The refreshing French rap-slam-jazz phenomenon. Abd Al Malik is of Congolese origin but also grew up in (the streets of) Neuhof Strasbourg. Was once one of the New African Poets but meanwhile, since 2004, four CDs further in a personal, serious career, with his latest CD 'Château Rouge' just out on Barclay-Universal.
New single 'Ma Jolie' is in any case just as brilliant as the best of Amadou & Mariam and apparently this pedigree performer is now working with none less than Papa Wemba (Congolese legend), Ezra Koenig (from Vampire Weekend), Primary 1 (the sensation this year in London?), CocknBullKid (the sensation next year in London?), Gérard Jouannest (mentor to Brel and Gréco for years) and Gonzales (as a rather remarkable choice of producer.)
Also worth mentioning in passing is that Abd Al Malik has also, amongst other things, accumulated three 'Victoires de la Musique' and bears the title of 'Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres'!
Just to let you know: this is someone who weighs his words, hits the nail on the head and scores well! You can also dance in the meantime.