Julien Jacob’s music isn’t African.
Yeah, but he was born in Benin.
He moved to France when he was four. I was born in the US and moved to Canada when I was three but I’m not American.. nor am I French any time soon.
Fair enough, but his songs sound West African.
Some of the percussion and guitar, sure, but I don’t know if you noticed that he’s singing in an invented language.
Doesn’t he live in Brittany? They speak a crazy language up there. Maybe you’re confusing it with that.
No, I’m serious: he sings in a language that he invented for his music, à la Ekova. It’s meant to sound good but not mean anything in any language.
So wait, if it’s not African why are you putting it on Benn loxo?

Because I can do whatever I want, and it’s a great album. Sounds like Francis Bebey tossed in a salad with Tom Waits and a dash of Ekova. His tune Yacob also features a great Algerian musician, Rachid Taha. Jenny, if you’re reading, thanks for the heads-up.

If you like it, pick it up over at Stern’s or Calabash.

ps- Benn loxo listener, Brian, is looking for a copy of Awadi’s song, Zamouna. If you have it then leave a comment or send me an e-mail.

Julien Jacob – Yacob feat. Rachid Taha
Julien Jacob – Meh