cover has some tiny scuffs on the top edge and bottom LH front, otherwise as NEW. Record played twice from new. Second time to get the sound clips for tracks 2, 3 and 4.. 1. WALE LOMBALIYA
2. TIE DIUGUYA
3. SINSIMBA
4. BALAKONONFING
RAMATA DIAKITE ARTISTES CK7212 TC £ 30.00
A lovely modern first album from singer Ramata who's strong and slightly raspy vocals dominate throughout. The girls who make up the sweet sounding chorus sing like a charm and they are in turn perfectly complimented by the colourfully played guitars simply backed by keyboard and drums. Although there aren't any traditional instruments being played the guitars imitating the kora style manage to retain the rootsy sound of traditional music. ( F.T.Index: N'feko, Nale, Artistes, Sigui Sele, Dia Nanele, Kobe Djigui, Diby, Mala Dounyala. ) [8T/43M] For some unknown reason Camara has changed her name on the tape to Ramatou and also added an eighth track which doesn't appear on the original cassette by Samassa. 1. ARTISTES
2. NALE
3. N'FEKO
4. SIGUI SELE
5. DIBY
6. MALA DOUNYALA
7. KOBE DJIGUI
8. DIA NANELE
RAMATA DIAKITE DJONYA CK7543 TC £ 0.00
A beautiful album from the late great Ramata who sadly passed away on 30/10/09 in Burkina Faso. This album was released in 2003 on the Camara label. Like many of Camara's tapes this one had tracks in the wrong place. 1-7 is side 2 and 8-13 is side 1. No point in telling you how good the music is - click on the tracks and be amazed.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NA FARMA
2. DJONYA
3. YALAMBALI
4. A MA TIEN
5. KANA KASSI
6. DJINA NAKAN
7. J.N.V.
8. MISSION
9. AN GA GOGNON MINE
10. FAMA
11. WASSOLON
12. AN KIRA
13. SIGUI GUELEMAN
RAMATA DIAKITE I DANSE FT010 TC £ 0.00
Brilliant in all departments and I just loved the final track.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NOUMOUYA
2. LEROULE
3. DERI FARAMANDI
4. NYUMA KELA
5. I DANSE
6. YIN NI FYIE
7. N'DIALE
8. POULO
9. N'TANA
10. N'TERY
RAMATA DIAKITE MABAN CK7702 TC £ 0.00
Modern Mali at its best with this superb album from the late great Ramata Diakite. Traditional styling with a modern beat is rather nice but on Maban I could swear it was a touch of Cream or the Blues Breakers. Trying to track down information about the artists playing on the album proved very confusing. This album was released in 2003 but a CD album called Maba was released in the U.S.A. with the same cover picture but a totally different set of tracks in 2006. If anybody out there knows what is going on then please let me know.

Thanks to Arturo in the Canary Islands for this:
Maba is a failed album, the friends of Ramata tried to make a World Music best seller but they made an album without soul, something is saved thanks to Ramata. They did not even know how to write the titles correctly, and the 'photo' of Ramata is a shame.
Having kindly sent me MP3's of the tracks I can tell you Arturo wasn't kidding.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SIGUI
2. DJANDJO
3. YAFA
4. SIRADO DENW
5. NIANGRAN
6. DJELI MADOU
7. MABAN
8. SOUTE MONNAI BO
9. DINIALE
10. SEGUELE
11. HE HA HE
12. AN KA TA MAIRIBA
RAMATA DIAKITE NA 09291-2 CD £ 15.00
Superb second album from the late Ramata who packed power and fireworks like Nahawa Doumbia. She died too young and will be sadly missed. You can have too much of a good thing and that is why this album only got 6 out of 10 tracks in to my computer juke box. BRILLIANT.[10T/49M]

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. AYE YAFAMA
2. DASSE
3. DIBI
4. MOGOBALOU
5. NAMA
6. SABA
7. SINA MOUSSO
8. AMADOU
9. SONTE SARAMALA
10. NA
ROKIA TRAORE BOWMBOI LBLC2594 CD £ 0.00
ROKIA TRAORE MOUNEISSA LBLC2524 CD £ 0.00


ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
ROKIA TRAORE WANITA LBLC2574 CD £ 0.00
FROOTS album of the year 2000 winner of the critics poll.
RONCHI TANKO VOLUME I URT TC £ 40.00
Usmane Ronchi Tanko and his group play music the like of which I've never heard before and I'll bet that when you hear it you'll be as stumped and as stunned as I was. Traditional percussion and rhythms form the base to the stunningly beautiful music that get faster as the songs go on. Backed up by some gorgeous flute playing and tinkling percussion plus the super singing of Ronchi and his band, ten seconds into the first track and I was hopelessly hooked on this marvelous music. The recording was done by Usmane himself. STUNNING. He doesn't seem to be mentioned anywhere else on the web so if anybody out there has any info on him or his music I'd love to hear from you.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BAKON GIDANA
2. SO NAA KA
3. BANCHE BA
4. BAMBARI
5. BAKOMI
6. MEI KIRKI
S.S. ROUGEOT LA DI LI KAN ( VOL. 2 ) LA DI TC £ 10.00
Really lovely singing from Rougeot and his chorus girls with some very nice and unobtrusive keyboards and guitaring providing the backing instead of traditional instruments. Usually the keyboard sounds on any Wassoulou album are its death-knell but here they have for once got it just right. It might be a little less on time than most tapes so I've also shortened the price to match. As with nearly every Maikano release it is it well worth getting a copy. Its a little beaut. (F.T.Index: Gawa Tie, La Di Li Kan, Mousso Nani Fourou, Bi De Ou. ) [4T/22M]
S.S. ROUGEOT LES MARTYRS ( VOL. 1 ) 1075 TC £ 10.00
SABOU DORINTHIE WAYAINA WAYAINA TC £ 0.00
Soft swaying rhythms with flashes of glittering guitar and punctuated by rolling drums and the occasional melodic sound of trumpet and sax. It sounds interesting on paper but it sounds wonderful on tape! Sabou has one of those lovely warm and rich voices that simply floats along with the music in a timeless and effortless way. Helping with the backing is Malian Superstar Djeneba Seck and her friend Assa Drame, they're just great on 'Wayaina'. Mama Cissoko's guitar solos and Maha's keyboards coupled with the sax and trumpet of Fode and Yatt brought back memories of the Mali jazz sound of Super Biton and in fact Sabou thanks them for their help in the inlay notes. A lovely album that was released back in 1995. (F.T.Index: Wayaina, Djiri Diarra, Musso Massiri, Gna Wotche, Ladilikan, Dimi. ) [6T/28M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. WAYAINA
2. MUSSO MASSIRI
3. DJIRI DIARRA
4. DIMI
5. GNA WOTCHE
6. LADILIKAN
SACHETS KENEYADJI WOLO BA MOUSSOLOU WOLO TC £ 25.00
Unusual album in that of the two girls who front the group, one is white. The title track with its softly played flute sounds a bit mournful but it soon picks up when the drummer goes loony on the next track! After that its a case of 'what the hell's coming next' and there are plenty of surprises to come. The music is based on the traditional sounds of Mali with drums, n'goni, flute and balafon as the main instruments but it doesn't fall into any definite slot except that it is all flippin gorgeous. What I particularly liked was the way the drummers climaxed somewhat in the style of Super Biton - 'The faster, the better' - Lovely. A REAL TREASURE. (F.T.Index: Sindji Be De Sania, Sokonodji Magni, Bolo Ty Kagni, Keneya Dji (2).) [8T/33M]
SADIO DIABATE DJOUBA KAMALE SYL8365 TC £ 30.00
SAFI DIAWARA TJEOU MAGNI EMK7002 TC £ 30.00
Lovely album of modern Wassoulou music from top singer Safi and her group. The pace is quite fast and the drummer and guitarist have a great time, especially on Djiguiba where Safi takes a break and lets them get on with it. I've not seen any other albums by her although I have noticed her in the chorus of a few, this is probably her first solo album but it won't be her last, that's for sure. (F.T.Index: Tjeou magni. Djougouyamagni, Djama Djama, Djiguiba. ) [6T/33M]
SALI SIDIBE BAMAN SYL83161 TC £ 30.00
Tracks: Baman, Ne Ma Nin Me, Diaby, Tie Na Ka Baramousso, Gnouman Ke La, Blon.
SALI SIDIBE FROM TIMBUKTU TO GAO SHAN65011 TC £ 6.50
This album is the US release of Malian cassette N'Daya International. Tracks: Yacouba Sylla, N'daya International, Muso Nyebaio, Sidikile, Fote Ma Ban, Maliden Nyuman.
SALI SIDIBE NAKA GNAMI BBK001 TC £ 15.00
The Black Pearl of the Wassoulou strikes again with a sumptuous feast of Balafon, Violin, Jembe, Guitar, N'goni and Tambour to back her amazing vocals. The chorus line of Niame and Sanata Doumbia enhance the beauty of her singing to reach new heights of pure pleasure. Instrumentally: SUPERB. Vocally: INCREDIBLE. Tracks: Naka Gnami, Djema, Dia Bana, Dunia Manyi, Faso Baara, Suruku Ninama.
SALI SIDIBE TOUNKAN MAGNI SYL8362 TC £ 0.00
A bit of a strange opening with the title track having a couple of instances where what sounds like electronic feedback becomes part of the throbbing musical backing. The rest of the album is pretty much standard Wassoulou sound though. The Djen Magni here is the original Malien version not the Sterns released English version.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. TOUNKAN MAGNI
2. NTANAN
3. DIABY
4. SANTANA
5. YAN KADI
6. DJEN MAGNI
SALI SIDIBE WALE GNOUMA DON KBK910 TC £ 0.00
It's1990 and super singer Salimata is back with another wonderfull album. Features N'goni, Violon, N'bolon, Djembe,Balafon and some lovely Flute plus great backing chorus from Aminata Diabate and Fatim Sissoko. Unlike her previous albums where her voice took precedence this album is outstanding as the music comes to the fore with some lovely little solo's from the musicians involved. Definitely her best album and musically outstanding. Tracks: Wale Gnouma Don, Kolola, Musee, Armee, Douga Diabira, Wassolon Foli.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. WALE GNOUMA DON
2. KOLOLA
3. MUSEE
4. ARMEE
5. DOUGA DIABIRA
6. WASSOLON FOLI
SALI SIDIBE FARABA NOUMOUSSO. VOLUME 1 SHAKARA TC £ 10.00
(29M)

