The classic introduction of “Where the Streets Have No Name” is freshened up by drummer Tony Allen of Nigeria, transforming it with tribal rhythms and stellar vocals from Sandra Nkake. The backing vocals on this one are affecting and fill out the song superbly. The communication of joyfulness through music is never more evident than with Allen’s version of this one.
Cheikh Lo’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” takes the original and turns it upside down, using Senegalese and Afro-funk to rework U2’s original tune. Keziah Jones’ take of “One” successfully plays with the pace of the song and speeds things up, doubling up on the tempo.
When Les Nubians gets a hold of “With Or Without You,” the sister duo of Helene and Celia Faussart from Cameroon give the song a slinky sort of feel and use programming to infuse it with African pop and hip hop music. The Soweto Gospel Choir’s rendition of “Pride (In the Name of Love)” is a natural fit, as is Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars’ take on “Seconds.”
The African Underground All-Stars give “Desire” the hip hop treatment, infusing it with rap and African guitar. The beat is addictive and the bass line plays with the original to come up with an alluring new sound. The compilation’s last track, “Love is Blindness,” is handled gracefully by Angola’s unforgettable Waldemar Bastos.
In the Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2 is an incredible collection of songs that serves as the perfect window to some of Africa’s finest artists. As the album played, I found myself learning more about Africa through the jubilation and celebration in the songs. Africa can often seem a very dark place, but there is hope in the land and the people feel it. This compilation is a demonstration of that hope from the continent’s finest artists.
A portion of the proceeds from this CD release will benefit the global fund. For more information visit www.theglobalfund.org or www.data.org.
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