Jama Ko
by Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Record Collector
    Jun 4, 2013
    80
    Kouyate has recorded more consistent albums than this but, as a statement of defiance, Jama Ko could be his most important work.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    May 29, 2013
    70
    Jama Ko is, for twelve of its thirteen songs, political in the best way, using a deeply focused aesthetic both to engage with and as a momentary escape from the social environment which produced it.
  3. The New York Times
    Apr 29, 2013
    80
    Ngoni Ba was already remarkable for its plucked, pointillist modal grooves, and on Jama Ko, its passionate defense of Malian culture makes the music even sharper.
  5. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Apr 2, 2013
    100
    Two melodies reach back centuries. Strong-voiced frontwoman Amy Sacko delivers the word. And although the ngoni is a mere lute, Kouyate gets more noises you want to hear out of his strings than any two jam-band hotshots you can name.
  6. Exclaim
    Apr 2, 2013
    90
    Although political in nature, the feel of the record is unabashedly joyful and if Jama ko doesn't form part of your summer listening, you are missing out on something very special.
  7. Uncut
    Mar 13, 2013
    90
    A creative triumph out of Mali's darkest hour. [Mar 2013, p.73]
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  8. BBC Music
    Mar 13, 2013
    80
    The n’gonis are always upfront, but this is also an album of stunning vocals.
  9. Mojo
    Mar 13, 2013
    80
    An album for anybody who likes rock music to sound angry about something. [Mar 2013, p.89]
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  10. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 13, 2013
    100
    Kouyate's electrification of his ngoni lute is just as effective a sign of resistance: fed through a wah-wah pedal, his serpentine, fleet-fingered lead lines gain a fresh, assertive power on songs.
  11. The Guardian
    Mar 13, 2013
    80
    It's Bassekou who dominates, with a new, tougher, amplified ngoni style that shows the influence of co-producer Howard Bilerman.... Magnificent.
  12. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Mar 13, 2013
    80
    The end result is a tense, powerful and emotive piece of work.

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Album of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 8 out of 26
  1. Malimusic
    Mar 26, 2017
    10
    Aggressive album from Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba. While maintaining Malian tradition, Kouyate & Ngoni Ba expand their musical horizons whileAggressive album from Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba. While maintaining Malian tradition, Kouyate & Ngoni Ba expand their musical horizons while addressing complex religious and political issues in Mali.… Full Review »
  2. jake_gibbs
    Sep 7, 2013
    3
    For fans only. Like probably 99+% of metacritic users I know nothing about this style of music, so i cant tell if these guys are the rollingFor fans only. Like probably 99+% of metacritic users I know nothing about this style of music, so i cant tell if these guys are the rolling stones or the milli vanilli of the genre. but for the most part, while the music is pretty in parts, i found the vocals annoying to unlistenable. i try to keep my mind open, but this album did not whet my appetite in wanting to explore African music. Why do critics always swoon over anything that's international or a re-issue?… Full Review »
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