Search - Angelique Kidjo :: Oyaya

This is joyous!

Simone Farber | Los Angeles, CA USA | 07/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With the current predeliction for over produced American Idol-esque screeching it's wonderful to be reminded of people who know their craft and continue to explore it like Kidjo. This album is a wonderful pop vocal album, period, and I hope it gets more exposure than the world music bin. The rythms are great, her voice is so clear and strong, every song is a delight! She is an African exploring the Carribean, but her emotion speaks to everyone."

Joyous, exuberant

JoAnn Whetsell | Seattle, WA | 06/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Oyaya" is the Yoruban word for joy, a fitting title for Angélique Kidjo's new album. _Oyaya!_ is a high-spirited album. It is impossible to listen to it without moving, even if I'm only dancing in my chair. The third in Angélique's series of albums exploring the influence of African music in the diaspora, _Oyaya!_ takes on Afro-Latin/Caribbean music. Even more than the previous 2 albums (_Oremi_ which explored American music and _Black Ivory Soul_ which explored Brazilian music), _Oyaya!_ blends the music rather than using it as an influence. I'm not sure which countries or styles of Caribbean music; her website mentions salsa, calypso, meringue, and ska. But it doesn't really matter. What matters is that it makes me smile, it makes me dance. Angélique's voice is as beautiful and sensual as ever, and so is the music. If you like dance-y Latin music, give this a try."

Afro-Latin Explosion

Robert Carlberg | Seattle | 04/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the intersection of rival forces strength can be developed. Kidjo has a huge, soulful voice inside a petite frame (I believe she's something like 5'2") and her voice has never sounded more assured & vigorous than here.



Musically, her African roots are transplanted to the music of the Caribbean and Latin America. Her producers on this record, Steve Berlin and Alberto Salas, avoid the over-production that has plagued some of her recent work. The emphasis here is on Kidjo's magnificent voice (as it should be), supported by colorful and spirited Latin percussion and instrumentation. Fast-moving songs and excellent variety make this her best album in a decade, and quite possibly the best of her career."