It’s hard to believe in 2019. Somewhere in Kenya, a little guy who was destined for a liberal profession falls in love with Dylan, heard on the radio. In 2013, here he is in Minneapolis, with an aunt. Find a wrecked guitar. Learn everything about Dylan by ear. A few performances online and then Verve, the famous folk label, marks it. And here is his first album, especially guitar-voice but not only. Africa in the phrasing, here and there in the rhythm, but above all it looks like a young Arlo Guthrie. And he sings his American dream as if it were still happening: Go as fast as your feet they will carry / For the greater chase has begun “. His America is a race to disillusion in Saying Goodbyea series of terrified statements (Days Of Insanity), echoes of slavery (Master O’Connor) and the bittersweet hope of finding a place: Will you let me in / or are you at capacity ? he asks in God Bless America. Ondara’s America is a heartbreak. Performing as part of the FIJM at Club Soda, Thursday, 9 p.m.
Listen American Dream
To see in video
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