The Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal has the crossroads in his sights on his 11th studio album. His identity as a Fulani in a country of Wolofs remains central, as per opening roll, Fulani Rock. Integrated, too, are western and electronic sources, from producer Johan Hugo (The Very Best, whom Maal met through Africa Express), the presence of Winston Marshall (Mumford & Sons, ditto) and the addition of that modernist rapper’s delight, Auto-Tune. Perhaps tracks such as Lampenda veer too far in the direction of accessible arena rock, and the final double whammy (War and Peace) featuring poet Lemn Sissay jars slightly, after Maal’s own dulcet tones. But there are compelling fusions – like the title track, which hovers deftly between tradition and an electronic blues.
