Rating: NNN
With the two-disc Bana Y’Africa compilation, the Toronto-based Africa New Music organization makes a well-meaning attempt to promote the creative endeavours of African artists living in Toronto and Ottawa, specifically Afro Connexion, ZPN, Sibongile Nene, Madagascar Slim, Fojeba, Njacko Backo, Siècle 21, Hussein Said, Senegalese Traditional Troupe and Yoshi Lumanda. Yet while the music may be rooted in the rhythms of Cameroon, Senegal, Zambia, the Congo and South Africa, the light themes and synthetic slickness of the “contemporary” fusions may prove a hard sell even to those with a high tolerance for 80s club zouk. Bana Y’Africa’s contributors perform at the CD release party at the Church at Berkeley Saturday (May 15).
