MC Melstar couldn't wait to review this one. She knows what its like to cut it as an MC, amongst the male posturing in the hip hop scene. Together with her Wolof dictionary she listens to Sarabah - Tales from the Flipside of Paradise, the new release from Sister Fa, Senegal's Queen of Hip Hop. Does it get the thumbs up? ...read more

I was so excited at the prospect of this album, and I wasn’t let down. Sister Fa is a legend. Jump up and throw some shapes to this. ‘Sister Fa La’ really did have me grooving around the room, infectious. Sister Fa possesses a style of her own, and she owns it. She hits on the snare, her intonation, and real sense of rhythm will overtake you, it’s all encompassing. Deep, deep lyrics, spat hard and with feeling.

"Put this on repeat, it's sensuous, heady, smooth and deep".

‘Selebou Yoon’ has some lovely harmony, and cracking beats that really affect your hips, and you really could be back in Senegal when you hear this tune. It’s one of those tracks that whilst you hear the beat and harmony, you are also transported away to the beach and the sea, and you can feel all the elements to everything you consider wonderful in life. I ache to see this track performed live.
Moving on ‘Sarabah’ the album title is a beautiful track, tapping into your soul where it takes hold. This track is more about simple fluid movements, and intense meaning. Searing cries, precipitating melody, and serious lyrics. Put this on repeat, it's sensuous, heady, smooth and deep.

In ‘Soldat’, you are moved by the angst, and message. Though the melody and upbeat kick brings you onside compelling you to rally alongside her, essentially, it’s a cry for support for Senegalese soldiers in a peaceful means without the brutality of war. It’s about the hardship of life and the plight of wishing to defend the liberty of one's people.

Sister Fa’s lyrics and delivery form the strongest part of her work, and this album is clear demonstration of that. She takes her responsibility as an artist seriously and passionately. In this album, she also raps on FGM – female genital mutilation, and the very real need to eradicate the practice now. She is a talented defender of justice, and fighting for rights in life.

Please share this track and Sister Fa’s words people.

Practice makes perfect, she has had to struggle and work hard at her craft. Her love of Hip Hop is evident, and she shines through her rhymes. I have to praise Sista Fa for ‘Life Am,’ straight and direct, she tackles Aids – for men and women. ‘Use condoms, it saves lives’ ‘protegez nous.’ It’s a direct, rhymed through story and circumstance. I have to put this track out there. Desire, pleasure, passion, it’s all a big part of our existence, but to save our lives, to use a condom, costs nothing in relation to what we enjoy. Please share this track and Sista Fa’s words people.

A true accomplishment, on many levels, this is a well-produced and considered album. Sista Fa has the message, without preaching, just beautifully crafted lyrics sung in Wolof, Manding, Jola and French. Trademark hard-hitting beats contrast with rolling melodies and harmonies. She is an inspiration.

Its a gem of an album that needs to be shared inside and outside the hip hop community. Wonderful.

Download - Sarabah: Tales From The Flipside Of Paradise