Wagadu Grooves: The Hypnotic Sound of Camara 1987​-​2016

African music flourished in Paris in the 1970s and ‘80s: whether soukous or mbalax, electro-raï or Mandingo zouk, the cosmopolitan city fostered the fusion of traditional sounds and modern technology, and the kind of musical syncretism that gave birth to countless modern African styles. Record labels had a huge role in maintaining the connection between the continent and the diaspora, finding fresh talent and promoting it to new audiences. The legendary Syllart Records comes to mind of course, but others were just as boundary pushing and impactful. One of these pillars of African music in Paris is Camara Production, founded by Gaye Mody Camara, a young Soninke from Mali’s Kayes region. The label had mostly flown under the radar, but French label Hot Mule is finally shining a spotlight on Camara’s extensive catalog. Wagadu Grooves: The Hypnotic Sound of Camara 1987-2016 showcases all the different ways the ancient Soninke sound developed through modern production: the delicate, hypnotic lute set alongside the regular beats of a drum machine and heavily autotuned vocals on opener “Kori,” the synthy reggae of “Yexu,” the endlessly transportive “Koolo Fune,” or the swirling disco of “Tenedo.” All blur the borders between tradition and innovation, and are a tribute to Camara’s efforts to keep Soninke culture alive.