Tekit Izi continues the long string of successful albums released by
Kassav. The strength and cohesiveness of the group is evident from the first down beat. They are the zouk dynamo of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Along with some very solid zouk, they combine some groove-laden ragga on "Leve Tet' Ou." Their zouk here favors the harder-edged zouk versus the somewhat limp, repetitive zouk love that came to predominate the zouk arena later in the decade. One thing that keeps
Kassav fresh is their use of hand percussion, although the omnipresent drum machines are there too. The album seems to gather more momentum from the middle tracks onward. "Mwen Ale" (The Departure) is a powerhouse track sung by the gutsy
Jocelyne Beroard. Right on its heels,
Jean-Philippe Marthely handles the vocals with equal intensity on "Lan Mori Ki Ni." "Mwen Vire" (The Return) is a strong track sung by Joceylne Beroard. In response to the somewhat tense political and economic situation on the islands, this is an album of inspiration for the people of Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Kassav can uplift with style and heights of creative energy that are rare in the world of music. Highly recommended. ~ Mark Romano