Soukous originated in the Congo (formerly Zaire) as a blend of Caribbean and African popular musics. It is upbeat dance music which, although the themes may deal with the hardships of life, is designed to make you feel good. This is the mission of Tamasha Africana and, in their new CD of the same name, their mission is a success.

This collection of seven songs, penned by guitarist Russell Scanlon and Kenyan lead singer Ben Simiyu, transports the listener to a dance party of the imagination, a union of African and American sensibilities. The first track, “Tamasha,” asserts the band’s philosophy: “Life is a celebration.” The lyrics are presented both in African dialect and in English, making the songs more accessible to an American audience.

Simiyu and female vocalist Jackie Odanga both provide beautiful, clear vocals which harmonize well together. Similarly, Scanlon and fellow guitarist Brad Shultz seamlessly weave rhythm and melodic lines in the interlocking style typical of soukous. The rest of the players ably fill out the sound with a strong yet relaxed pulse designed for dancing at the same time that it soothes the soul. The album’s smooth and consistent sound quality reflects the polished touch of local music meister Mitch Watkins, responsible for the mixing and engineering.

This is a young band, although its members are all seasoned performers. The original compositions, while drawing on African music traditions, have a hybrid quality, a reflection of the group’s multi-cultural background. As a first effort it is exceptionally tight and well-organized, and shows yet another level of Austin’s pool of musical talent.