Watoto Children's Choir - Beautiful Africa: A New Generation
STYLE: World RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 127939-19418 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
The Watoto Children's Choir are recognised as being the unofficial ambassadors of their home country of Uganda but their latest release sees the singing and dancing ensemble promote the benefits of Africa as a whole as well as communicating the intent of the choir's parent charity - Watoto Child Care Ministries - to rescue orphans and raise "a new generation" of leaders. Proceedings kick off with the funk and world music fusion of "Africa/Come And Dwell" which sets the scene for a musically dazzling collection of songs that are bursting with positivity and verve. It's not until the third track in - the heartfelt song of thanks to God "Not Alone" - that the children really get to feature thanks to an arguably wise choice to generally allow adult singers to take on the lead vocal duties to bolster the already strong performances of their younger colleagues. Songs such as the title track and "African Praise" are simply infectious in a way that only African music can be and will no doubt go down a storm at the choir's live appearances whilst genuinely great moments such as some breathtaking percussion/instrument interplay in the accomplished "Ani Yakulokola" and a couple of stunning guitar solos elsewhere all highlight the high quality of musicianship on show here. A sincere cover of Matt Maher's "Lord I Need You" and the funk-laden closer "Shine" further cement the quality, professionalism and charm of this children's release with a difference.
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