Emel Mathlouthi: Kelmti Horra – review

(World Village)Here's a world diva with a difference. Mathlouthi's lament for her homeland, "Ya Tounes Ya Meskina" (Poor Tunisia), became a soundtrack to last year's uprising, along with the celebratory "Kelmti Horra" (My Word is Free). Arriving after several years of exile in France, this debut twists together Arabic roots with western flavours – some rock (Mathlouthi plays guitar and cites Joan Baez as an influence) but mostly cavernous trip-hop. The mix works well on stand-outs "Dhalem" and...

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