Zap Mama
Ancestry in Progress (Luaka Bop/V2)
By Jessie Nelson
Published: November 28th, 2004 | 1:54pm
Those who thought world music was a forgotten genre best think again: Zap Mama is single-handedly breathing new life into it by fusing together hip hop, afro-beat, funk, and a touch of jungle on her latest, Ancestry in Progress. Always innovative, Zap Mama moves forward not only by pushing the genre envelope, but also by working with artists who truly understand and contribute to her artistic vision.
Erykah Badu helps move things along on “Bandy Bandy,” Talib Kweli and Common drop rhymes on “Yelling Away,” and the Roots' human beatbox Scratch backs up Zap Mama on “Wadidyusay?” As artists who aren't merely guests singing pre-written hooks, Badu, Kweli, Common, and Scratch all help create their respective tracks.
Zap Mama (nee Marie Daulne) came to what could be termed as “global soul” through living it, as opposed to learning it through traditional musical education. Born in Zaire, she grew up learning traditional African chant. Though she rejected the genre once the music of Stevie Wonder and Roberta Flack hit her ears, she came back to African chant as an adult.
Issue #35
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