Donia
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On Donia, Sawt El Atlas deliver 12 odes to like. Many members of the band are of Moroccan origin but grew up in France, giving the group a cross-cultural perspective both musically and lyrically (the lyrics here are in French or Arabic, dependent upon the song). Fronted by vocalists and songwriters Kamel El Habchi and Mounir Mirghani, who are only in their ahead of schedule 20s, the group combines elements of Middle Eastern, reggae, Latin, funk, and dance composition into a lively pop mix together that is continually upbeat. Here are many fascinating moments surrounded by Donia–Egyptian string orchestra over pulsating bass and beats (“Ne me jugez pas”), the soulful vocals of Natacha Atlas paired with live dumbek and programmed rhythms (“Ness”), and flamenco guitars woven into a pop setting (“Andalucia”). Some may find Sawt El Atlas a small too mainstream in its fusion, but this group performs its peppy world pop with zeal. It may be hard to resist the urge to groove along. –Bryan Reesman
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From the Atlas mountains of Morocco, Sawt el Atlas combines Algerian rai, Arabic pop, reggae and dance strands together to form a delightful cross-cultural fusion. From the pulsing rhythms of ‘Zmane y Dore’ to the laid back sound of ‘Donia’ to the charming Latin stylings of ‘Andalucia,’ Sawt el Atlas produce a wonderful mix, all while keeping their eyes on their Maghrebi roots and sensibilities. But the real highlight for fans of Arabic composition probably comes from the guest vocals of North African world composition diva Natacha Atlas on the track ‘Ness,’ which is sure to become a favorite. Over all, this is a fantastic album and well worth checking out, especially if you want to hear a new direction in North African pop. Five stars all the way!
Rating: 5 / 5
Donia is upbeat composition that will make you want to shake your booty. “Ness,” featuring Natacha Atlas, is my favourite track with its dumbek solo at the beginning and Natacha’s trademark soulful vox. The composition is at times funky, at times classical Egyptian string orchestra, and at all times danceable, with the nearer tempo songs being my personal favourites. Languages vary from French to Spanish and Arabic, and even if you don’t be with you these tongues, you’ll find yourself tapping along to the beat.
Rating: 4 / 5
Algerian Rai meets Moroccan club pop meets what else? Sawt el Atlas are cool enough that their mix of percussion, beats, and Arabic vocals sounds just right as world composition, quick-pulse dance sounds, or whatever. They cut some of “Donia” in Paris, with Sodi, the producer of Les Negresses Vertes, Femi Kuti, and others at the reins. They refined it in Cairo, surely a composition freak’s mecca–just check out the Egyptian strings, tiny percussion instruments, and general vibe. Unforgettable. Natacha Atlas drops in for vocals on “Ness” and all of Donia is just hugely comprehensive. They’ve toured with Massilia Sound System, Khaled, Cheb Mami, Keziah Jones, Tonton David, and more. So if that’s your thing, rock this.
Rating: 5 / 5
i am ordinarily a fan of the fantastic cheb mami, but when i saw this at the store, i couldn’t resist.i really like “ne me judgez pas,” and even if you don’t speak arabic or french (i speak both, but all my friends like the album) you will find yourself dancing along surrounded by the first 30 seconds of “ne me Judgez pas” or “ness”. a must for arab composition fans and those who dont even like arab composition. its also a fantastic cd to work out to! it keeps you going!!
Rating: 5 / 5
These guys just played at WOMAD in Seattle on July 29, and wow! They were awesome! I didn’t stay for the whole set (holding my spot for Peter Gabriel & Afro Celt won out) and I didn’t have time to pick up a CD here, so I’m ordering it here. From the small I did hear and from the enthusiastic crowd they drew, I’m really impressed. I’m really looking forward to this CD arriving!
Rating: 5 / 5