Acoustic World 5 is the new 5-song album coming out in The Putumayo Discovery digital series. The fifth installation of the Acoustic World EP features singer-songwriters from around the world. Digital EP download includes 5 songs (no CD or album booklet included).

Erella – Origami 

With a unique blend of French poetry, folk, jazz, and Mediterranean sounds, pianist, and songwriter Erella Atlan draws inspiration from her Franco-Israeli heritage to create truly captivating music. Her musical journey started when she graduated from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and later attended the Berklee College of Music. Along the way, she has traveled extensively and collaborated with musicians from various backgrounds, enriching her style with elements of jazz, pop, and traditional Middle Eastern music. Currently based in Paris, Erella is working on recording her first album while continuing her work as a film music composer.  

On “Origami” Erella sings about making a paper flower for a loved one, a metaphor for the singer's feelings, which are written on the petals of the flower. “I made a paper flower / To warm your misty heart / I slipped in some golden petals / To illuminate your worn soul / If I could / I would tell you the words / If you wanted / I would throw the paper flower into the water / Without artifice, and without pride.” 

Senny Camara – Talibé 

Senny Camara is a Senegalese musician and songwriter who has been captivating audiences with her unique blend of West African rhythms and contemporary pop sensibilities. Born in Dakar, Camara was exposed to music at a young age and began singing and playing guitar as a teenager. Eventually, she focused her attention on the kora, a West African harp, which until recently was traditionally played only by men. Now living in Paris, Camara has several successful singles and collaborations under her belt, and she has established herself as a rising star in the West African music scene. 

On “Talibé”, Camara sings in Wolof about exploited young children that are forced to beg in the streets to survive. She calls on people to speak up against this injustice. “Let your voice fly,” sings Camara, “May it soothe the sobs often deprived of tears / Sing melodies to replace the sound of tears / Sing for the future memory and remembrance / To restore courage to those that no one will support / You know the sad reality / Make yourself the voice of the talibés / And may the sweetness of your voice remind them of what tenderness is.” 

Alejo Garcia Gracias 

Alejo Garcia is a Colombian songwriter and music producer whose work explores the musical diversity of the South American continent, mixing a variety of local instruments and styles with elements of jazz, folk, rock, and other contemporary flavors. His lyrics touch on themes of love, landscape, dreams, and the connection between towns and nature. Based in Medellin, Garcia has released five albums, including one that earned him "Singer-Songwriter of the Year" accolades from a respected Colombian music magazine. Garcia has also worked as a music producer for his own and other artists' albums and composed for documentary films. 

Originally composed by Argentinian musicians Juan Sebastián Garay, Matías Adrián Torres and Betsabé Lourdes Garay, “Gracias” is a celebration of life and love and the importance of being thankful. “Oh song! Save me from the misfortune of passing through this life without giving thanks / Oh song! I thank you for the kisses I have given / The fruit, the market, the coffee, and the errands / Oh song! I thank you!” 

Nadine Altounji, Pedro Martín Díaz Ubillús - No Lo Olviden 

Nadine Altounji is a Montreal-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose musical passion and skills are deeply rooted in the rich soil of her family’s Syrian homeland. In addition to being a talented vocalist, Nadine is a consummate musician, playing the piano, guitar, bass, and oud. A first generation Canadian, Nadine grew up hearing her Syrian grandmother play Middle Eastern classics on the piano, learning to play herself at the tender age of five. Nadine formalized her interest in music and its cultural significance by studying guitar at Concordia University and earning a BFA in Integrative Music Studies. Recently, Nadine has turned her focus towards exploring and connecting with her Middle Eastern heritage, learning how to play the oud, a traditional Middle Eastern instrument that her great grandfather played.  

“No Lo Olviden” (Do Not Forget) is a powerful anti-war song that calls for justice and healing for families and cultures that have been torn apart by armed conflict. Altounji sings in Arabic and Spanish, “Hunger increases but faith remains / While the General waits for the fall / Children do not forget, do not forget, please / That love only love can conquer this misery / My trembling hands seek to rest / In an embrace with the promise of happiness / Give me back my laughter and my innocence / That the turmoil of war took away.” 

Karima Nayt – Mèliy 

Karima Nayt is a singer, modern dancer, and actress from Algeria. A graduate of the National Conservatory of Algiers, Nayt started her career as a dancer as well as an actress both on film and on stage. She moved to Cairo in 1998 where she became a soloist with the modern dance company of the Cairo Opera House. She also sang with the GRAMMY-winning musician and composer Fathy Salama and his group Sharkiat. Since she left Cairo in 2007 Karima has worked mostly in Europe, participating in different dance productions, and releasing her debut album Quoi d’Autre in 2012. 

 With its flavors of Cuban bolero and Argentinian tango mixed with North African elements, “Mèliy” is a sensual love song reminiscent of the music popular in Algerian and Moroccan cafés and cabarets in the 1940s and 50s. Effortlessly blending French and Arabic lyrics, Nayt’s song is the type of romantic and nostalgic song one might have heard tantalizing dancers at Rick’s Café in Casablanca.