Mali dominates World Music Charts Europe in May

Anoura rose nine spots after occupying No 10 in April. The album was released in February and its prime influence comes from the desert blues music of North and West Africa. The themes include education, poverty, righteous conduct and commentary on Mali’s political situation.

Making its debut at No 2 is Binga by Samba Touré. The Malian singer and guitarist released the album in April via Glitterbeat Records. Djourou by Ballaké Sissoko is another chart newcomer at No 5. The album was released in April and captures the rich Malian griot heritage that influences Sissoko’s music.

Burkinabe Kady Diarra’s Burkina Hakili debuts at No 7 after it was released in April. Diarra, previously a member of Adama Dramé’s Foliba troupe, sings in four languages on Burkina Hakili: Bwa, Dyula, Mossi and French.

An East African Journey, which features collaborations between Cuban jazz pianist and composer Omar Sosa and various East African musicians, rose 10 positions to take the No 11 spot. Kologo, the debut album by Ghana’s Alostmen, retains last month’s spot at No 15. Recorded in hotel rooms by producer Wanlov The Kubolor while on tour, the January release blends Ghanaian strings with hip hop, percussion and trance rhythms.

Rounding out the African releases on the May chart is Edo Funk Explosion vol. 1, a compilation album by record label Analog Africa celebrating Edo funk – a hybrid style that evolved in 1970s Benin City in southern Nigeria. The featured musicians integrated elements from their native Edo culture and fused them with the new sounds of West Africa’s nightclubs.

World Music Charts Europe, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, feature 20 albums selected by radio producers and presenters around Europe. The albums are then played for a month throughout Europe on various radio stations, and an official colour print is displayed in multiple stores.