National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Fania fuses traditional Senegalese music, electronica and a Western acoustic bent to create a unique sound, one that is extremely unusual given the trend of West African/European collaborations toward a heavy beat and pop sound.

Sopi tends toward a darker, brooding trip-hop and rock sound, along the lines of a laid back Alannis Morissette. Lush kora melodies and talking drum solos float underneath sparse electronica and acoustic rock guitar work, while Fania's voice, fresh and unique in its rawness and evocation of pain, pulls it all together. Her voice has the power and pain of rock, but also the sensitivity of the soul diva. And it works superbly. —Courtesy Calabash Music