Rising star Sarazino (a.k.a. Lamine Fellah) has a Canadian connection – he went to school in Montreal. But we can’t claim him; in fact, he’s one of those guys who seems more a citizen of the world than of any one place.
Sarazino was born in Algeria, raised in West Africa, and his new album, Everyday Salama, reflects that and dozens of other influences, in a way that might remind you a bit of Manu Chao. His playlist is pretty darn eclectic too – check it out below. After, that is, you hear some of his own music, a tune called "Es Mi Momento."
1. Luisa Maita, "Lero Lero"
"To me Luisa is a fresh voice from Brasil. This song is very 'Brasilian in the melody' and very 'reggae' in the attitude."
2. Zebda, "Le Talent"
"Zebda is a very famous band in France. The members were born in France but they are sons of immigrants. This song is very cool and I admire that it preaches tolerance."
3. Tinariwen, "Toumast"
"'Toumast' is one of my favourite songs from this great band! It is very African and yet very bluesy at the same time."
4. Cheikh Lo, "Il N’est Jamais Trop Tard”
"This is a new version of an old song from Senegal! It has more groove and the voice of Cheikh Lo makes the difference."
5. Morcheeba, “Blood Like Lemonade”
"I love the arrangements in this song, the concept is beautiful and the lead singer is great."
6. Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, “Kali”
"A great African band, mixing reggae and African music. There is so much joy in their music, I can't help but be a big fan."
7. Hooverphonic, “Mad About You”
"For me, this song [is] a perfect European pop hit. It reminds me [of] my years in Switzerland."
"I love this artist. Very simple and very reggae with an incredible voice."
9. Keane, “Somwhere Only We Know”
"One of my favourite bands. The composition of their melodies is just great and this song is such a hit."
10. Toots and the Maytals, “What Kind of a Woman”
"Toots is my all-time musical idol. This song reflects the true power of Toots's voice, the best of the best."
Related:
Must hear: Manu Chao’s ‘Mi Gustas Tu’
World Music Voices: Luisa Maita’s soulful ways
Quique Escamilla’s top 10 Mexican tunes