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NOUMOUSSO
2. KODOUMAN KOROBALI TE
3. DOUKA NI YALA
4. SOLE KON NON
5. DJINADE BOLE
6. SIGUI NADE
SALIF KEITA AMEN 559910 TC £ 0.00
SALIF KEITA FOLON....THE PAST 5241492 CD £ 0.00
Superb set of tracks plus the evergreen 'Mandjou'
SALIF KEITA FOLON....THE PAST CIDM1108 CD £ 0.00
Superb set of tracks plus the evergreen 'Mandjou'
SALIF KEITA KO-YAN 9836 TC £ 0.00
SALIF KEITA KO-YAN (1982) PALMCD2119-2 CD £ 0.00
SALIF KEITA MAMA MAMA TC £ 20.00
The long awaited new Salif Keita album has been well worth waiting for. Musically it is every inch a perfect westernised production which relies on smoothly played guitars, soft but solid drumming and keyboard. However the vocals are the thing that really make this a great album. Salif himself is on top form and turns in a very well crafted performance, which while not as piercing as on his big hit 'Soro', retains that unmistakable modern Malian sound that only Salif seems capable of achieving. The chorus singers are great as well and I have no doubts about recommending this album. ( F.T.Index: Bonda, Bolon, Mama, Papa, Ananamin, Abede, Sada, Tomorrow - Sadio. ) [8T/45M]

