Bonga

Thirty-four years and nearly a dozen studio albums since his debut with the still stunning Angola ’72, one of the pioneers of modern African song has yet to mellow. Bonga’s latest release, Maiorais, continues his reflections on the harsh legacy of colonialism, personal loss and separation. Despite the subject matter, more than half of the 13 tracks are up-tempo numbers, propelled throughout by subtle percussion work, acoustic guitar and bass. Tracks like “Banga Fukula” and “Sambila” bounce along effortlessly, while the first tune, the mournful “Aname” (“My Children”), is a clear standout. It’s a showcase for Bonga’s unmistakable voice, at once raspy and fluid and still the epitome of genuine soul.