STACK March 2016 Issue 71

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Warming) with sly electro
disco workouts ( Disappointing,
Snug Snacks ), the third album from this
Iceland-based US songsmith was one of
last year’s best records.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
(South Africa)
Their lush, hushed harmonising on
Paul Simon’s ground-breaking Graceland
(1986) introduced them to a new global
audience and the South African a capella
group have since recorded with a host
of western stars, from Dolly Parton to
Stevie Wonder. However, they have won
also four World Music Grammys for
their own albums, most recently in 2013
for Live: Singing For Peace Around The
World .
RECOMMENDED LISTENING:
Songs FromA Zulu
Farm (2011)
The first in a
planned trilogy of
albums drawing on
founder Joseph Shabalala’s early life,
this is a gorgeous back-to-their-roots
slice of a capella. Their singing is so full
of joy that you will forgive them for their
twee take on Old McDonald.
Ester Rada (Israel)
With just a few EPs to her name,
Ester Rada is still somewhat unknown
in this part of the world. However, her
appearance at WOMAD should change
all that. Born in Israel of Ethiopian
heritage, her first recordings are
steeped in old school funk and soul, so
it’s no surprise that people like Alicia
Keys are already raving about her.
She cites Nina Simone and Ethio-jazz
maestro Mulatu Astatk as influences as
well, suggesting that she could develop
into an intriguing and eclectic new
talent.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 (Nigeria)
The son of the legendary Fela Kuti
has proved the doomsayers wrong and
taken his father’s old band in an exciting
new direction. Although rooted in classic
Afrobeat sound, Seun Kuti has added
new flavours like hip hop to the mix;
Brian Eno is also a fan and co-produced
their 2011 album From Africa With Fury:
Rise.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING:
A LongWayToThe
Beginning (2014)
Produced by go-to jazz/
soul man Robert Glasper,
their latest studio album
is an uplifting, joyous slice of horn-
drenched Afrobeat that also comes with
some fiery political messages.
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