Ousmane Kouyate

The faultless Analog Africa presents another superb reissue project here, this time looking to two rare 1980s gems by Ousmane Kouyate, a master guitarist and heir to the Griot tradition. He was a key figure in Les Ambassadeurs alongside Mory Kante and Salif Keita and helped shape modern Mandingue music with his electrifying take on the genre. The tracks presented here, 'Kefimba' and 'N'Ny' were originally released on cassette and later vinyl but are hard to find. They showcase his funk-infused style and personal knack for storytelling and have been remastered from the original tapes for this limited edition release. It makes for an essential slice of West African heritage and electric grooves that are primed and ready for plenty of action this summer and beyond.