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 07/2004

    Lila Downs
    Una Sangre/One Blood

  • reviewed 01/2008

    LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
    Ilembe - Honoring Shaka Zulu

  • reviewed 08/2016

    Guy Pearce
    Broken Bones

  • reviewed 04/2010

    RAZIA SAID
    Zebu Nation

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Michel Camilo & Tomatito
    Spain Forever

  • reviewed 01/2008

    Various Artists
    Kalamazoo Community Rhythm Project

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.