Zap Mama, which used to be a five-woman a capella group, now consists solely of founding member Marie Daulne on vocals with supporting musicians. Daulne, who has a mixed heritage, was born in the Congo but raised in Brussels, and this gives her a unique background for World music. "Supermoon" is the sixth Zap Mama album since 1993 and it might leave you feeling that Zap Mama has become too pop and less World, but Daulne shows that she can still expertly mix influences.

1. 1000 Ways
2. Hey Brotha
3. Supermoon
4. Go Boy
5. Affection
6. Toma Taboo
7. Kwenda
8. Gati
9. Where Are You?
10. Moonray
11. Princess Kesia

The lyrics are upbeat and perhaps a bit light, depending on your point of view. Maybe it's because you tend to expect political themes from African-based music.

The songs combine many styles, including a suprising amount of funk. There are polyrhythmic drums on many tracks, with the occasional thumb piano, although they sound as if they are from samples.

There is hip-hop, with guests Michael Franti doing call and response with Daulne on "Hey Brotha", and "Toma Taboo," with Me'shell N'degeocello on bass. The title track is a soul ballad. "Gati" is Afropop. Many of the songs are low-key, like "Moonray" and "Princess Kesia," although they are still backed by African beats.

Supermoon may be a bit slick for World music fans and a bit too world-pop for most downtmepo listeners.

~ Dave Howell

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