Freshlyground have never shied away from showcasing their traditions and backgrounds on their previous projects. It’s no different with their new offering, aptly title Radio Africa, encompassing what Africa has to offer in terms of diversity in the sound and music they play.

Radio Africa opens with Moto, with lines “Moto moto wayaka wayaka moto wayaka”, inspired by guitarist and band member Julio Sigauque’s grandmother who used to hum this traditional chorus for him back in Mozambique. Fire Is Low is not as strong as the previous song, but has a catchy vibe.

The utmost best song, for me, is the last track on the album called Waliphalal’ Igazi. From the moment I heard it, it ignited a particular interest in me. It may be love for a very traditional sound resulting from accapella, coupled with ululating and hand claps. Even the way Zolani leads the choir is refreshing and perfectly matches how the sound was allowed to flourish. Other noteworthy songs include The Dream Of Love, featuring beautiful percussions and maskandi guitar; the melancholy ballad Baby In Silence, laced with acoustic guitar and a hint of soft piano vibrations.

Freshlyground tackle political issues on Chicken To Change, confronting Robert Mugabe about his ways; social ails on Working Class and Baba; and romance on Would You Mind. The variation in subject matter puts them in good stead in their quest to unify our continent through their music. It also helps that on top of being a band that comprises of different souls from all over Africa, they also feature guests like French-based duo Les Nubians on Big Man and tenor saxophonist Fab on The Dream Of Love, Fire Is Low and Chicken To Change.

Radio Africa is a solid effort from Freshlyground, cementing their stamp as creators of eclectic mix of sounds from the whole continent; generating something refreshing and truly our own.