Having listened to Keleketla! way back in July I remembered how enjoyable I found the experience but how difficult I found it to discuss what was going on throughout the project. I can't say that I've spent enough time with Afrobeat to really comprehend just how exceptional its experimentalism truly is, and with a massive cast of instrumentalists, producers, and vocalists that I'm unfamiliar with there is a rich level of collaboration and layers that I couldn't begin to highlight effectively. ... read more
While it definitely has its lulls, Keleketla!'s debut project proves them to be just as massive and inventive as their membership list suggests. The musicians who make up this group span from across the world, and bring the influences of their respective cultures with them. While most of this album is heavily influenced by Afrobeat, there's hints of jazz, hip-hop, electronic, and funk all over this thing. The end result is an album that can get a little repetitive, but nonetheless delivers ... read more
Bold perspectives and an array of groovy sounds. With a catalog of African styles that include a rainbow of sounds this album will grow increasingly infectious than you may first expect. It’s a fruitful journey to venture through.
This record is significant; need to listen carefully to understand the different ways of expressing the sentiment of the South African team Keleketla! [which means "response" in Sepedi]. Very interesting to feel the energy with different rhythms; there is afrobeat, garage and nu jazz around the trip. And the end is just... WOW. Yes, that's the word [and in capital]: WOW.
favorite tracks: "Papua Merdeka", "Broken Light", "Future Toyi Toyi" and ... read more
Keleketla! & Coldcut - Keleketla!
Genre: Afrobeat
Country: South Africa
Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 247th / 1151
Highlight: International Love Affair
Made me think of:
Shabaka And The Ancestors
Gorillaz
Amadou & Mariam
Africa Express
#30 | / | PopMatters |
#34 | / | Rough Trade |