Review: Various Artists - Ostowana Of Organic House Vol. 1 (Ostowana)

Consider this compilation a 'Best Of' if you will as it's got some great tracks on it, perhaps it's time to fully switch to organic?

Some people have trouble with the term/phrase 'organic house' or even the concept but when it comes of Ostowana they are the best when it comes to the traditional ethnic grooves from North African, Moroccan, Arabic and putting artists together. 

Not exactly a cast of 1000s but in these 10 tracks you've got the best of Aziz Ozouss, Blade SA, Cranky, DeDeXgErande, Desert Raven, Enam, Exit Onli, Hassan Tays, Hind Ennaira, Khalid Elhamri, Lilyass, Omary, Sabry, Salah Fafah, Seguya Sadam, The Black Types, The YONA, DJ SK.

Even so, it's hard to fault 'Nkosi Ya Wolo' (see review HERE) and 'Ayamargi', that came out late last year (see review HERE) but as a 'best of', it's all great especially if you like a bit of late night 'shopping' in 'The Kasbah' (Lilyass featuring DJ SK); definitely one for our man in Marrakesh (DJ Bob Hill, not Herbert Lom) or get lost on the camel train with those 'Desert Echoes' (Blade SA).

And if you need a 'companion' to last months' 'Ostowana Of Afro House Vol. 1' (see review HERE) you need not walk through the Saharan sands any further.

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Ostowana Of Afro House Vol. 1

Release date: 19th March, 2025

Label: Ostowana

Catalog Number: OST098

Format: Digital

Review: Enskyver Feat. Salah Fafah - Amnay EP (Ostowana)

Ostowana are celebrating thier 50th release with Enskyver and featuring more Morrocan tradition from Salah Fafah with an EP, 'Amnay'.

The two tracks highlight traditional instruments in the house with the Ouitar on 'River' and 'Amnay' features Ribab (one-stringed fiddle) and Amazigh (Berber of Morocco) music.

Is the 'River' balearic? The Ouitar is like the North Africa electric benju; or have we a mix of Oud and Guitar? Either was, it's a mesmerising track 

And whilst 'Amnay' just misses St. Patrick's Day, the fiddle like sound is perfect for Gallic reached house music.

Salah has all the rock-star attributes and this is going to get even more global appreciation.

Artist: Enskyver Feat. Salah Fafah

Title: Amnay EP (River / Amany)

Release date: 22nd March, 2024

Label: Ostowana

Catalog Number: OST050

Format: Digital