MUSIC REVIEWS:

“Adult Swim to African Swim”

African Music’s been and given light to music we know today. From jazz to hip-hop, blues to R&B, they’ve produced many influential artists and rhythms. But has Africa herself and her artists seen enough benefits such as mainstream recognition? I would say very slim because a lot of major music companies aren’t taking enough chances on African music.

Adult Swim famously known for its adult driven shows on Cartoon Network has done so by creating something that showcases, uplifts and brings forth African music and more importantly the artists to the mainstream world called “African Swim”. By doing this, I hear the sounds of rich hip-hop emanating from South Africa. Adult Swim showcases the artists’ talents and skills of hip-hop heavyweights such as Gumchev, Maggz, Mapaputsi, Cook, Rusty Dusty, Jozi to name a few. A combination of beats that may remind you of the East (When We Rock, We on Fire), West (Dangerous), South (Bring It On, Swagga All Day) coasts beats of America but never far from the spirit of South Africa in the vocals and tracks such as (Muthaland, Living in Africa, Organic Boom Rap).

These songs, some in their language touch and inspire you, even if you don’t understand what they’re saying-you can still feel them as I do. Making you bop your head to head bangers.

My Favorite(s): Matha (Gumchev), Muthaland (Jozi)

Listen or Download music here:

http://www.adultswim.com/music/africanswim/index.html

By Amaka Nkele of www.AfroStyleMag.com

Mimitah

Mimitah Okako Bofando just known as Mimitah is a gifted, talented artist. She made her way from the Congo to the United Kingdom at an early age. She started rapping but eventually became a singer and dancer for the “Kanda Bonga Man” on stage and on tour.

Mimitah and along side her partner Smokey 9278 created a new sound called COWO which fuses Congo and World music together. As an Ambassador for her country, she has a story to tell on her CD “Tata Mausi”. TATA MUASI is the deep-rooted rumba sound from the Congo. This may just be a "single", but you get a CD with 2 versions of the very catchy Tata Muasi and a second track Mosusu Akoya. A DVD with video versions of the tracks and interviews are also included. Both CD and DVD are produced and packaged well and are of great value.

The real highlight is Mimitah's singing. She has a great voice with terrific warmth and range which is a delight to listen to. You finish the CD wanting to hear so much more - particularly the more traditional Congolese style of Tata Muasi where she stands out as a unique talent in her own right. Small wonder she’s named African Radio Artist of the Month and recently was awarded the African Music Awards “Best New Artist” in October 2009.

Although the more contemporary Mosusu is good, her amazingly mellow voice is so well suited to the more soulful traditional style of music which I hope to hear in future songs.

My Favorite(s): Tata Muasi Buy CD on www.itunes.com

By Mr.Hafiz of www.AfricanRadioOnline.com