The last five seconds of the song featured in today’s post sounds a lot like Axel Rose’s unforgettable cry at the end of Sweet Child o’ Mine. And that guitar solo halfway through? Pure Slash. I wonder if Malouma used to have Appetite For Destruction on heavy rotation back home in Mederdra, Mauritania. You know, back when bike shorts were cool.

Probably not, but Malouma has nonetheless challenged the musical traditions in her native country. Originally she was scorned for introducing blues, pop and other outside influences into her music but now she’s considered Mauritania’s greatest musical success. She pretty much single handedly gave birth to contemporary Mauritanian music.

..with great results. Listen to the way today’s tune suddenly starts modulating halfway through, moving through a standard blues progression. It immediately perks the ears- a great blend of traditional instruments and style with a Western feel.

Today’s track comes off Malouma’s 2004 Marabi release, Dunya. Go grab some over at Calabash.

Malouma – Mreimida
Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine