AUDIO REVIEW: Habib Koité & Bamada: Afriki

A beloved pop star in Mali, West Africa, the guitarist and singer Habib Koité offers inspirational, soothing melodies of reconciliation. In the title song, “Afriki” (Africa), Habib gently calls upon the United Nations to help his homeland “reduce its poverty, reduce its AIDS pandemic, reduce the death of its children.” In another song, “Barra” (Work), he asserts the necessity for independent effort in nation-building. Habib comes from a family of griots — traditional storytellers who communicate social wisdom across the generations. His compassionate voice is backed by a warmhearted instrumental ensemble, including a wooden xylophone used for sacred rituals and a Malian lute. We feel encouraged and heartened by these soulful melodies.