This compilation of music from Angola shows the depth of talent from this nation beleaguered by decades of colonial and post-colonial strife. This is an excellent introduction to the music of Angola recorded in the 1990's. Angolan music is African music at its best. The rhythms featured on this album include , , , and a few ballads. Carlos Lamartine, who began singing in the 1950's, combined with young musicians in Luanda and Lisbon to produce the phenomenal Memorias from which "Vunda Ku Muceque" is taken. Banda Maravilha is represented here twice. They have had a long career in the popular music of Angola and are, like other Angolan musicians, transposing traditional music to the modern idiom. They do it with style and high energy in the and on this recording. Carlos Burity, whose singing career began in the 1970's, offers his "Ojala Ye Ya" from his extraordinary Massemba album. The wailing cry at the beginning of the song speaks of the horror and misery of continual war. The master takes the sorrow and turns on the percussive healing dance. Lourdes Van Dunem is the most famous female Angolan singer. She sings a , which was a drawing room dance for the black bourgeoisie at the end of the 19th century. Played on a concertina, it is accompanied by the or and by hand clapping. Bonga has been a fixture of Angolan music for over 30 years. He has played with Carlos Lamartine and Teta Lando. Another exceptional artist included in this compilation is Paulo Flores. He has been making Angolans dance to his , a mixture of and , for over 25 years. His "Canta Meu Semba" is a sparkling example of a that burns. Filipe Mukenga, whose compositions have been covered by Flora Purim and Djavan, contributes a fine based on a poem dating back to the slavery era. There are a host of other notable Angolan artists on this compilation including Mario Rui Silva, Simmons, Moise and Jose Kafala and Afra Sound Star. Angola 90's shows the musical talent of this nation. It is a fairly comprehensive sampling of the various rhythms that comprise the rich mix coming out of Angola. Highly recommended and a rhythmic enticement to explore more Angolan musical territory. ~ Mark Romano, All Music Guide