This week's world CD reviewed

OUMOU SANGARE

Seya/ World Circuit*****

The diva of Wassoulou soul from the deep south of Mali returns to the international stage six years after her last release. It's worth the wait. Traditional Malian instrumentation is well to the fore – kamelengoni, balafon and percussion weave hypnotic grooves, sparingly augmented by flute, horns, guitar and violins. Oumou's voice is a commanding presence: passionate and fiery in her denunciation of social ills (she is a tireless campaigner against polygamy, forced marriage, and female circumcision), rich and soothing as she dispenses advice to the community, and always beautifully underpinned by the female backing singers. The results are intense and spellbinding. The subtle, earthy funkiness, the impassioned soul of the voices, and the typically excellent World Circuit production all contribute to make this a key release of 2009. www.worldcircuit.co.uk

NIGEL WOOD

Download tracks: Wele Wele Wintou, Djigui, Iyo Djeli