Alou Sangaré – Buranké album

Alou’s a discreet guy, but his voice does not go unnoticed. One of the leading singers at home in Mali, he is still vidtually unknown anywhere else. He owes his strong heritage in part from his father, Madou Guitare, member of the influential Orchestre Regional de Sikasso, who’s music is featured on Syllart’s AMAZING Mali 70 compilation. But Alou stands up for his own, using electric and western instruments to arrange his typically Malian music. Stuff to make you, your mom and your grandparents dance! Comes out April 21 on iTunes.

Garth Trinidad shows some love!

KCRW‘s Garth Trinidad has been supportive of Akwaaba since its inception, asking for our music months before it was even released. He’s shown his continued support on his new blog, www.garthtrinidad.biz, where you’ll find a few kind words about Akwaaba and our mission, as well as a free download of the track Mali Mousso by Mamou Sidibé, off of Move it Chaleh. It’s also nice to see he picked us as one of his favorite indie labels, among the likes of Stones Throw, Honest Jons, Sonar Kollektiv and Strut… wowza!

You can listen to Garth every weekday from 7:30 to 10pm West Coast time, or listen to his recent shows on KCRW’s site.