MOG Editorial Review

Joining forces with UK producers Radioclit, Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya gives a fresh, danceable spin on his native region's tunes. With the help of Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig on the album's title track, the Very Best defy genres, simply creating sweetly sung, uplifting pop songs. Mwamwaya's heartfelt, traditional African singing combined with Radioclit's electronically built rhythms successfully blend without either overstepping the other. "Julia" is one highlight that satisfies on the genre-bending level, as does the Architecture In Helsinki-inspired "Kamphopo." The celebratory thumping on the M.I.A.-assisted "Rain Dance," adds an extra dose of energy to the multicultural block party feeling that The Very Best have to offer.