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED.
1. BOLON
2. MAMA
3. ANANAMIN
4. SADA
5. BONDA
6. TOMORROW - SADIO
7. ABEDE
8. PAPA
SALIF KEITA MOFFOU 016906-2 CD £ 0.00
New release from Salif that is absolutely stunning. (10T/60M) Track:Madan
SALIF KEITA SIRGA SIRGA TC £ 0.00
This album was ultra rare as the music came from the soundtrack to the film L’Enfant Lion. It was released only in Mali for the charity S.O.S. Albinos. Wonderful mixture from Super Star Salif. On three of the tracks his haunting vocals and that of the girls in the chorus reminded me of 'Soro' but without the hi-tec sounds, just drums and kora. However the third, fifth and sixth tracks probably owe their source more to 'Amen' being simple and atmospheric both vocally and musically. (F.T.Index: NiSanoubabife, Djembe, Cherie,) [6T/36M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NI SANOUBABIFE
2. DJEMBE
3. BEES
4. CHERIE
5. IGNEDJITE
6. SAMA
SALIF KEITA SORO STCD1020 CD £ 0.00
SALIF KEITA SORO STERNS1020 LP £ 6.50
SALIF KEITA THE LOST ALBUM 790003026 CD £ 0.00
I found this review by Antony D. O'dowd "Brutus" on Amazon and think it is spot on...... I am a big Salif Keita fan, and have been for a while now. Over the last ten years I have been tracking down the old "lost" stuff - some of which is pretty hard to get. So it is nice that this album is finally available without having to mortgage your house. But it is worth putting this release into perspective. This album is a gentle, acoustic set, but rather thinly recorded, and which shows neither Salif Keita nor Kante Manfila to their best advantage. Most of what is on here has been redone better elsewhere, with better sound. And one can see why it was not broadly released in the first place. I like this sort of stuff, so I have given it a good rating, but it is really not in the stone cold classic category of the great Salif albums like "Mouffou" or "Soro" or "Amen" or "Folon". For those who have heard the Les Ambassadeurs or the Hot Rail Band albums, it is pretty similar. Salif sings his heart out as usual, and the music is lilting, hypnotic and melodic, but it sounds like a demo. There is some especially lovely playing on "Nakana" and moving and soulful singing on "Toura Makan" and "Wara", for those wanting to investigate. But basically this is for fans only. It is not the "lost masterpiece" that is being claimed. 1. I DJO FAMA
2. FINZAMBA
3. TOURA MAKAN
4. DJIGUI
5. NAKANA
6. WARA
SALIF KEITA THE MANSA OF MALI - A RETROSPECTIVE 5220752 CD £ 0.00
SALIF KEITA THE MANSA OF MALI - A RETROSPECTIVE 539937 TC £ 0.00
SALIF KEITA - KANTE MANFILA - AMBASSADEURS TOUNKAN CEL6717 LP £ 15.00
Released way back in 1981. Absolute classic and played only a couple of times in the last 30+ years. The last time to add the sound clips of the first two tracks. Record and sleeve as NEW. 1. TOUNKAN
2. DJATA
3. KANLELENTI
4. TOUBAKA 81
SALIF KEITA AND AMBASSADEURS 69-80 (RE-ISSUE COMPILATION) CDS9112 CD £ 0.00
SALIF KEITA AND AMBASSADEURS BITHIELOULE EB0024 TC £ 10.00
If you bought the Rounder 5053 album you will have the track 'Sali' which is one of the three tracks on this 25 minute tape. The other two, 'Bithieloule' and 'Kankelen-Tigui' were also recorded in the early 70's and have only just surfaced from obscurity and released here in 1990. All three are supreme examples of the early laid back Cuban style of that period. Salif's vocals are outstandingly beautiful while the guitars are sweetness itself. In fact this album is absolutely gorgeous from start to finish. ESSENTIAL.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BITHIELOULE
2. SALY
3. KANKELEN - TIGUI
SALIF KEITA AND AMBASSADEURS SEYDOU BATHILY CDS7004 CD £ 0.00
SARAN ET TATA WARY BE MOGO SANIA MAI1073 TC £ 15.00
It's an absolutely gorgeous album but it wasn't until I read the inlay that I realized why. Dibe Saran and Tata Diakite are fronting Amadou Bah Traore and L'Orchestre Farafina Lolo, which should ring a few bells with those who bought the stunning Djeneba Diakite albums a few years ago. Released way back in 1992 the traditional ensemble is led by wonderful guitarist Amadou and includes balafon, kamale n'goni and flute among the other players. The girls lovely singing is in perfect harmony and for a first album it's a smasher even if the studio did cut off one of the tracks rather than fading it out! Loved the flute playing. (F.T.Index: Djembe Bara, Iti Dia, Tandi M'bama, Ibi Dja.) [6T/28M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. ITI DIA
2. FRANCIS WARI
3. DJEMBE BARA
4. IBI DJA
5. TANDI M'BAMA
6. DERI
SEKOU BATOUROU KOUYATE MAMAYA MAMAYA TC £ 15.00
Released way back in 1976 this album remains to this day an outstanding example of traditional Kora playing. No vocals, no accompaniment, just pure Kora plucked by the hands of Mali's greatest exponent of the instrument. The sweet notes of the melody cascade over deeper rhythmic notes in an ever changing pattern both serene and intriguing in its simplicity and beauty. PURE CLASSIC.
SEKOU KOUYATE DIAGNEBA KBK906 TC £ 10.00
Sekou is a specialist in Manding music and comes from Mali although now resident in the Ivory Coast. A whole clutch of Kouyate's make this album look like a family outing, Sekou on lead vocals and guitar, Doussou on chorus, Lassana on balafon, Mamaye on ngoni and last but not least Djely Moussa on guitar. Gorgeous music and singing which was recorded in Paris at Studio Harryson. The original Mali stars album was released in 1990 by Syllart and this cassette was released in Africa by EMI who produced it for Samassa Records.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DIAGNEBA
2. HOMMAGE A JEAN-MARIE KONE
3. SINIGNE SIGUI
4. YAYI
5. KELEYA KELE
6. SADA
7. FAGNON DIARRA
8. ALASSANE
SEKOU KOUYATE DIAGNEBA (MALI STARS) 38106-2 CD £ 20.00
Sekou is a specialist in Manding music and comes from Mali although now resident in the Ivory Coast. A whole clutch of Kouyate's make this album look like a family outing, Sekou on lead vocals and guitar, Doussou on chorus, Lassana on balafon, Mamaye on ngoni and last but not least Djely Moussa on guitar. Gorgeous music and singing which was recorded in Paris at Studio Harryson. This the original Mali Stars album was released in 1990 by Syllart and has been available as a download for many years. But beware as on every download I have seen track 6 Sada is suddenly cut short at 6 minutes 3 seconds whereas Sada on this CD finishes normally at 6 mins 57 secs, almost a minute longer. 1. DIAGNEBA
2. HOMMAGE A JEAN-MARIE KONE
3. SINIGNE SIGUI
4. ALASSANE
5. KELEYA KELE
6. SADA
7. FANION DIARRA
8. YAYI
SEKOU KOUYATE FASSAN DIARABY CDS9153 CD £ 0.00
SEKOU KOUYATE KOULIORO 2003918 CD £ 0.00
Sekou's latest album follows in the same rootsy Manding music style as his previous album 'Diagneba'. Sekou is again on lead vocals plus solo guitar and n'goni, Mama Assitan Keita and Mama Tounkara provide the sweet chorus, Djely Moussa Youyate and Bakaroba Keita are on guitar accompaniment and Jean Philip Rykel once again helps with keyboard, flute and traditional violin. Gorgeous music and singing throughout. Was originally released on cassette CK7272 as ROULIORO then licenced to Dakar Sound who have added two extra track versions with guitar from Sekou Bembeya Diabate and Jazz guitarist Jan Kuiper. [10T/55M]
SEKOU KOUYATE ROULIKORO CK7272 TC £ 10.00
In 1994 I had Sekou's album 'Diagneba' in stock which you may remember featured most of the Kouyate family and was a big hit across West Africa. This is his latest album and follows in that same rootsy Manding music style. Sekou is once again on lead vocals plus solo guitar and n'goni, Mama Assitan Keita and Mama Tounkara provide the sweet chorus, Djely Moussa Youyate and Bakaroba Keita are on guitar accompaniment and Jean Philip Rykel once again helps with keyboard, flute and traditional violin. Gorgeous music and singing throughout. [8T/44M] 1. ROULIKORO
2. HAWA
3. TAMA
4. AMIBIS
5. TIKENON
6. MASSASYW
7. THIEKA MUSSUKOURAKO
8. SONINKO
SIBIRI SAMAKE VOLUME I AA010 TC £ 0.00
Sibiri Samake et les chasseurs de la commmune IV as the full title reads. This tape should carry a health warning about track one. The music is very quiet and you tend to turn it up even if Sibiri's vocals are a bit loud - DON'T. Sibiri and 'The Hunters of Commune Four' play totally ethnic music on all the instruments shown on the cover, including the flipping shotgun! Simple percussion in the form of a karignan or scraper bell and ngoni, a home made forerunner of the kora provide the music to this live recording of call and response Manding hunting songs from the open savanahs of Mali. They only play music for six months of the year as they all go hunting in the summer. If you're interested in ethnic music this and Volume 2 are a must. If you just want to scare the hell out of somebody, send them a copy. Originally issued in 1991 by Mali K4 this album was later issued on CD by Buda Music. See Volume 2 for more information.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. COMAGNANA
2. DJINE MOSSO
3. BOLANTERI
4. N'BRASSA
5. BAKOROBA
6. DOUNAMI
SIBIRI SAMAKE VOLUME II AA017 TC £ 0.00
Sibiri Samake et les chasseurs de la commmune IV as the full title reads. Much the same as Volume 1 but without the trigger happy shotgun player. No inlay notes with Volume 1 but Volume 2 lists singer and N'goni by Sibiri Samake. Response singer and Karignan by Adama Samake and Karignan by Yaya Samake. Recorded in 1990 at Sebenikoro by Jacques Launay. Produced By Philippe Berthier with help from Thierry Sarlin at Studio Oubien in Bamako. Like Volume 1 it was also issued in 1991 by Mali K4 but strangely there was no re-release on CD for this album.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. GNITIGUI
2. DOUNOUNI
3. DAN KOROBA
4. TANANI
SOLOMANI SIDIBE KURUNI DMC09631-003 TC £ 0.00
Talented singer and n'goni player Solomani is accompanied by his band 'Les Wele Wele Kan Du Wassolo', what a lovely name for a band! The chorus girls, Hama Cissoko and Djeneba Diallo are really great however Baina Koita on lead guitar steals the show whenever he gets the chance. While traditional singing, strings and percussion make the running, in the background is some modern and very inovative electric guitar, played somewhat Malian Blues style which is not only intriguing but also very beautiful to listen to. (F.T.Index: Buru Kumana, Mali Mousso, Juruni.)

