At Kassav’, there is firstly the historical channel. All the albums stamped uniquely Kassav’ and often distinguished more by their number than by their title. And then there are all the branches, which each of its members initiated, invented, reworked… As such, En Balatè is Jean-Claude Naimro‘s first album under his own name, in 1985. But all of Kassav’ is present here, and while two hits are generally identified (which are well worth it!), the title track and then in B1, Avéou Doudou, the whole album more than deserves the honours. Guest stars include two great Cameroonian musicians, Manu Dibango and Toto Guillaume. It’s an exchange of courtesies, since Jean-Claude Naimro is regularly credited on their albums too. What a great vintage!
En Balatè – Jean-Claude Naimro, 1985
