Henri Dikongue

Henri Dikongue’s recent disc shows why he is Cameroon’s most dependable contemporary singer. His gently charming voice and quiet approach is more enduring than many of his region’s attempts to replicate fast-paced Western trends. This relaxed tempo is pervasive whether he is singing about slavery (“El Tyrano”) or fate (“A Dikom”). “Awale” features his duet with Cathy Renoir and they sound as if it were all up to them to bring romance back to French pop. While Biso Nawa emphasizes fittingly minimal instrumental accompaniment, more of Dikongue’s classically informed acoustic guitar playing would also be welcome.