Mangwana (Cantos de Esperança) / Mangwana (Cantos de Esperanca)

When Tabu Ley Rochereau needed someone to sing his Spanish or Portuguese tracks, it was Sam Mangwana that he looked to. Sam Mangwana's musical experience with Tabu Ley Rochereau and African Fiesta changed his musical career forever. On this album of laid-back elegance, Mangwana reinterprets, "Faty," one of his old standards, and "Galo Negro." Fans of the originals will find hardly any difference in the retakes, except that "Faty" is a little shorter in length. He and his top-notch band cook with the lid on creating plenty of heated dance floor material. The acoustic guitar solos are sparse, lyrical and glow like diamonds in a stream. The percussion is intricately woven, thick, and precise. This album shows that Mangwana hasn't strayed far from the Congolese rumba mother lode that he mined decades ago. The electro-acoustic sound on this album is similar to his Galo Negro album, but the energy generated might be even greater on this effort. His multi-lingual voice is as strong and pure as any vocalist in African music. There isn't a weak track on the album. The very heated, "Une Puer D'Enfant," is a fine example of African salsa at its best. Sam Mangwana is an international ambassador of the first order. His round, fat, sensual style can't be topped and is irresistible. He is one of the best of the best. Highly recommended for extended dancing and repeated listening.