Naturally associated with Jamaica, reggae has found something of a spiritual home in Africa. This is hardly surprising, considering reggae has long evoked the African continent through the Rastafarian movement and its many prophets. Ivorian artist Tiken Jah Fakoly is a key figure in African reggae, having built a strong reputation over the decades with albums such as the powerful Mangercratie, the inspiring L’Africain, and Racines – a collection of covers including “Fade Away” by the great Junior Byles, reinterpreted with singer Jah9. Known for his refined production style – with sublime bass-and-drum lines and a vibrant brass section – and his politically charged lyrics, he continues to innovate, as shown in a recent acoustic project.
Performing at the Jazz à Vienne festival, Tiken Jah Fakoly revisits some of his standout tracks, including “Ça Va Faire Mal,” (That’s Going to Hurt), “Plus Rien ne m’Étonne” (Nothing Shocks Me Anymore), and “Africain à Paris” (African in Paris), a brilliant reworking of Sting’s famous “Englishman in New York.” These songs are tastefully and coherently arranged with traditional instruments such as the ngoni and kora, reflecting the depth and richness of the surrounding cultural heritage. This is especially evident in “Ouvrez Les Frontières” (Open the Borders), elevated by the woody sounds of the balafon. Interspersed with moments of humor, this set – reminiscent of a Mandinka spiritual rite – culminates in a powerful finale with the hypnotic “Les Martyrs.” Carried by a long dub-inspired track, the charismatic Tiken Jah Fakoly invokes various African and American political figures, including Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara, and Marcus Garvey.