Various

The Hypnotic Sound of Camara 1987–2016 focused on the sounds of the Soninke, Wagadu Grooves Vol.2 delves into the entirety of Camara Production’s vast catalog, shining a light on the syncretic sounds that resonated through the streets of Montreuil, Saint-Denis, and the numerous migrant housing centers around the city. Here, Malian musicians carried with them the rhythms of Wassoulou, from the traditional harvest dance sogonikun, to djaga, didadi, and sumu, the joyous, female-led celebrations rooted in Mali’s pre colonial traditions.

Yet these were not merely echoes of the past; the city’s gritty undercurrent shaped these soundscapes, blending the hypnotic plucks of the kamélé ngoni, and the rhythms of the djembé with heavy autotune, drum machines and synths, funk arrangements, Afropop, Afro-Zouk, Rap, and even proto house.

Through its 12 tracks originally released on cassette tapes or digitally, Wagadu Grooves Vol. 2 brings to life these rich and diverse sounds, honoring the vision, creativity, and business savvy of Gaye Mody Camara, whose five-decade long career has shaped the sound of Malian communities in Paris and beyond.