Ben Okafor - Diverted Traffic

Published Monday 27th July 2009
Ben Okafor - Diverted Traffic
Ben Okafor - Diverted Traffic

STYLE: World
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 81418-15539
LABEL: Roadsweeper RSRBEN003
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £11.00

Reviewed by Alastair McCollum

Nigeria's passionate campaigner for justice and consummate reggae-influenced practitioner of African music has returned with this impressive set and there's rarely a dull moment on this disc, which is his 12th since he began recording in 1985. This album is a testimony to a man comfortable with his art, whilst striving with his faith - proclaiming God's majesty, forgiveness and power alongside a cry for people to live under justice and grace. Moments of beauty in "Touch My Soul" with its gentle bass underpinning and clean guitar and the acoustic guitar and mournful vocals of "God For All" sit comfortably with the reggae stylings and declaration of God's life in "Elshadai" and "Praise" and the passionate proclamations in the pure reggae of "Gene" and acoustic guitar-based "I Will Be Back". Okafor himself says that he prefers his music to be described as a genre of "socio-spiritual consciousness" and his music indeed shows a desire for a better world which can only be achieved through the power of God and in the love of Christ. The message and the music sounds good to me.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Be the first to comment on this article

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.