Label: Because Music
Country: Mali
Release Date: 2008.11.17

African superstars Amadou & Mariam release their new album, ‘Welcome to Mali’ through Because Music on 17th November. The new album features Damon Albarn as guest producer on the opening track, plus special guest appearances by Keziah Jones, ‘M’, Tiken Jah Fakoli, Toumani Diabate and Juan Rozoff. The album was recorded over the past twelve months in Bamako, Dakar, Paris and London and was produced by their long-time manager and artistic director Marc-Antoine Moreau and Lauren Jais who, together with Manu Chao, were co-producers of ‘Dimanche à Bamako’.
‘Welcome to Mali’ expands their horizons and yet remains true to their core sound, putting the spotlight firmly back on their unique mix of sweet melodies and funky rhythms, driven by Amadou’s bluesy guitar and the duo’s compelling voices. The album’s opening track, and first single, ‘Sabali’, will be released digitally on the 27th October, is the couple as you’ve never heard them before, an extraordinary mix of Albarn’s ethereal keyboards, Mariam’s haunting voice and a timeless Africa-goes-global vibe. (in myspace)

Label: Six Degrees
Country: Mali
Release Date: 2008.10.27

Issa Bagayogo is one of the true innovators of West African music, mixing the traditional sounds of his native Mali with elements of electronica and dancehall. On his latest release, Mali Koura, Issa continues to mature, adding jazz inflected horns to his organic blend of roots music and Western dance technology.
Mali Koura is an essential album that stands head-and-shoulders above most of the new world electronica outings that are being released at such an astonishing rate these days. Throw away your musical preconceptions. Leave your prejudices at the door. Mali Koura is a heady and exhilarating ride. It will rock and shake you to the core.

(“Dambalou” clip from “Timbuktu” album 2001)