Ancestral Soul as told by Boddhi Satva is the amalgamation of deep house music, Congolese rumba, West African voices, urban RnB and Afro Cuban rhythms. However he wants to describe it there’s no denying that “Invocation” is enriched with deep and soulful rhythms that will sink into your body and empower you to move; failure to dance isn’t an option. There are so many tracks here to savor you simply can’t wrong with any but let’s start with the title track. It’s complete with blossoming Afro Cuban rhythms while Congolese native Fredy Massamba’s spirited improvisations raises it to another level. “You’re My Woman” is blissful soulful house highlighted by the seductive falsetto of C Robert Walker. Walker also appears in a supporting role on the soulful house banger “Who I Am”, filled with poignant lyrics that condemn hatred within the human race. That point is driven home by the slam poetry of Athenai. There are several more talented vocalists that contribute like the songbird of Wassoulou, Oumou Sangare and her inspiring lyrics on “Ngnari Konon”. There’s also some wicked dance hall meets house in the form of “Jah Sanctuary” and “Enemies” ripe with thick beats and a thumping bass. Like Osunlade before him with the sound of Yoruba, Boddhi is channeling the African rhythms from different horizons combined with uplifting lyrics and the results are simply superb.
