Selaelo Selota

Selaelo Selota: Lapeng Laka

by Chris M. Slawecki
December 25, 2009

Selaelo Selota seems equal parts King Sunny Ade and George Benson. The rhythms, beats, and melodies on Lapeng Laka glide with the slippery, effortless musical sophistication of traditional tribal songs and dances from his South African homeland, and many of its lyrics deal with its native sights and customs. Selota directs on guitar and vocals from the band's center, leading from the midst instead of out in front, in the democratic process of African music.

Surprisingly, Selota plays very little ...