Mbalax is the national popular dance of Senegal and Gambia. It features a blend of Western jazz, soul and Latin styles with traditional sabar drumming. Fatou Laobé is one of Dakar's many mbalax divas. She delivers tunes that are "deeply rooted in the folklore of the Laobe" people with stunning vocal tenacity and range. Stream "Hé Laobé" below and download her entire cassette from Awesome Tapes From Africa. (via ATFA, Likembe)
