Podcasts about afropop

There's a lot of fantastic music being made by Brazilian artists living in the U.S. They entertain an estimated 1.5 million Brazilian immigrants here as well as a growing number of other fans. And Brazilian music is enjoying a resurgence here - on Mazda commercials, endless bossa nova soundtracks played in upscale restaurants; inter-cultural collaborations and so on. We'll hear many of the best: Jorge Alabe, the godfather of many samba schools; Bebel Gilberto, daughter of bossa pioneer Joao Gilberto; singer Luciana Souza; the quirky percussionist Cyro Baptista; the funky, unorthodox Forro in the Dark and others. They all have fascinating stories to tell. We'll hear them in concert, visit with them in their homes, and hear songs from records produced in the U.S. New York University's widely published Professor of Music Jason Stanyek will be our co-host. APWW #555

To make this unprecedented program, producer Ned Sublette traveled to Mbanza-Kongo, the ancient seat of the Kongo empire located in present-day northern Angola, where he spoke to Dr. Bárbaro Martínez Ruiz, professor of art and art history at Stanford. We'll learn about the simbi, the spirits that Martínez Ruiz describes as “the multiple power of god”; hear Antonio Madiata play the lungoyi-ngoyi, the two-stringed viola of the Kongo court; attend a session of the lumbu, the traditional tribunal of elders; and talk to Pedro Lopes, a nganga mawuko (traditional healer). With C. Daniel Dawson and Angolan composer and musicologist Victor Gama, we'll explore Kongo-Ngola culture in the diaspora – in Brasil, Haiti, Cuba, and more. A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TO MBANZA-KONGO is supported by a 2012 Knight Luce Fellowship for Reporting on Global Religion. The fellowship is a program of the University of Southern California's Knight Chair in Media and Religion. Originally produced by Ned Sublette in 2012 APWW #651

Haiti became the first black-ruled republic in the Americas in 1804, and music has mirrored, and at times shaped, the twists and turns of Haiti's politics and culture ever since. A primary source of Haitian culture is Dahomey, the birthplace of vodou--the most commonly held world view among Haitian people today. We explore how each of Haiti's rulers has championed his own preferred music. The Duvalier dictators favored compas dance music, and suppressed the most African-identified cultural expressions. When Baby Doc was run out of the country in 1986, African-derived racine, or roots, music exploded. Elizabeth McAlister, professor of religion at Wesleyan University, and Holly Nicolas--interweave music and history to tell a dynamic, and at times heart-breaking story. