Born in Guinea but based in Vancouver, Alpha YaYa Diallo achieves with this release what most African musicians have failed to do: he has created a classy Afro-pop synthesis of the continent's musical forms with western technology that won't infuriate purists.

In this striking follow-up to his Juno-winning The Message, Diallo and his emotional singing (in English, Fula and Susu) get super support from veteran guitarist Ousmane Kouyate and a band heavy with percolating rhythm.

Diallo contributes nine new songs (including two instrumentals) that stress society's problems. He also performs with agility and dash on guitars, percussion and bass and establishes a passionate, hypnotic presence throughout this ace album.