Various

"A zinging survey of the dazzlingly diverse, thrilling, neglected releases of Gaye Mody Camara, a young Soninke raised in Mali’s Kayes region, who settled in France in 1977. He started out by selling wax, kola nuts, and other items in Paris; and in no time he was distributing cassette tapes, on his way to producing a multitude of recordings for his own label, Camara Production. A fascinating, precious insight into the modern diaspora of an ancient culture, spanning out as Malian zouk, Mauritanian reggae, and a myriad of grooving, head-spinning directions. Prepared in full collaboration with Gaye Camara; with riso-printed notes."
HONEST JON'S

"It is hard in 2024 to reissue music from the African continent while remaining fresh and surprising. Bingo. Hot Mule takes the podium with this compilation from “Camara production” a label founded in Paris, a reference for the Soninke artistic diaspora and other Malian talents. Very deep, tradi-modern and voices... voices!"
SOFA RECORDS

"Wagadu Grooves: The Hypnotic Sound of Camara 1987-2016 showcases all the different ways the ancient Soninke sound developed through modern production: the delicate, hypnotic lute set alongside the regular beats of a drum machine and heavily autotuned vocals on opener “Kori,” the synthy reggae of “Yexu,” the endlessly transportive “Koolo Fune,” or the swirling disco of “Tenedo.” All blur the borders between tradition and innovation, and are a tribute to Camara’s efforts to keep Soninke culture alive."
SHFL

"With the help of this wonderful vinyl 2LP, a lot could be told about the fluidity of culture, about the history of Africa, but also about intercontinental migration, about nation-statehood and much more. The centuries-old history of these recordings is told in detail in the liner notes and can also be read on the Internet. The music itself tells the story. On “Wagadu Grooves: The Hypnotic Sound Of Camara 1987-2016” you can find traces of disco and reggae, but of course also ancient rhythms, autotune meets traditional instruments."
HHV MAG