The Very Best, MTMTMK (Moshi Moshi)

Wednesday 18 July 2012

Despite being saddled with a name that even teenage first-timers would reject as a cheesy non-starter, this Swedish/Malawian duo offer something more than the faddish appeal of an African singer backed by a trend-conscious European producer.

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Alan Morrison

As on 2009 debut Warm Heart Of Africa, there are glimpses of a band shaking off outdated "world music" definitions and pushing forward to create a new global dance music.

Opening track Adani features Esau Mwamwaya's Chichewa vocals over squelchy rave synths and a resonant bass beat that rattles internal organs as it rises from the very bowels of the earth. By track two, they've regressed to lively, sun-drenched but slightly generic African pop – and the rest of the album see-saws between the two.

Although distant by birth from the UK urban scene, Mwamwaya and Johan Hugo's sound is as much London as it is Lilongwe, despite the fact the bulk of the album was recorded in Malawi and the African contingent on the impressive guest list (including Malian superstars Amadou and Mariam, Somalian rapper K'naan and Senegal legend Baaba Maal) is stronger than it was on the debut.

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The Very Best, MTMTMK (Moshi Moshi)

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