Artist: Deep Forest Album: Deep Africa - Eric Mouquet

Year: 2013
Duration: 0:0-1

An In-Depth Review of Deep Africa by Eric Mouquet, Aka Deep Forest

When it comes to ethnic fusion music, few artists can match up to Eric Mouquet of Deep Forest. His latest album, Deep Africa, is a testament to his unique ability to blend different genres and cultures. Released in 2020, the album takes you on a journey through the sounds of the African continent. As a listener, you get the sense that you're right there in Africa, experiencing the sights and sounds of the region. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Deep Africa, explore its best songs, most innovative parts, and offer our verdict on the album.

First, a brief history of the artist. Eric Mouquet co-founded Deep Forest in 1992, along with Michel Sanchez. The duo's debut album, also entitled Deep Forest, was a critical and commercial success. Their unique style, which combined electronic music with world and traditional music, earned them a following among fans of world music. Over the years, the group released several successful albums, including Boheme, Comparsa, and Evo Devo. In addition to his work with Deep Forest, Mouquet has also collaborated with several renowned artists, including Peter Gabriel and Youssou N'Dour.

Now, onto the album itself. Deep Africa is a collection of twelve tracks that showcase the different sounds of the African continent. The album features collaborations with several African musicians, including Lokua Kanza, Blick Bassy, and Wasis Diop. From the rhythmic beats on Mama Aicha to the haunting vocals on Zanzi, the album offers a range of sounds that celebrate African culture.

As far as the best songs on the album, there are a few that stand out. Mama Aicha is a perfect introduction to the album. The track features a lively beat that's sure to get your feet tapping. Zanzi is another highlight, with its haunting vocals and melancholic melody. Kouloumba is another standout track, with its African percussion and guitar riffs.

As for the most innovative parts of the album, there are a few that are worth highlighting. First, the album's use of traditional African instruments, such as the kora and the ngoni, adds a fascinating layer to the music. These instruments are rarely heard in western music and add an authentic African flavor to the album. Additionally, the album's fusion of electronic music with traditional African music is another innovative element. The use of electronic beats and synths adds a contemporary feel to the music, while still paying homage to African traditions.

Lastly, let's discuss our verdict on the album. Overall, Deep Africa is a fantastic addition to Eric Mouquet's already impressive discography. The album showcases his talent for blending different cultures and sounds, while still maintaining a cohesive and compelling collection of tracks. The use of traditional African instruments and collaboration with African musicians is a refreshing change of pace for fans of world music. Our only criticism is that the album can feel a bit repetitive in places. Nonetheless, we highly recommend giving Deep Africa a listen.

In conclusion, Deep Africa is a testament to Eric Mouquet's unique ability to blend different cultures and sounds. The album's celebration of African culture and collaboration with African musicians make it a standout addition to the world music genre. The use of traditional African instruments and electronic beats creates a compelling and exciting sound that will leave listeners wanting more. While not without its flaws, Deep Africa is a must-listen for fans of world music and anyone looking to expand their musical horizons.

In conclusion, Deep Africa is a testament to Eric Mouquet's unique ability to blend different cultures and sounds. The album's celebration of African culture and collaboration with African musicians make it a standout addition to the world music genre. The use of traditional African instruments and electronic beats creates a compelling and exciting sound that will leave listeners wanting more. While not without its flaws, Deep Africa is a must-listen for fans of world music and anyone looking to expand their musical horizons.