Lové African Soul by Momo Joseph: A Raw, Unfiltered Punch to the Ears
Alright, let’s get real here. Momo Joseph just dropped Lové African Soul, and damn, this album doesn’t play games. Straight outta France & Benelux, it’s got that raw edge—like someone took African soul vibes, threw them in a blender with French grit, and hit puree. The result? Something messy but unforgettable. This ain’t your polished Spotify playlist filler; it’s more like music for people who still buy vinyl because they care about authenticity.
First up, “Rhythms of Dakar.” Oh man, this track slaps HARD. It opens with these tribal drums that feel like they’re pounding right into your chest. Then Momo comes in with his raspy voice—he sounds pissed off but in the best way possible. Like he’s been through some stuff and now he’s spilling all of it on the mic. What sticks with me is how unapologetic it feels. No auto-tune, no gimmicks. Just straight-up passion and sweat dripping from every note. You can practically smell the dirt road where this was born. I played it three times back-to-back, and trust me, my neighbors weren’t happy—but I didn’t care.
Then there’s “Parisian Blues,” which flips the script completely. If “Rhythms of Dakar” is fire, this one’s smoke—slow, sultry, and kinda haunting. That bassline? It creeps up on you like a shadow in an alleyway. And when the saxophone kicks in halfway through, holy crap, it hits different. Feels like walking alone at night in Montmartre, thinking about all the things you should’ve said but never did. Momo lets the instruments do most of the talking here, and honestly? It works. By the time the song fades out, you’re left staring into space wondering what just happened.
Now, don’t get me wrong—this album ain’t perfect. Some tracks drag a bit too long, and yeah, maybe the mixing could’ve been tighter. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. It’s not trying to be flawless. It’s trying to make you feel. And if you’re looking for something that punches you in the gut instead of lulling you to sleep, then Lové African Soul might just be your new favorite thing.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album made me realize something weird. Music today is so obsessed with being liked—streaming numbers, social media clout, all that crap. But Momo Joseph doesn’t give a damn. He made something honest, even if it’s rough around the edges. Maybe we need more artists willing to piss people off instead of playing it safe. Or maybe I’m just overthinking it while blasting “Rhythms of Dakar” again. Who knows?