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KURUNI
2. MALI MOUSSO
3. DUNIGNANI
4. JURUNI
5. BURU KUMANA
6. BLANCHE
SORIBA KOUYATE KANAKASSI ACT9272-2 CD £ 0.00
Kora player Soriba plays a stunningly beautiful set of tracks both modern and traditional with help from a top notch band of French musicians.Recorded in France in 98 it's gorgeous all the way. [13T/70M]
SORRY BAMBA HAMDALLAYE CDS6844 CD £ 12.00
Sorry produced his third album Sorry Bamba Du Mali in 1979 shortly after moving to Paris. However it wasn't until sixteen years later 1995 that he made this his next album, Hamdallaye. He said it was only a demo, but he had to release something to avoid dropping into utter obscurity. A good job he did release it as you can hear from the clips he has lost nothing of his artistry during that time. CD condition as new. 1. MAGAMAMBA
2. MALI-BALLON
3. SAMBE-SAMBE
4. TEGUERE-TOULON
5. THE WARI
6. PALAN-PALAN
7. HAMDALLAYE
8. FOUROU
SORRY BAMBA SIGUI 160195 TC £ 7.00
1. KONINYA
2. KANUBA
3. MAYEL
4. SIGUI
5. DJAKA
SORRY BAMBA - ORCHESTRE KANAGA DE MOPTI VOLUME 1 1970- 1979 THRILL272 CD £ 0.00
Sorry formed his first band, Group Goumbe, in 1957 having moved from Mali to the Ivory Coast. After Mali gained independence from France in 1960 he began leading some of the state-sponsored regional groups such as L'Orchestre Regional de Mopti, later to become the famous Kanaga de Mopti The group took part in six National Biennials contests and won three times. This CD includes music Sorry made with that regional orchestra and also as a solo artist. 1. YAYOROBA
2. BORO
3. GAMBARI
4. ASTAN KELLY
5. SEKOU AMADOU
6. SAYOUWE
7. POORY
8. AISSE
9. BAYADJOUROU
10. SARE MABO
SOULEY KANTE BANDJOUGOU VOL. 1 159 TC £ 0.00
Recorded at Studio Kip K7 in Bamako and released back in 1995. A beautiful album with the songs rolling along to a solid beat and a quite traditional sound. Plenty of guitar and n'goni from Bayini Koita and Sidibe Benogo but its the chorus girls Tata, Kadia and Ramata who really make it for me. Also in the line-up are Maha on bass clavier and Solomane on djembe. Loved the last track where the speed increases as it gets towards the end.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BANDJOUGOU
2. NAWO NAWO
3. DJIGUI
4. DINGO
5. DIALALA KONON
6. DIAGUA WARRA
SOULEY KANTE FILASSO VOL. 2 SOULEY TC £ 7.50
Nice album with Souley's vocals powering out above the rich backing of the girls and the traditional sounding music. Sorry but no inlay details of who is taking part on this his second album. Having looked it up on Discogs and Google they both come up with a different six track album as shown in the right hand picture. However there was not a trace of this 8 track album but I did manage to find a couple of the tracks on Youtube but no picture. As I got both Vol 1 and Vol 2 at the same time from EMI Mali K7 and the picture of the artist is definitely the same person there is something that doesn't quite add up with the other Vol 2. Can anybody shed any light on this.

Well Kumbi Mansa has shed some light on this: He made three albums with SAMASSA, Vol.1 Bandjougou, Vol.2 Filasso (1997) and Vol.3 Fassiya. Later he switched to Ali Landoure's Jaamanati Productions and released Korolen (2001), Nagnoumanan and Bi Magni in (2003) Shortly after he emigrated to France and released Le Pouce in 2005 produced by Abou Kouyate and Vol.2 Djembeni . Then in 2015 Kalitex released an indeterminate list of songs. (a compilation ?) There are reports in 2020 that he was seriously ill in France and trying to return to Mali.
Thank you Kumbi

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DIAN CHANGERA
2. SAYA KAMALE
3. DEMISSINYA
4. FERI YANLE
5. FILASSO
6. GUEREDE
7. MAMA TOUMANI
8. DON KAN
SOULEYMANE SIDIBE LADILIKAN - VOL. 2 LADILIKAN TC £ 0.00
Souleymane is known as the Prince of Wassalou and you will understand why when you listen to the track samples. Singer, composer and songwriter Souleymane is also credited with playing the Karagnan on the inlay. However the one thing that stands out on the inlay is the girls in the chorus which features Kari Diakite and none other than Ramata Diakite. The Karagnan is a serated metal tube which is rubbed with a metal rod for those that don't know.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. LADILIKAN
2. LOMBALIYA
3. DEBA N'GNOUMA
4. KONON KASSIKAN
5. KAMALEYA
6. ALLAH GNABELA
7. TIE KANWELELA
8. AYALA MINEYE
SUPER BITON BALANDZAN TANLP7008 LP £ 0.00
A superb album from one of Mali's top rated groups which was released back in 1983. Beautiful vocal harmonies which entwine effortlessly with the brass, keyboards, strings and percussion of the laid back music.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SODANSO
2. S.T.I.
3. WARACORO
4. KARA DEMBA
5. FLANI - N'GONI
SUPER BITON BELLE EPOQUE CDS7072 CD £ 0.00
Recorded in the early 70's and re-issued in 88, the band was one of the first to break into the European market with their fast jazzy versions of traditional Bambara tunes. Started originally in 1952 the band travelled widely and won numerous accolades before drifting into relative obscurity in and around their home town of Segou. All six tracks from the Mali Stars album (SYL8356) plus one from the other Mali Stars album (38766-4)
SUPER BITON NYANGARAN FOLI SYL8389 TC £ 6.50
Another early 70's release which has stood the test of time and also been re-issued. Both these albums are superb examples and if you haven't got them in your Malian collection then it is missing a couple of the Classic sounds of this era. 1. NYANGARAN FOLI
2. GARAN
3. BABU
4. SO KARAFE
5. ALIOUNE SISSOKO
SUPER BITON DE SEGOU AFRO JAZZ DU MALI BOL40 LP £ 0.00
Absolute magic from start to finish with gutsy vocals and strident trumpets and sax powering over the various percussion instruments. I thought the first four tracks were great but the group definitely save the best for the last two tracks. I just love that drumming on Bara Musso.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DONGARI
2. BUA - BARO
3. TCHA - TCHO
4. RECOMA
5. BARA MUSSO
6. NIENEMA MINE
SUPER RAIL BAND DU BUFFET HOTEL (INDIGO) 150392-4 TC £ 10.00
This is the album that everybody wanted last year when the CD came out on the Indigo Label. I did manage get a couple but then supplies dried up! However I now have it on tape and what a cracker of an album it is. Powerful vocal harmonies from Damoury Kouyate, Modibo Dibate and Abdoulaye Traore driven by the guitars of Djelimadi Tounkara, Karamoko Kouyate and Fotigui Keita. Add to that a good horn line up with some fast and solid drumming and you've got a super dance band album. 1. DJOUGOUYA MAGNI
2. DERIMAGNI
3. SANANKORO MORIBA
4. DAGNA
5. N'DONIKEGNIBA
6. FOLIKELAOU
7. SOUMBA
8. M'BARIN
9. DYANPAMAGNI
SUPER RAIL BAND MANSA LBLC2520 CD £ 0.00
SUPER RAIL BAND NEW DIMENSIONS IN RAIL CULTURE CDORB001 CD £ 0.00
SUPER RAIL BAND DE BAMAKO KONGO SIGUI LBLC2581 CD £ 0.00
After wowing audiences during the 1970s the Super Rail Band, led by the amazing guitarist Djelimady Tounkara, a BBC 2002 World Music Award winner, is back rejuvenated and revitalized.The pioneers of Manding electric pop in West Africa since 1970, the Super Rail Band are powering their way into the 21st century as living history and one of Afropop's great survival stories.
TAMIKREST CHATMA GBCD007 CD £ 10.00
Tamikrest means crossing in the language of the Kel Tamashek, a traditionally nomadic Saharan people that are commonly referred to as the Tuaregs. Originally hailing from Kidal, in northeast Mali but as a result of the ongoing war, persecution and political collapse most of the band now lives in exile in Algeria. The album is filled with sober reflection, moral indignation, musical experimentation, cultural celebration and the kick of rock and roll. Chatma in Tamashek translates as Sisters and the band have dedicated the album to the courage of the Tuareg women, who have ensured both their children's survival and the morals of their fathers and brothers. The infectious, sing-along rock stylings of Imanin bas zihoun, the acoustic seduction of Adounia tabarat, the Pink Floyd influenced montage Assikal and the lush, melancholy ambiance of the final track Timtar, all woven into the Tuareg musical tradition. Released in 2013 as a 4-panel digisleeve with 16-page booklet of details and lyrics in both English and French.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. TISNANT AN CHATMA
2. IMANIN BAS ZIHOUN
3. ITOUS
4. ACHAKA ACHAIL AYNAIAN DAGHCHILAN
5. DJANEGH ETOUMAST
6. ASSIKAL
7. TOUMAST ANLET
8. TAKMA
9. ADOUNIA TABARAT
10. TIMTAR
TARTIT ABACABOK CRAW34 CD £ 10.00
Nothing is more evocative of the fascinating expanses of the Sahara desert than the music of Tartit, a Tuareg band consisting of five women and four men residing in the Timbuktu region of Mali. Unlike that other renowned Tuareg band, Tinariwen, Tartit play quiet, hypnotic, trance-inducing music. The women sit down, sing, and play cyclic rhythms on their tinde drums, while the men accompany them on string instruments, acoustic and electric. The men are veiled, the women aren't. Tuareg society is one of the few throughout Africa in which women are allowed to choose and divorce their husbands. The album was recorded in the desert by Vincent Kenis, on his mobile studio. Afel Bocoum features on track 5.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. TABEY TARATE
2. ANSARI
3. EHA EHENIA
4. AL JAHALAT
5. ACHACHORE I CHACHARE AKALE
6. CHARGOUBA
7. ASSINAINA
8. TIHOU BEYATENE
9. HOUMEISSA
10. ABACABOK
11. AL AFETE
12. TADSAQ
13. INBAHWA
TARTIT AMANKOR - THE EXILE TUGCD1120 CD £ 10.00
Amankor / The Exile marks the long-awaited return of the iconic guardians of Tuareg music Tartit, whose hypnotic music speaks of the issues of a culture under attack. With heartfelt songs of nostalgia for their homeland, Tartit spread the message of love and peace whilst transporting the listener to the expanses of the Sahara.

