National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Imagine a Piedmont blues guitarist who was born in Zaire, learned his job in South Africa, did major sojourns to Egypt and Australia, and then landed in Paris to play with Ben Harper, John McLaughlin and Papa Wemba. You'd be close to imagining the sound of So Kalmery. Kalmery sings in Kiswahili, English and French. His lyrics are simple, but his strong voice reverberates with life.

Even when he is accompanied by an assortment of instruments including the didgeridoo, flute and sax, Kalmery manages to evoke the image of the musician as a troubadour, providing wholesome outdoor entertainment to the local townsfolk. —Courtesy Calabash Music