Dobet Gnahoré
Na Afriki (To Africa)
Cumbancha CMB-CD-4
(cumbancha.com or kochdistribution.com)

The young West African singer Dobet Gnahoré was born in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, where French is the official language, but on Na Afriki, her richly emotional voice sings in seven different native languages. Her infectious dance-like rhythms express themes such as “Homage to Ki-Yi M’Bock,” about a visionary artists’ colony (Village Ki-Yi M’Bock) in Abidjan, where she was raised. “Believe Him” ardently encourages parents to let their children discover and express themselves. “Woman” is a heartfelt call to honor women who “fight for freedom and heal sickness, who cultivate the earth, feed the children, and become mothers.” Brimming with energetic and ennobling lessons about bettering society, Na Afriki is a resplendently idealistic message about human potential. Listening to this CD, we feel motivated and enthusiastic about our own life goals and the possibility of improving the world around us.