M'Bilia Bel With Rigo Star & Vivick Matoua - Yalowa (CD)

All Music Guide

Congolese music is famous for stylish guitar playing and an intricate mix of melody and rhythm that manages to be both high-energy and laid-back. With Rigo Star, one of Africa's most influential and innovative guitarist/producers, at the helm, Yalowa showcases the very best of modern soukous music. As Paris-based musicians, Star, Mbilia Bel, and Vivick Matoua boast finely honed musical skills and pump out a delightful offering of polished, hip-winding tunes. From the dreamy title track to the sweetly flowing "Ya Bole" to the Latin overtones of "Lamara," this album presents the many variations of soukous to great effect.

- Rosalind Cummings-Yeates, All Music Guide