Whenever the African country of Chad appears in the headlines, it is always for the wrong reasons: civil war, drought, famine or corrupt aid workers. Mounira Mitchala was also marked by the tumultuous past of her homeland. In her birth year 1979 a civil war raged and in 2008 the situation is often still restless. Moreover, the conservative views in the country do not make it easy for women to sing
… and perform. Talent does not deny itself and Mounira managed to distinguish herself in the music scene of the Chadian capital N'Djamena. Her breakthrough came when the French world broadcaster RFI distinguished her as the most important talent. She then performed with Salif Keita and Ismaël Lô, among others. Mitchala has a beautiful voice and is accompanied by acoustic guitar, bass, oud, Arabic violin and percussion. Chad lies on the border of the Arab world and tropical Africa. Both influences can be heard on this album that seems to get better with every listen. (PdK)more
