Rokia Traore

Bowmboi

2004-11-23

Such brilliant harmonic and rhythmic stylings from this, Rokia Traore’s third release. Bowmboi turns Malian folk melodies and traditional instruments on its head with classical string arrangements from the likes of Kronos Quartet and modern lyricism. Traore, 30, is a daughter of a diplomat and spent her childhood moving about and as such, had difficulty forming lasting friendships. She turned to music, started her career in France, but later returned to her native Mali to polish her craft and sift some West African earth. (steLLa)

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 12/2005

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    Africa Calling: Live 8 at Eden

  • reviewed 08/2012

    LEON FOSTER THOMAS
    Brand New Mischief

  • reviewed 05/2009

    THE REVOLUTION (VARIOUS)
    Revolution

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Bebel Gilberto
    Bebel Gilberto

  • reviewed 12/2007

    CHEB I SABBAH
    Devotion

  • reviewed 09/2006

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    Explorations

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.