Patience Dabany is one of the few musicians to have emerged from the Central African Republic to anything approaching international success. Not only a vocalist, she's also a master percussionist and the owner of two recording studios. This compilation cherry-picks from a number of albums to show the breadth of her work, which focuses on soukous, the update of Congolese rhumba which was so popular on the dancefloors of Paris in the '80s. Unfortunately, tracks like "Levekisha" and "Abaga Lobi" bring in some of the worst elements of the style, with cheap-sounding synthesized horns and musicians who sound as if they don't care too much. However, there are exceptions, such as "Songo Ya Mawa," a duet with Tabu Ley Rochereau that's a tribute to the late Franco. With glorious vocals and some mesmerizing guitar work (uncredited), it's a wonderful piece and an indication of the true possibilities of the style. "Ayanga," which is far more traditional and decidedly rhythmic, is also a highlight, relying heavily on vocal chants over a sparse backing to make its musical point. You can give full marks to Dabany for singing in three languages on "Fly Girl," a track that probably sounded fresh on its arrival, but with even a short passage of time is so dated it ought to be shrouded in cobwebs. A nice attempt at the contemporary dancefloor, but not a success.
© Chris Nickson /TiVo