Review: Afrodream - Guiss Guiss (Rubik Music)

Wth members from Senegal, Argentina, France & Italy, Afrodream are a mini-WOMAD in themselves but as a whole, with the new album 'Guiss Guiss' it's a mini-Festival in itself.

Having played Glastonbury, Saalfeld Jazz Festical, Jazzahead and more, the Turnin based band's message of tolerance and understanding to the dance of Afrobeat, ethnojazz and tropical funk fusion is spreading far and wide.

Mostly sung in French, apart from the Française/English lyrics of the "declaration" of intent of the opening track, 'La musique de mélange'.  But this album is full of fun, life, movement and some killer horn.  This is typical Charlie Gillett (who sadly passed some 15 years ago now) who would have played this on BBC Radio London and the World Service without doubt; thankfully, Gilles Petterson and DJ GUTS are still with us spreading the word.

'Ma mère', 'Jambar' (translates as "warrior" in Wolof, as spoken in Senegal/W. Africa) and 'Ma belle” are all tributes to women whilst 'Afrotrip' and 'Bamako' are big crowd pleasers: particularly the rockin' 'Afrotrip'.

'Ethnique' is another call for love and unity and the eight track album closes with a ballad 'Où va le vent' which shows, as if we didn't know before, what great musicians these guys are.

WOMAD is back in Afr2026 so lets make sure Afrodream's dreams come true and get 'em on the bill.

Radio WOMAD 2024 - OVERNIGHT MIXES - Gerry Hectic - HERE

Artist: Afrodream
Title:  Guiss Guiss
Release date: 26th September, 2025
Label : Rubik Music

Catalog Number : RM003
Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp