Vol 2 by Nahawa Doumbia

Awesome Tapes From Africa the label began over 10 years ago with the reissue of Nahawa Doumbia’s Vol. 3. The recording kicked off a successful run of classic and new recordings from artists across Africa, being made available for the first time in the international marketplace. ATFA makes it possible for artists to expand their fanbases and revenues streams with legally licensed recordings and a 50/50 profit split. For its 50th release, ATFA presents iconic Malian singer Nahawa Doumbia’s beloved Vol. 2.

Released on LP in 1982 and unavailable outside Mali until now, Vol. 2 is an intimate yet powerful document of the early efforts of one of Mali’s most enduring voices. Four decades of worldwide acclaim later, Doumbia is still touring the world blowing minds with her achingly emphatic singing backed by her partner guitarist N’gou Bagayoko. Vol. 2 is stark in its instrumentation—simply featuring voice and acoustic guitar—but massive in its sonic impact.

Painstakingly extracted and remastered from LP by longtime ATFA audio engineer collaborator Jessica Thompson, this is the first time this recording has been cleaned-up for wider release. The master recording no longer exists and the original was pressed at relatively inferior quality, heightening the difficulty of presenting Vol. 2 with clarified audio. The historic recording was worth the effort.

Doumbia’s voice soars above Bagayoko’s guitar as she lays out her plaintive approach to expressing relevant topics of the day. The room sound could be considered the third instrument as its shape and sonic affect is vibrantly apparent throughout. And the simplicity of this recording only enhances the immediacy of these four songs. As a bookend to both Doumbia’s long career and ATFA’s growing catalog, Vol. 2 is a grand yet unpretentious encapsulation of the energy behind this decade-long collaboration between artist and label.

Translation of Back Cover:
A1
SAKORO MERY
There are men who have influence over the history of people or a country. Sakoro Mery Diakité left his mark on the history of “ba ni monotie” during the era of colonialism. He worked as a Head of District, Town Councilor, and Member of Parliament. He was responsible for bringing water and electricity to the town of Bougouni, Capital of “ba ni monotie”.
“You are part of the people who ended in glory, wealth and honor. May the earth be light to you, distinguished descendant of the old Fulani dynasty of Mali.” says Doumbia.

A2
DEMISEN KULU
Every association based on men has its foundations and rules. The motto of Mali's “Demisen Kulu” or “Youth Group” is “Work and Discipline”. Nahawa Doumbia, through this song, urges Malian youth to be more daring and persevering in their work.

B1
MA I NI WULA
Everyone has a life; everyone has a destiny. Nahawa Doumbia wishes each of us a happy ending, a death untainted by too much suffering. Have you often heard the cries of the mother who loses her child? Or the husband who loses his wife? “Death is tough and cruel. No matter how much we pray to it, the cruelty that it is, blocks its ears and lets us cry ourselves out.”

B2
JIGI YIRI
In an unforgettable month, in September 1980, my father and I said and wished “Goodbye and safe trip” to each other. This was in Bamako, where my father was heading to Mecca and I was going to Côte d’Ivoire. When I returned, all I saw was the prayer body of my father, his kettle, beanie and shoes. My God, you took my mother and now my father away from me. You’re now my only support, my “jigi yiri”. Papa Moussa Doumbia, to you, who died on the way to heaven, I wish the earth be light.

Malian singer Nahawa Doumbia is well known at home and abroad for her powerful voice and wassoulou style music.