Izvorišta 436: Meybahar, Ciac Boum, Aboubakar Traoré & Balima

As in previous years, I overlooked some excellent albums in my list of the year’s best releases. Considering how much amazing music is released almost daily from all corners of the world, it wouldn't be surprising to do so. In this episode, I'm playing songs from three excellent 2024 albums that I've only discovered in the last few weeks: Meybahar, Ciac Boum, and Aboubakar Traoré & Balima. I've also featured tracks by Tamar Ilana & Ventanas, Carmen Souza, Les Mecanos, Edmundo Arias and Orchestre Safari Sound from the Zanzibar 11 compilation.

(you can also listen to this episode on Mixcloud, just click here)

Meybahar - Maybahar (Fonó 2024)

Meybahar is a Hungarian band inspired by Greek music. On this album they perform several traditional Greek songs alongside original compositions sung in both Greek and Hungarian. While the concept of a Hungarian band playing Greek songs may not sound ideal in theory, the result is outstanding. It's an album you can't stop listening to.

Ciac Boum - Epourall (Le Grand Barvichon 2024.)

"Ciac Boum is a group that does balfolk. People who dance, dance... People who don't dance, jump, pull their hair, their limbs..." This is how a friend once described Ciac Boum, a French trio whose energetic music is inspired by the traditional heritage of the Poitou region. With their new album, they have further cemented their status as one of the most renowned acts among dancers in France and Europe. Anyone unfamiliar with this type of music will be thrilled by their wild energy.

Aboubakar Traoré & Balima - Sababu (Zephyrus 2024.)

Aboubacar Traoré comes from Burkina Faso, is a master of the ngoni and another exceptional musician of the Mandingo people, who uphold their griot tradition. His band Balima consists of Belgian musicians who blend traditional African rhythms and melodies with jazz elements, perfectly complementing Traoré’s artistry.

Tracklist:

1. Meybahar - Afousis

2. Maybahar - Na Ta Taxidepso

3. Meybahar - Kita Me Glikia Mou Agapi

4. Tamar Ilana & Ventanas - Ventanas Altas

5. Carmen Souza - Ariope!

6. Ciac Boum - Les Oaes

7. Ciac Boum - Branle Daus Abelles

8. Les Mecanos - Deman Matin

9. Aboubakar Traoré & Balima - Sonfo

10. Aboubakar Traoré & Balima - Politiki

11. Aboubakar Traoré & Balima - Sababu

12. Orchestre Safari Sound - Mwanakwetu

13. Edmundo Arias - Uey Je Je Pa

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