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Put your hands on the remote! browse music »Looking There by Kaïssa
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fave it R&B Pop Crossover | African
11 tracks | 61 minutes
Released Apr 2005
on Makai Records
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- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:31 Essimo lyrics BUY MP3 05:31 Essimo lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:31 Essimo
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:34 Senga lyrics BUY MP3 05:34 Senga lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:34 Senga
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 03:56 Eyoum lyrics BUY MP3 03:56 Eyoum lyrics "GIFT MP3" 03:56 Eyoum
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 07:39 O Si Keka lyrics BUY MP3 07:39 O Si Keka lyrics "GIFT MP3" 07:39 O Si Keka
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:02 Joy lyrics BUY MP3 05:02 Joy lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:02 Joy
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:33 Sangwam lyrics BUY MP3 05:33 Sangwam lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:33 Sangwam
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:27 Big Brother lyrics BUY MP3 05:27 Big Brother lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:27 Big Brother
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:07 Mumi lyrics BUY MP3 05:07 Mumi lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:07 Mumi
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:52 Ombwa Te lyrics BUY MP3 05:52 Ombwa Te lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:52 Ombwa Te
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 06:00 To Ndje lyrics BUY MP3 06:00 To Ndje lyrics "GIFT MP3" 06:00 To Ndje
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:26 Alea So lyrics BUY MP3 05:26 Alea So lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:26 Alea So
Afro-pop diva Kaïssa takes you on a journey with her mix of African/World/fusion music. "Regarded as one of the great voices of Africa..." -Africa Festival, Würzburg Germany
Editorial review
The debut album from Cameroonian songstress Kaissa, previously heard in America only on a stray Putumayo compilation or two. The sound is certainly informed by the Afro-pop traditions, but it's built into more of an R&B piece through much of the course of the album. Kaissa's voice is always the focus here, and a nice focus it is. Her phrasing is exceptional, and clarity and power are the hallmark of a strong African female vocalist. The original songs are all worth hearing, ranging from bouncing funk to nostalgic paeans. A stray cover of Stevie Wonder's "Big Brother" is perhaps the least noteworthy song here. While the performance and vocal quality are still at her surprisingly high level, Kaissa does seem to have some minor difficulties matching English phrasing with the song with her usual ease. Throughout, it's an excellent album. Possibly difficult to dig up given the small release, but more than worth it for anyone interested in new African soul and related genres. ~ Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
Bio / Background
After a number of years as a back-up singer for well-known African music artists and meticulous efforts to develop her own unique style in the clubs of New York City, Kaïssa has finally blessed her fans with the stunning debut album we've been yearning for. Our excitement must be similar to that of an astronomer witnessing the birth of a new star, thrilled with the knowledge that this is just the beginning of what will surely be a bright and fiery future.
I'm sure if you are hearing the power and beauty of Kaïssa's music for the first time you will join her avid following, and be compelled to spread the word about this African diva. While she may be new to many, Kaïssa is very familiar to fans of African music in New York, which has been her home base since 1996. Her endearing personality, passionate performances and voice which combines the smoothness of velvet with vivacious intensity, has earned her a growing group of adoring fans, eager to share their enthusiasm with others.
↓ more ↓You may wonder after listening to this masterful album, "Who is this woman and where did she come from?" Kaissa was born in Cameroon and moved with her family to Paris when she was 13. The City of Lights is home to a thriving and multicultural music scene with artists from all walks of life, coming together to create new and exciting flavors. Besides touring and/or recording as a back-up singer with well-known African artists like Salif Keita, Manu Dibango, Cesaria Evora, Kasse Mady and Papa Wemba, Kaïssa also worked with French pop star CharlElie Couture, multimedia artist and musician Jean-Michel Jarre and American stars Martha Wash and Diana Ross.
New York has offered her a wealth of new collaborators, including Patrice Bihina, a producer, composer and guitarist who co-wrote many of the songs on this album, Tony Cedras, a highly-respected South African musician who has recorded with Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffet, and Cassandra Wilson among others, and her husband, the masterful drummer Maciek Schejbal, the producer of this album. Many other talented veterans of the music world in New York have joined in to lend a hand on this album.
Looking There has been many years in the making, and Kaïssa and her colleagues have devoted great care and persistence to ensure that it reflects her true artistry and depth of talent. For those of us who have been patiently awaiting its arrival, this album exceeds even our wildest hopes and captures the spirit and soul of a star that will certainly be dazzling us for years to come.
-Jacob Edgar
(From CD liner notes)
Personnel:
Kaïssa-lead and backing voices
Maciek Schejbal-drums, percussion, percussion programming
Fred Doumbe-bass, guitar, backing voices, percussion, percussion programming
Tony Cedras-guitar, keyboards, accordion
Andre Manga-bass, guitar
Jahdan-rap
Pawel Maciwoda-bass
Henri Tanash-guitar
Martino Atangana-guitar
Alain Agbo-guitar
Aaron Heick-saxophone, flute
Kofo the Wonderman-talking drums
Frank Bambara-congas
Colette Michan-flute
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