TIKI - RICHARD BONA
Cameroon native Bona has been referred to as “the African Sting” by music journalists, and it’s a useful comparison, considering Bona’s hip and distinctive take on pop music. “Tiki” finds him at his best. He’s an adept bassist with a laid-back vocal style that’s terribly appealing, and his sound is often sophisticated rock, as on “Please Don’t Stop.” His West African roots add rhythmic and melodic nuances to “Ida Bato,” while a jazz-wise sensibility informs his cover of Jaco Pastorius’ “Three Women” and the ballad “Esoka Bulu.” He’s also capable of ranging far enough afield to explore Brazilian samba and the Caribbean Afro-Cuban vibe on “Manyaka O Brazil” and “Akwa Samba Yaya.” A musical map of the world. Billboard
