Nayt, Karima
Quoi D'autre?
Algerian-native, Karima Nayt, is a more traditionally-inclined Kabyle singer than her fellow countrywoman, Iness Mezel. The folkish, fl uid melodies are interrupted by nomadic guitars and upbeat percussion spanning North Africas camel routes, Frances guitar music, and the vocal melisma of Ofra Haza. Karimas mature voice fl oats effortlessly across the tracks with a bit of reservation to allow the instruments some room to expand on the vocal patterns. The sincerity in Karimas voice resembles the same clarity as Souad Massi with the sensuality of Frances Carla Bruni. At any rate, Karimas songs are heartfelt, classic, and timeless. The thirteen tracks span Karimas eclectic and linguistic ethnic background. Some of the songs are reminiscent of Spanish, South American, or Portuguese-type music with a strong, classical-almost fadoesque -presence. Nevertheless, the music is not a fusion project, but a wonderful journey through the Folk music traditions of Algerias infamous Mediterranean coastline.