Anané is a multi talented singer, songwriter, producer and DJ. With music running through her veins from childhood, which was spent in West Africa's Cape Verde, Anané took her talent to New York with nothing more to her name but some clothes and her hopes and dreams. It was here that she met Producer, DJ and Grammy Award winner Louie Vega who tapped her as an integral member of the Elements of Life Collective.

Anané has forged an international career which includes appearances at many festivals around the world from Japan to Finland, South Africa and the UK. Also an entrepreneur and philanthropist Anané has been involved in NextAid, an organisation for African children who have lost parents to AIDS, as well as the Anané Vega Scholarship Fund.

Ananésworld is the new album which follows on from her 2006 debut album. Influences from the Caribbean and all over the world shine through Anané's music and there is a wide variety of styles from dance, reggae, rock and R'n'B soul.

This album opens with two tracks which really don't do it justice; 'Walking On Thin Ice' and 'Plastic People'. Both are quite dancey with a mix of electro and rock. A weird and to be frank not too interesting combination. These songs seem to drag on.

Just as I thought all was lost with this album, along comes 'Rock The Cradle', an infusion of reggae and soul. This brings the album to a whole new height which was much needed.

The further on I went I realised this album is split into different genres and musical influences. 'Terra Longe' and 'Bema Ma Mi' are heavy in French style with their suave and sophisticated jazz sounds and beats.

Moving on to the dance tracks are 'Bigger Than Life' and 'My Sexy Way' both are uplifting and I love the '80s sound in 'My Sexy Way'. This brings a lively and uplifting feel to the album.

'A New Born Day' has a sexy jazzy feel to it while 'Love To Love You Baby' brings round the '70s cool funky synth sound and 'Standing In Line' is your little rock number.

I have to say though that my favourite tracks on this album are the African influenced style tracks found in 'Let's Get High', 'Shake It' and 'One Dream'. These really bring a happy vibe about them and I challenge anyone to not be able to shake there booty to these tunes!

All in all this is a sound album which I would certainly recommend.

8

Helena Rea