Sally Nyolo and the Original Bands of Yaoundé - Studio Cameroon

Album Review

Although it has her name on it and she's involved in many of the tracks, Studio Cameroon isn't Sally Nyolo's album. Instead, it's the product of her return to Cameroon, where she sought out and recorded new talent. There's a vast range of music here, from the celebratory Afro-pop of "Marche Mokolo" to the near-gospel feel of the voices on "Pek," where Nyolo combines with La Voix Du Cénacle. "Bikoutski" is Nyolo's only solo track, handily evoking that Cameroonian style. Elsewhere she takes a hand in the compositions, but the performances are by the artists themselves, like Mr. Eddy's soulful "Obili Eba." There's an insistence to much of the music here, like Mama Andela's urgent "To Le Bepe." But others lay back to excellent effect, such as Mandeng or D'Embazo Star De Nkometou. With this disc, Nyolo has used her name to help bring a number of very talented artists into the international spotlight.