Karima Nayt - Quoi D'Autre? (2012)

Algerian-native, Karima Nayt, is a more traditionally-inclined Kabyle singer than her fellow countrywoman, Iness Mezel. The folkish, fl uid melodies are interrupted by nomadic guitars and upbeat percussion spanning North Africa s camel routes, France s guitar music, and the vocal melisma of Ofra Haza. Karima s mature voice fl oats effortlessly across the tracks with a bit of reservation to allow the instruments some room to expand on the vocal patterns. The sincerity in Karima s voice resembles the same clarity as Souad Massi with the sensuality of France s Carla Bruni. At any rate, Karima s songs are heartfelt, classic, and timeless. The thirteen tracks span Karima s eclectic and linguistic ethnic background. Some of the songs are reminiscent of Spanish, South American, or Portuguese-type music with a strong, classical- -almost fadoesque- presence. Nevertheless, the music is not a fusion project, but a wonderful journey through the Folk music traditions of Algeria s infamous Mediterranean coastline.

Tracklist:

01. Laissez Les Say
02. Djazair
03. I Didnt Know
04. Meli
05. Dadou
06. Keyf
07. Harraga
08. Salam
09. Dari
10. Homma
11. Benti
12. Sans Dignite
13. Nedal