Acoustic Is Best, At Least In This Case

Salif Keita is one of the iconic voices of the first wave of African superstars but in common with many of his peers, he made some pretty duff albums over the years in attempts to really break through into the mainstream. This album, Moffou, marked a return to acoustic roots and to top form vocally and musically. There are no translations to the lyrics supplied in the booklet but the soul shows through and judging from a short sleeve note by Keita, they reflect a positive outlook and an exhortation for Africans to take responsibility for their own continent and build their own happiness. There are a number of bouncy dance numbers with backing from a full but still mainly acoustic band. The two tracks that simply feature Salif Keita accompanying himself on acoustic guitar are the most notable however and really show him grasping and growing into the role of distinguished elder statesman. Recommendable as the Salif Keita album to get if you only want to have one and thankfully not a synth in sight !