Rita Ray is a club and radio DJ who plays the global musical spectrum. She played a big part in revitalising the African music scene in London by co-running and DJing at the Mambo Inn in Brixton. She now plays at clubs all over Europe and Africa; guests regularly on BBC radio; arranges and produces…
A Romp around the Motherland with big dollops of Malian music featurig Invisible System Samba Toure and BKO. A little stop over in Zambia with Namvula before indulging in lush vocals of Samthing Soweto. Our dear Oscar Kidjo who did so much for the music of Benin has left us and will be dearly missed Read more..
Some seasonal Xmas songs to get us into the festive mood plus another random look at favourite releases of 2017 featuring sounds from Iraq,Portugal, Cabo Verde, Reunion, more vintage gems from the vaults more from the iconic Francis Bebey and genius Ethiopian vibes legend Mulatu. KOLEDARSKA PESEN Folk Scat – (Nomad Christmas A World Music Celebration) Read more..
Tune in for a random selection of top releases of 2017 featuring new artists like Tootard from the Levant and Takeifa from Senegal. Plus sprinkling of amazing evergreens, icons of the scene who are still at it conjuring up beguiling musical alchemy like Boubacar Kar Kar Traore and Orchestra Baobab. Tootard LAISSEZ PASSER – (Lassez Read more..
Malick Sidibe – the eye of modern Mali genius at capturing the mood evoking an era. He came into his own at a time of seismic change. a time when Africans were either revelling in newly gained freedom or looking forward to it. As Malick Sidibe said – music was the real revolution and great Read more..
This edition of Rita’s World showcases bright new voices from Turkey, Canada, Mauritania, the UK and beyond. They are delving into their traditions and sometimes other folks’ cultures to create compelling new music, all framed in a staggering array of genres. They try on Jazz, folk, psychedelic rock or get back to basics with ancient Read more..
What a day for us all – it’s November the 9th, many of those listening to this program will be reeling from the results of the American presidential elections. So this episode features artists with something to say about our world along with those ushering us onto the dance floor to transcend our woes. I’ve Read more..
Le Grand Kalle – Joseph Kabasele, the Godfather of modern Congolese music epitomised La Belle Epoque. He ruled the roost (until Franco came along) and his ensemble African Jazz was populated with outrageous talent – chock full of future legends. One of them became a global legend and influenced Disco. Who is this West African Read more..
It’s a Jazz thing. This episode mainly features an enticingly random selection of artists who have performed at the London Jazz Festival over the last 21 years – It’s Serious and they are 21! Jaga Jazzists KITTY WU Stix (Ninja Tune) Jessica Lauren UPTOWN (Melt 2000) Abram Wilson I WANT MORE FOR ME THAN THIS Read more..
So, I am not on my lonesome this episode – indeed not! Appietus a top producer from Ghana pops in for a chat about how he got started, how he got into hiplife and highlife, and what is happening in the Ghana music scene now. He is looking for new collaborations in the uk and Read more..