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED.
1. AFOUS DAFOUS
2. YAHOYE
3. LEILIYA
4. ASAHARADEN
5. HAOUA
6. AMANKOR
7. TARHANIN
8. AKALINE
9. TAMAT
10. TANMINAK
11. TILIADEN N'ASAHARA
12. EFAGHANE
TATA BAMBO KOUYATE DJELY MOUSSO SYL8360 TC £ 6.00
1. BANGA DIABATE
2. MAH DRAME
3. ALIMA DIAWARA
4. DIADIE DIAWARA
5. NENE SOW
6. FANTA TOURE
TATA BAMBO KOUYATE OURY SOUCKO VOL. 3 SAM077592-4 TC £ 15.00
Powerhouse singer, Tata really gets into the swing of things with this album. Instead of the usual Kora she is accompanied by some beautiful and stylish guitar playing in the kora tradition. Plenty of Balafon backing and simple percussion complete the make up of this wonderful Malian musical outing. A real treasure.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. OURY SOUCKO
2. DJENEBA DIALLO
3. DIA FANTA SAMBOURA
4. MALIKI THIAM
5. OULE MATOU
6. DRISSA BALO
TATA DIAKITE JOLIE JOLIE TC £ 0.00
Wonderful set of tracks released in 1998 from the velvet voiced Tata backed by herself and Ramata Diakite. The guitars of Kalifa Kone with the more traditional N'goni, Keregne, Yabara and Djembe make for some lovely Wassalou music. Her real name was Fatoumata and she was born in 1976 in Madina Diassa and died in Bamako in 2003 after a serious car accident. She first sang in 1990 as a backing vocalist for her elder sister Djeneba. Later she also sang backing for Oumou Sangare, Mamou Sidibe and Issa Bagayogo. In 1993 she dueted with Dibe Saran on the Saran and Tata cassette Wary Be Mogo Samia. [6T/35M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DEN MISSEN
2. KASSI
3. DJIGUI YA
4. N'TANAN NI
5. DJARABI
6. KONO KAN BORA
TAYE (TAI) SAKHO HOMMAGE A SEKHOU SEMEGA DK31 TC £ 0.00
Taye Sacko to give her the spelling used on her other tapes is a superb traditional praise singer. The beautiful music that she sings to comes from the wonderful guitars of Fadiala Diawara - solo, Seky Kougate - bass and Djeli Moussa Kouyate - rhythm and djembe drums. Djeli Makhan Tounkara and Sidy Kouyate play the gorgeous kora like n'goni while the percussionists Brama Dikho Kouyate and Walde Baba Sissokho play doundoumba and tama drums respectively. (F.T.Index: Fatou Kante, Sekhou Semega, Dielia, Siya.) [7T/47M] Please note that there is some faint clicking in the background, unfortunately it is on every cassette.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SANAFELE KEBA DIAKHABY
2. DIELIA
3. FATOU KANTE
4. MERY SAMAKE
5. SEKHOU SEMEGA
6. SIYA
7. MODIBO TANDJI GORA
TAYE SACKO FACOUROU CAMARA VOL. I SAM TC £ 0.00
Traditional music softly and sweetly played on flute, n'goni, balafon and guitar lead you into an ambush set by the absolutely awesome voice of Taye, not to mention her lovely chorus. Beware of using headphones as you might find your ears meeting in the middle as your skull gets crushed by this deadly decibel assault. Taye otherwise known as the Voice of Khasso has got to be one the greatest of all the wassoulou singers and this album with its superb backing music has got to be one of the best albums to ever come out of Mali. TOTALLY GORGEOUS. (F.T.Index: Amissetou Haidara, Facouro Camara, Sekou Semega, Ali Namakry, Ma Balla, Ama Fofana. ) [6T/38M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. FACOUROU CAMARA
2. SEKOU SEMEGA
3. AMISSETOU HAIDARA
4. ALI NAMAKRY
5. AMA FOFANA
6. MA BALLA
TENIN SIDIBE AND YORO DIALLO DOUNYA YE WATTI KIPK7 TC £ 10.00
An fascinating album that combines the vibrant singing of the lovely Tenin with, strangely enough, music usually associated with Manding hunting songs! The resonant sound of the traditional n'goni (Malian Kora) in Yoro's masterful hands easily overshadows the guitar of Bayini Koita whose karignan also provides the rasping jangle of traditional percussion alongside the thump of the djembe. Have a listen when the chorus girls come in, none other than Tata, Kadia and Ramata Diakite. Released 1994. (F.T.Index: N Den Ten Sana, Nanifa, Watole, Kuman, Dakan, Mogoko. ) [6T/36M] Please note that there are two small fades in the first track and a tiny recording fault in the last track on all original cassettes. A bit of Cool Edit or Audition will give you a perfect clean recording as can be heard on my CD-R version.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NANIFA
2. MOGOKO
3. N DEN TEN SANA
4. WATOLE
5. KUMAN
6. DAKAN
TENIN TOUNGARA AUNEE IK005 TC £ 30.00
Accompanied only by traditional instruments such as n'goni, xalam and simple percussion, Tenin's lovely voice dominates the very simple and lovely songs without smothering them in any way. Produced by Idrissa Konate who specialises in traditional music and song, this album is definitely a collectors item. (F.T.Index: Saya Magni, Maya Ye Songaye, Maco Diarra, Aunee.) [6T/56M] 1. AUNEE
2. YEBA
3. KONO BALOBE
4. SAYA MAGNI
5. MAYA YE SONGAYE
6. MACO DIARRA
TENINGNINI DEMBA SARAFO IC1096 TC £ 20.00
Released back in 1994 the song Sarafo is a bambara song sung by the daughter of the legendary Ba Zoumana Sissoko known as - le Vieux Lion. The song was interpreted by her late father and has its roots in Moorish folk music. Sharply sung chorus from Tenin Kouyate, Kadidia, Mamou and Tenin Damba provides the perfect backing to the gravely voiced Teningnini who blasts out on every song. Some lovely guitar from Modibo and Oumar Diabate with Bourama Sissoko providing the bass. Wouldn't be complete without mentioning the tinkling n'goni of Fousseyni Kouyate. A very rare item indeed.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. FALA
2. SARAFO
3. DANA MAN DJUGU
4. MARISO
5. BAMANANDE
6. GARBA MAMA
TENINGNINI DEMBA YIRBAYO OCWLS002 TC £ 0.00
The first thing that hits you on this 1993 release is the sharpness of Teningnini's voice, almost as sharp as her chorus girls in fact. Although Yirbayo was a massive hit in Mali it is Djigunasso and M'baoudi which are my favorite tracks. Both of them are extraordinary and I don't think I've ever come across anything quite like them from Mali before. If that wasn't enough to tempt you then just wait till you hear the guitar playing of Modibo and Oumar Diabate and the n'goni of Madou Kone and Fousseni Kouyate it's brilliant. (F.T.Index: M'baoudi, Djigunasso, Fagate Dankele, Manimamakan, Yirbayo, Nadiankafala.) [6T/32M]

