While the eclectic Afrobeat group Zap Mama has been through numerous line-up changes over the course of a career that now spans nearly two decades, the one constant has been Afropean singer and songwriter Marie Daulne. Born in Africa but raised in Belgium, she is clearly indebted to both cultures and has said that while growing up, she listened equally to reggae and French pop.In fact, she speaks both French and English and often sings in French. But don’t let that keep you away. Zap Mama, which recorded briefly for David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label, is very accessible as Daulne’s led the group from a trio of a capella singers to a vibrant world beat unit with a rotating cast of studio musicians.

The group’s new album, ReCreation, touches upon all her musical interests and influences. Recorded primarily in Rio de Janeiro, the album has a tropical feel to it that’s apparent from the heavy percussion in tunes such as “Vibrations,” “Hello Mama” and “Togetherness.” As has been the case with recent Zap Mama albums, collaboration is a crucial part of the process here. “Singing Sisters” reunites Daulne with original Zap Mama singers Sylvie Nawasadio and Sabine Kabongo. Smooth R&B singer Bilal contributes to the love ballad “The Way You Are,” and actor Vincent Cassell duets on the French pop number “Paroles Paroles.” Even G. Love makes a notable contribution to “Drifting,” and his laid-back delivery suits the tune’s laid-back vibe. While world music might not be as popular as it was back when Byrne’s Luaka Bop label was regularly introducing new talent from African and South America, Zapa Mama’s ReCreation is worth a serious listen.   

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Tags: afrobeat, recreation, world music, zap mama

This entry was posted by Jeff Niesel on Sunday, May 31st, 2009 at 9:49 pm and is filed under Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.