In this follow-up to their earlier Guinean compilation, the Stronghold releases, Sembeh Ma Fa Fe: Roots Volume, a lively selection of home-grown soul, folk, salsa and traditional djembe percussion from this musically rich West-African country. After focusing on their most recent full length release, Khat Thaleth: Arab Hip Hop in the wake of Revolutions, the crew goes back to Africa and digs deeper into the musical heritage of Guinea. The second volume in the Sembeh Ma Fa Fe Series features tunes that share some of the roots of the musical traditions of the region. From the powerful polyrhythms of the djembe to the soothing cyclical melodies of the balafon to the longing cries of the grio, each instrument is rich with history and significance; even the Mandeng kings prized them as near to possessing supernatural powers. The release features a selection of artists such as elders: Mybaby performing her own blend of salsa infused Guinean folk, Aisha who sings a classic form of traditional folk called Mamaya, Geizu who accompanies the percussive group Balandougou Kan bringing you a taste of village life, and Blondi, a modest man whose voice startles you with its depth of emotion and power singing alongside the traditional gungoma. Then there are the newer generation artists: Sara who teams up with her talented brother, Lancena Koyate, on bass to create a kind of traditional Guinean soul with a funk foundation, Sissoko, a talented singer in a family of vocalists who offers something akin to Guinean blues also in the Mamaya style, and Alessane, a young and talented percussionist with a voice both innocent and passionate, who sings alongside the balafon in a number that reminds one of Conakry island living. Lastly, Sekou Keita and Bondo Sidibe lead the percussion ensemble, Balandougou Kan, in arrangements that show the interlocking beauty and raw energy of tam tam Mandeng, or djembe music. In addition the label adds 4 dancefloor remixes (released earlier this Fall on vinyl only as Guinea Folk Remixed) of 3 tracks from the compilation by artists Saran and MyBaby. Captain Planet(Bastard Jazz), J-Boogie(OM), Chief Boima(Ghetto Bassquake, Dutty Artz), Giku and Dub Snakkr(Stronghold) team up to interpret and remix the songs to their hearts delight.