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. YIRBAYO
2. NADIANKAFALA
3. FAGATE DANKELE
4. MANIMAMAKAN
5. DJIGUNASSO
6. M'BAOUDI
TINARIWEN AMADJAR COOP011CD CD £ 12.50
Amadjar is the eighth album by the Tuareg band Tinariwen, released in 2019. The album's title means The Foreign Traveler in the Tamashek language. The album features guest appearances by Noura Mint Seymali, Micah Nelson, Cass McCombs, Stephen O'Malley, Warren Ellis, Rodolphe Burger and Jeiche Ould Chighaly. Also has an 18 page booklet. Details Wikipedia.

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED.
1. TENERE MALOULAT with WARREN ELLIS
2. ZAWAL with WARREN ELLIS, NOURA MINT SEYMALI, JEICHE OULD CHIGHALY
3. AMALOUNA with NOURA MINT SEYMALI, STEPHEN O'MALLEY
4. TAQKAL TARHA with MICAH NELSON
5. ANINA
6. MADJAM MAHILKAMEN
7. TAKOUNT with NOURA MINT SEYMALI
8. IKLAM DGLOUR with WARREN ELLIS, RODOLPHE BURGER
9. KEL TINAWEN with CASS MCCOMBS
10. ITOUS OHAR with CASS MCCOMBS
11. MHADJAR YASSOUF IDJAN with WARREN ELLIS
12. WARTILLA with WARREN ELLIS, STEPHEN O'MALLEY
13. LALLA
TINARIWEN AMAN IMAN ISOM65CDX CD £ 12.50
Released in 2007 this was the group's third internation album and the most impressive and passionately played so far. Water Is Life is the title and their music with its roots in desert blues now shows them blossoming into a desert rock band as well While the singing is striking it is also hypnotic but it is the guitar play that is truely outstanding. Comes with a 24 page booklet inlay all about the group and their songs with loads of pictures.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. CLER ACHEL
2. MANO DAYAK
3. MATADJEM YINMIXAN
4. AHIMANA
5. SOIXANTE TROIS
6. TOUMAST
7. IMIDIWAN WINAKALIN
8. AWA DIDJEN
9. IKYADARH DIM
10. TAMATANT TILAY
11. ASSOUF
12. IZARHARH TENERE
TINARIWEN AMASSAKOUL IRL014 CD £ 12.50
This is their second album on CD after Radio Tisdas and comes with a 16 page booklet. They were one of the first groups to mix Touareg traditional music with electric guitars which they began back in 1979. Still led by Ibrahim Ag Alhabib with his very distinctive vocal and guitar style. The softly swaying rhythms with call and response vocals and desert Blues guitar lines, plus the ululation and handclaping of the girls is just wonderful.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. AMASSAKOUL N' TENERE
2. OUALAHILA AR TESNINAM
3. CHATMA
4. ARAWAN
5. CHET BOGHASSA
6. AMIDININ
7. TENERE DAFEO NIKCHAN
8. ALDHECHEN MANIN
9. ALKHAR DESSOUF
10. EH MASSINA SINTADOBEN
11. ASSOUL
TINARIWEN ELWAN WEDGECD00117 CD £ 12.50
Their homeland in the north of Mali is now a war zone overrun by insurgents so the Tuareg band recorded this album partly in California at the Joshua Tree national park and secondly camped in an oasis in the south of Morocco. I just loved Talyat as drums, guitar and song becomes many and the musical volume builds as it goes on. Simply gorgeous but then they all are as you drift off into that Saharan sunset with them. Still masters of the desert blues style that they created back in 1992.

BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED.
1. TIWAYYEN
2. SASTANAQQAM
3. NIZZAGH IJBAL
4. HAYATI
5. ITTUS
6. TENERE TAQQAL
7. IMIDIWAN N-AKALL-IN
8. TALYAT
9. ASSAWT
10. ARHEGH AD ANNAGH
11. NANNUFLAY
12. INTRO FLUTE FOG EDAGHAN
13. FOG EDAGHAN
TINARIWEN THE RADIO TISDAS SESSIONS WAYWARD703 CD £ 12.50
Recorded in 2001 at the Kidal local Tuareg radio station, Radio Tisdas, by Justin Adams and Lo'Jo. The group had previously recorded several cassette-only albums for local markets, The Radio Tisdas Sessions was the first to be released on CD and to be available worldwide. A set of wonderful tracks with four going into my computer juke box straight away. I especially loved the unforgettable and very catchy sound of Mataraden Anexan.

CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
1. LE CHANT DES FAUVES
2. NAR DJENETBOUBA
3. IMIDIWAREN
4. ZIN ES GOURMEDEN
5. AFOURS AFOURS
6. TESSALIT
7. KHEDDOU KHEDDOU
8. MATARADEN ANEXAN
9. BISMILLAH
10. TIN-ESSAKO (recorded live at Le Festival au Desert in Tin-Essako, Mali)
TINARIWEN (GROUPE TINARWEN) TENERE TENERE TC £ 0.00
Local cassette of Toureg music which was their second cassette with beautifully played electric guitar fronting the throbbing beat of the drums. (This write-up was done back in 1993 a year after the album was released and long before Toureg music became popular) The sort of thing you might expect to get from Moroccan group Lem Chaheb when they haven't got Dissidenten around! The singing from the four guys in the group is quite hypnotic and with the rhythmic hand clapping it comes across as a very pleasant album. I particularly liked the 'Hari Krishna' style chant on Attaye and its lovely guitar, pure magic. (F.T.Index: Tenere, Attaye, I Touss Char, El Ghorba.) [8T/39M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. TENERE
2. AMIDININE
3. AYOR I MDANE
4. I MIDIWANE
5. I TOUSS OHAR
6. ATTAYE
7. N'DEKAM
8. EL GHORBA
TOU DIAKITE DAKAN OCWSL001 TC £ 20.00
1 DAKAN
2. TOU KO
3. BAKO
4. SIDA
5. SIRADJOU
6. DJARABI
TRAORE SEYDOU DONI DONI YA M'BELA (VOL I) YR003P93 TC £ 25.00
A lovely album of traditional Malian hunting songs accompanied by the mesmeric throb of the n'goni's and also by the simple tinkling, rattling and rasping sounds of the very basic percussion instruments. Once again we are treated to the sounds of the shot gun used with such devestating effect on 'Sabiri Samake Vol.1'. This time however someone told the band 'No guns in the studio' so they went outside and shot up the yard instead! It's probably only sampled but the firepower expended makes the '1812' sound a very quiet affair! Just to complete the picture, the call and response vocals are very listenable. (F.T.Index: Doni Doni Ya M'bela, Souman Nanko) 1. DONI DONI YA M'BELA
2. KOBE DJOULOU SABALILA
3. KONDOLON
4. SOUMAN NANKO
5. DAN KO FOLY
6. NOUMOUKO
VARIOUS ARTISTS AN BE KELEN - WE ARE ONE PAN2015CD CD £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS BONYA - RESPECT PAN2059CD CD £ 13.00
The second volume of Malian griot music recorded in the village of Kela, also known as the 'School of oral tradition'. Ngoni and djembe with a bit of acoustic guitar and flute provide the soft melodic music to the traditional griot songs. Most of the vocals are explosivley sung by the renowned Bintan Kouyate with the help of Lanfia and Siramori Diabate. Stunning stuff and 12 pages of notes go with it as well. [8T/74M] As NEW. Have a listen. 1. MAMADI BITIKI
2. KANINBA
3. LAMINE CISSE
4. KUNNADI LOLO
5. BALA FASA
6. SARA #1
7. SARA #2
8. BAGALI FODE
VARIOUS ARTISTS COLLECTION MALI CDD9026 CD £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS COMPILATION MALI 38148-2 CD £ 0.00
Salif Keita - Souareba, Abdoulaye Diabate - Tabale, Kasse Mady - Fode, Oumou Sangare - Diagneba, Askia Modibo - Bani Baka, Ami Koita - Diaraby, Fode Kouyate - Nterike, Nahawa Doumbia - Farafina Dembe, Kalory Sory - Sietigui, Sekou Kouyate - Keleya Kele, Tata Bembo - Alima Diawara, Coumba Sidibe - Baba, Aboubacar Traore - Santa Mariya, Dieneba Diakite - Dougou Dassiri. [14T/72M]
VARIOUS ARTISTS DIVAS OF MALI SHANCD64078 CD £ 0.00
Sanougue Kouyate - Balendala Djibe. Tata Bambo Kouyate - Diadie Diawara. Nahawa Doumbia - Mogoya. Hadja Soumano - Sosso. Ami Koita - Tounya Tigui. Coumba Sidibe - Wary. Fanta Damba - Sekou Semega. Yayi Kanoute - Djugu Magni. Kandia Kouyate - Jakha. Djeneba Diakite - Taoume Maide. Sali Sidibe - Yacouba Sylla. [11T/72M]
VARIOUS ARTISTS ELECTRIC AND ACCOUSTIC 28186-2 CD £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS IN GRIOT TIME: STRING MUSIC... STCD1089 CD £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS LES NUITS DE BAMAKO ANNEES 70 - 78 SYLAF9607 CD £ 0.00
According to the sleeve notes these five tracks are released for the first time on CD. Walignouma Lombaliya - Rail Band/Mory Kante. Wara - Ambassadeurs/Salif Keita. Balakononifing - Rail Band/Mory Kante. Nama - National Badema/Kasse Mady. Djandjon - Ambassadeurs/Salif Keita. [5T/67M]
VARIOUS ARTISTS MIDNIGHT IN MALI STCD1102 CD £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS MUSIQUES DU MALI - SIRA MORY (2 CD SET) 38902-2 CD £ 15.00
CD 1
1. AMBODEJO - ORCHESTRE REGIONAL DE MOPTI
2. LAIDU - ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL DU MALI
3. MINIYAMBA - FANTA DEMBA
4. ALALAKE - BATROU SEKOU KOUYATE
5. DUGU KAME LEMBA - RAIL BAND
6. BAARA LAW - FOLKLORE KASSONKE
7. EWLI JAMBE - FOLKLORE PEUL DU MACINA
8. ANJIGUI YE MALLI YE - ORCHESTRE REGIONAL DE MOPTI
9. DUGA - SIDIKI DIABATE, DJELIMADY SISSOKO
10. ZAZURU - ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL DU MALI
11. SAYJINA - ORCHESTRE NATIONAL DE KAYES
CD 2
1. MADI GUINDO - RAIL BAND
2. BAKARY JAN - BANZOUMANA SISSOKO
3. BANINDE - SIRA MORY DIABATE
4. FAMA DENKE - NANTENEDI KAMISSOKO
5. KAYRA - BATROU SEKOU KOUYATE, SIDIKI DIABATE
6. FANTA DAMBA - FANTA DAMBA
7. MOKO JOLO - RAIL BAND
8. SEGELARE - FOLKLORE PEUL
9. ASUMUKA - BATROU SEKOU KOUYATE, N'FA DIABATE
10. KENU DUGU FANGA - KENESTAR
11. BATUMAMBE - ORCHESTRE REGIONAL DU SEGOU
12. MALI SAJO - ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL DU MALI
VARIOUS ARTISTS S.O.S. SAHEL - TOMINIAN XLS TC £ 30.00
The inlay tells you that the album was made by the local musicians of Tominian to aid their comunity environmental protection project. I wasn't expecting anything quite like this to come from Mali so it was a very pleasant surprise. Victorien Dembele dominates the album as his four tracks are simply superb. With throbbing drums that get faster and faster, whistles that blow your ears off and Victorien's razor sharp and spellbinding vocals are just wonderful. The other two tracks by E'agnou Dakouo and Doumba Diarra are more soft and traditional with n'goni and balafon rather than drums, they add nicely to the overall effect of the album. A little cracker this one! (F.T.Index: Wa Yi E O Wa Tu Na, Wa Tio We Ci Da, Venu Ma Yi Duo, A Bu Ne Cettebue.) [6T/36M] 1. WA YI E O WA TU NA - VICTORIEN DEMBELE
2. WA FE VEWA - DOUBA DIARRA
3. WA TIO WE CI DA - VICTORIEN DEMBELE
4. MI WE TE WERE - E'AGNOU DAKOUO
5. VENU MA YI DUO - VICTORIEN DEMBELE
6. A BU NE CETTEBUE - VICTORIEN DEMBELE
VARIOUS ARTISTS THE MUSIC OF MALI NSCD081 CD £ 0.00
Amadou Et Mariam - Ko Be Na Touma Do. Afel Bocoum - Jaman Moro. Super Rail Band - Mansa. Toumani Diabate and Ballake Sissoko - Bi Lamban. Kandia Kouyate - Ayamafele. Ali Farka Toure - Hilly Yoro. Fode Kouyate - Batrou Bolo. Rokia Traore - Wanita. Fantan Toure - Sanka Nyonkon. Taj Mahal and Toumani Diabate - Mississippi - Mali Blues. Boubacar Traore - Kar Kar Madison. Sidi Toure - Hoga. Oumou Sangare - Kun Fe Ko. Habib Koite - Wassiye. Salif Keita - Tekere (a cappella remix) [15T/69M]
VARIOUS ARTISTS WORLD NETWORK 42: DIVAS FROM MALI 28.301 CD £ 0.00
Superb quality recordings by WDR of Germany, The National Sound Archive London and World Circuit from the following artists; Kandia Kouyate 3 - Kounady La Beno, Samba Sike and Djaoura. Mah Damba 2 - Mah Damba: Sounafi and Jarabi. Lansine Kouyate 1 - Jeli. Sali Sidibe 2 - Dunia Djamou and Djana Djani. Oumou Sangare 2 - Djama Kaissoumou and Dugu Kamelenba. [10T/72M]
WALDE DAMBA WALDE BIEN012 TC £ 0.00
Wonderiful album that was released back in 1991. Traditional Malian music with the laid back sound of balafon, kora and percussion instruments. With the supremely powerful and melodic voice of Walde and the chorus singers it was a case of having to get it. I would say that this album ranks as one of the most powerful of it's style that I've come across so far and believe me I've heard loads of it.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MAGNI DON
2. SOKONABA
3. BALIMA FILA BEMA
4. SAMA
5. SINDIYA DIOUROU
6. ALA YA KE
WALDE DEMBA ET SON ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL VOL. 1 NDH023 TC £ 0.00
Wow! This is the traditional sound of Malian songs with some of the rawest vocals I have heard powering out over the beautiful sounds of balafon, kora and percussion instruments. 46 minutes of STUNNING music and song.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. TOUTOU
2. BADJOUROU
3. DOUGA
4. LAMBA
5. TARA
6. LAMBEMA
WANDE KOUYATE BARA MUSO E0281191-4 TC £ 0.00
Boy oh boy what an album! Wande's rich and power packed vocals along with that of her lovely backing singers Hawa and Oumou Sissoko are wonderful to listen to. However Mama Sissoko's guitar and Keletigui's superb balafon playing almost steal the show, especially on 'Bano Yatera' which is pure classic material from end to end. It wouldn't be fair not to mention Sory Kane for his lovely ngoni playing and Rakesh Toure for his beautiful and unobtrusive keyboards. This album is GORGEOUS.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BARA MUSO
2. MAMAY KUYATE
3. BANO YATERA
4. DEMBE
5. PATA BURO
6. YELEMA YELEMA
7. FOTE MOGO BAN
8. MANA MANU
WANDE KOUYATE DAKAN 38187-2 CD £ 0.00
WASSOLON FENIN SIGNANA TOLON VOL I AS9001 TC £ 25.00
Totally ethnic both in vocals and instruments but non the less a great album from this four man group. Super balafon, ngoni and drums, and not hidden behind the strident Manding singing which in this case tones in beautifully. I'll definitely be watching for Volume 2.

