The prolific queen of South African pop, Brenda Fassie returns with yet another album of tipsy, feelgood weekend grooves, and though it's far from bad, Mali feels a little half-hearted in places.
That impression might also have something to do with the rather spartan and uninspiring album packaging.
The five tracks written and produced by Brenda herself are solid dance-pop but, with the possible exception of the infectious Ntsware-Ndibambe, they lack the sparkle to become classics.
The best tracks on the album are those produced by long-term collaborator and friend, Chico Twala. Opener Ponci Ponci (which is also remixed twice) is a very enjoyable jive, but the real gem here is Mali, a beautiful spiritual lament which will bring a tear to the eye of any homesick African abroad. Even when Brenda is below par, she kicks most of her competitors into touch.