'M'Bemba' marks the real return of the prodigal son to his roots and history. Like its predecessor, 'Moffou', this record favours acoustic sounds; it is the perfect synthesis of all the influences gathered by the singer during his long musical odyssey - rock, soul, French chanson, Afro Cuban rhythms -which he uses from a resolutely African perspective.

With the assistance of traditional musicians like Mama Sissoko, who plays the ngoni lute, or Toumani Diabat playing the kora, Salif uses 'M'Bemba' (Ancestor) to evoke the memory of one of his famous ancestors, the Emperor Soundiata Keita, who founded the Mandingo Empire in the 12th century. This title is a genuine piece of family history -- for the first time you can hear a chorus whose members are all Salif's foster-sisters. This aesthetic wasn't the only aim, however; the album has a definite dance orientation (Ladji, Mokoya) and modern, melodic turns of phrase (Dery, Manquer).

Produced by Jean Lamoot, who also officiated over 'Moffou', the album also features the charismatic presence of Kant Manfila, Salif's early mentor, and the guitarist Ousmane Kouyat who, like Manfila, belonged to the Ambassadeurs du Motel group which Salif joined in the mid-Seventies.

Track Listing:

1. Bobo
2. Laben
3. Calculer
4. Dery
5. Ladji
6. Kamoukie
7. Yambo
8. Tu Vas Me Manquer
9. M'Bemba
10. Moriba

(UNI$)

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