As Awesome Tapes from Africa put it - Malian electro-acoustic neo-traditional pop at its best! Love, love, love this. I’ve never heard anything about this band but it reminds me of rambling around the Sahelian countryside in vehicles of all shapes, sizes and sounds. Produced by the legendary AS Records in Abidjan.
1. SIGNANA TOLON
2. DJIGUI
3. DIARABI
4. DELI NABAN
5. ARABA DO
WASSOULOU FANTA KOMI TOUMA MANASSE MAIK1079 TC £ 40.00
1. KOMI TOUMA MANASSE
2. KELEKE DEOU
3. TIE KOUNTAN NI GNANI
4. MAWORO
5. KANTIGUI
6. SA YE WARA YE
7. GUEDE GUEDE
8. FANTA BAW FOLA
WOMEN OF MALI THE WASSOULOU SOUND STCD1035 CD £ 0.00
WOMEN OF MALI THE WASSOULOU SOUND STC1035 TC £ 6.00
1. WALE GNOUMA DON - SALI SIDIBE
2. DIARABY NENE - OUMOU SANGARE
3. KONYAN - COUMBA SIDIBE
4. IBE MIRI MOUNA - DIENABA DIAKTE
5. DJEN MAGNI - SALI SIDIBE
6. KOULOUN YELIMA DJOHBA - COUMBA SIDIBE
7. NTANAN - SALI SIDIBE
8. DOUGOU DASSIRI - DIENABA DIAKTE
9. KOULOUMBA - KAGBE SIDIBE
WOMEN OF MALI THE WASSOULOU SOUND VOL 2 STCD1048 CD £ 0.00
YAYI KANOUTE DJUGU MAGNI KBK912 TC £ 25.00
Superb album which features some great 'Ngoni' playing by Doni Sissoko and Cheickh Hamala Diabate with 'Balafon' from Loutigui Diabate. 'Yayi's' praise singing style compliments rather than overpowers the music and this, although she is one of the 'GRANDES DAMES DU MUSIQUE MALIENNE', makes it a very musical album and well recommended if you like the music of Mali but aren't to hot on the overpowering vocals of some female artists. Was released on CD as Fin Do Mali Stars series. CONDITION AS NEW. ONLY ONE LEFT.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DJUGU MAGNI
2. SEREMEME
3. FIN DO
4. MUSO MAGNI
5. NFA LE MANSA YE
6. DJIKISSE
YAYI KANOUTE TU M'EMMENES DK33 TC £ 30.00
Her previous album 'Djugu Magni' was superb and so is this next release which is both written and sung by super singer Yayi. The music is arranged by Djelimady Tounkara who along with fellow guitarists Fadiala Diawara and Souleymane Tounkara provide the gorgeous backing. Their guitar playing is just dazzling, but the tinkling N'goni of Badje Tounkara often steals the scene from under their noses. Just listen to them all play on 'Sada Diallo' or 'Beni Dakan' to say nothing of my favourite 'Maliba'. Gorgeous from start to finish. (F.T.Index: Maliba, I Bidiyala Le Famaga, Tu M'emmenes, Sada Diallo, Beni Dakan, Wuli Le De, Solomani, An Kandjigui Ke Alaye.) [10T/47M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. TU M'EMMENES
2. DIAMA TOULO BANNA
3. I BIDIYALA LE FAMAGA
4. AN KANDJIGUI KE ALAYE
5. SEKOU DEMBELE (ALAKI SARA)
6. MALIBA
7. SADA DIALLO
8. BENI DAKAN
9. WULI LE DE
10. SOLOMANI
YEHIA ARBY KABA HINCA ADASA LIAISON TC £ 50.00
Released way back in 1993 and I wrote then that it was an absolute cracker with a magnificent side B. It has been sat on the shelf ever since. Now in 2021 it is coming up for sale so read on. There is no mention of artist or tape on the web except for a couple of tracks played by Brian Shimkovitz of Awesome Tapes from Africa on his monthly dublab program in 2019. 1. GOI MA GANDADI
2. GAO ALA SALEY
3. WA HAOU GEY
4. KABA HINCA ADASA
5. SEIMO KORE
6. MOHARY BOBAY
YORO DIALLO DIT TIEKRO BANI VOLUME I SAM0182192-4 TC £ 20.00
Super mix of modern and a whole range of traditional instruments gives the music some rather unusual sound effects. Singer Yoro's gravely vocals flow beautifully out over the traditional but up-tempo music and the shrill voices of the unnamed backing girls. Released in 1992. VERY NICE. LAST ONE IN STOCK BRAND NEW AND STILL SEALED but crack in case front.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. WALAI SOLOMANI
2. DJOMBE NI GNESIGUI
3. SAYA TE DJON TO
4. KOBE WATI YE
5. BE MANKAN
6. MOGO LOU
ZANI DIABATE NI ZANI MANA OU009 TC £ 0.00
Yes, you did read it correctly, Zani Diabate and the Super Djata Band! Nothing has been on the market since his stunning 'Super Djata' LP back in 1985 and its recent CD re-issue. It was well worth the wait. Time may have slightly mellowed Zani's break neck guitar playing but now with a much more vocally orientated album he is back to re-affirm his place as one of Mali's most outstanding guitarists. Every track on the album brought back memories of his Brighton gig back in 89 but 'Doussou' and 'Diarabi', not to mention 'Monaitheban' surpassed even the best of that wonderful night. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. Issued 1991.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NI ZANI MANA
2. HA KILI MAYA
3. BOOLON
4. MONAITHEBAN
5. DIARABI
6. DOUSSOU
ZANI DIABATE AND THE SUPER DJATA BAND SUPER DJATA ILPS9899 LP £ 0.00
Zani Diabate was born in 1947 into one of the greatest Griot families in Mali. A multi instrumentalist (Kora, Guitar, Balafon and percussion) he joined the National Ballet of Mali, the country's premier folkloric dance and music ensemble in 1963. Along with six other singers and dancers from the ballet he formed Super Djata in 1969. A widely acclaimed personality on the Malian music scene, Zani is foremost a totally original guitarist who has adapted traditional rhythms and melodies to modern electric instrumentation. Zani's guitar style brings to mind players such as Jimi Hendrix, T-Bone Walker, B. B. King and Freddie King whilst remaining unmistakably Malian in his approach to music. The Super Djata Band draw upon traditional Malian culture for inspiration: Rhythms and dances of Bambara hunters and Bozo fishermen, together with the melodies of the Peul and Malinka, spiced with Zani's almost psychedelic guitar.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SUPER DJATA
2. BINA
3. DJEGNOGO DJOUGOU
4. BANDJILA
5. TINDORO
6. NOUMOUSSO
7. FACIA
8. FARIMA
9. FADINGNA KOUMA




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