Fanta Damba - La Tradition Epique

Review by Deirdre Oake-Scott

Fanta Damba's album La Tradition Epique is a masterful blend of traditional Malian music and contemporary sounds. From the first notes of the album's opening track, "Djiguiya," listeners are transported to a world of rich, evocative melodies and intricate rhythms.

Throughout the album, Damba showcases her impressive vocal range, effortlessly shifting between soaring high notes and deep, resonant lows. Her voice is at its most haunting on tracks like "Kono," where she sings over a sparse, hypnotic beat, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously melancholic and uplifting.

The instrumentation on La Tradition Epique is equally impressive, with traditional West African instruments like the kora and ngoni blending seamlessly with modern electronic beats and synths. On "Saya," for example, a driving bassline and pulsing drum machine provide the perfect backdrop for Damba's soaring vocals and the shimmering, cascading notes of the kora.

Summary by Deirdre Oake-Scott

La Tradition Epique is a triumph of modern African music, showcasing Fanta Damba's exceptional talent as both a vocalist and a songwriter. Whether you're a fan of traditional world music or contemporary electronic sounds, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.