So' Forest: Bikutsi Pop

Bikutsi Pop: The Songs of So' Forest, Naxos World's new disc from Cameroonian singer-songwriter So' Forest, may come as a surprise to those whose image of African music is limited to quaint-sounding guitars and traditional drumming. That's because Bikutsi Pop is a thoroughly modern affair, complete with programmed drumbeats and synthesizer layers that many listeners probably associate more with European club music than songs originating from the dances of Bantu tribesmen in southern Cameroon. At his best moments, So' Forest achieves a welcome synthesis between these modern pop elements and his more traditional vocals and Afro-pop-styled guitar lines, as on the opening "Shambada," which layers gorgeous South African-style vocal harmonies over a dancehall break beat, and "Zulu," which garnishes So' Forest's folkloric-sounding vocals with a hip-hop twist. But elsewhere, the production unfortunately buries much of So' Forest's vocal appeal under washes of synthesizers and drum machines. Naxos World--the new world music arm of the Naxos imprint--is to be commended for including more modern incarnations of traditional music in its survey of global sounds (as in the Indian DJ compilation Bhangra Beatz); however, this is one release that may leave listeners hungry for a more organic approach. --Ezra Gale

1    Shambada
2    Amazone
3    Zulu
4    Meding Ya
5    Ma Wa
6    Tenter
7    Hakuna Matata
8    Wake ya
9    Esta
10    Believing
11    Rave
12    Pole Pole
13    Girl
14    Routes
15    Judgement