This veteran African group (they've been around since the early '60s) features a rotating roster of 15 women, who play drums, guitars, saxophones, and other instruments, which completely surround the bouncy, buoyant Wamato. This is girl power with a vengeance. The Guinea-based collective includes genuine warriors — women who sport khaki combat fatigues when they're not playing music. Wamato's dozen cuts are fierce and complex variations on Afropop. There's celebration in songs like "Deni Wana" and the title tune, but dig deep and their message is clear: respect, by any means necessary.
