AM Foreign World Cup: Round 1 - Western Africa (Part 2)

Bracket 1.2.5
Toumani Diabaté - Kaounding Cissoko 5
Orchestra Baobab - Bul Ma Miin 4.5
As I said, 2 of my very favorite facing each other. The Diabate solo album is maybe my favorite African album of all time, but I understand it is very challenging music. Toumani is one of the very best musicians in the world, what he can do with his kora is amazing. I think that he imitates the sound of the rain on this song. The Orchestra Baobab song is fantastic too.

1.2.6
Amadou & Mariam - Je pense à toi 4
Baaba Maal & Mansour Seck - Lam Tooro 4
Another Mali-Senegal matchup, and another victory for Mali (but a very short one). 2 countries that are in a very delicate political situation as I'm writing. Amadou & Mariam have a sweetness that I really enjoy.

1.2.7
Tinariwen - Cler Achel 4.25
Fela Kuti - Roforofo Fight 4.25
Mali is a huge country. The north of the country is culturally very close to North Africa (and in rebellion due in part to Khadafi's collapse). I love Tinariwen but I can't think of a second round without Fela.

1.2.8
Salif Keita - Beguin the Beguine - No YouTube link
Kante Manfila - Agne Anko5
I love the folky sound of Kante Manfila. Beautiful ballad.

This part of the world is my favorite. I miss this land. Beautiful place, beautiful people. Long live West Africa !

Bracket 1.2.5
Orchestra Baobab - Bul Ma Miin
off "Specialist in All Styles"; on it they sound like the equal of Buena Vista Social Club

1.2.6
Amadou & Mariam - Je pense à toi

1.2.7
Tinariwen - Cler Achel
This was a really hard choice. Both songs deserve to go to the next round.

1.2.8
Kante Manfila - Agne Anko

1.2.6
Amadou & Mariam - Je pense à toi

1.2.7
Tinariwen - Cler Achel

1.2.8
Kante Manfila - Agne Anko

Bracket 1.2.5
Toumani Diabaté - Kaounding Cissoko

1.2.6
Baaba Maal & Mansour Seck - Lam Tooro

1.2.7
Fela Kuti - Roforofo Fight

1.2.8
Kante Manfila - Agne Anko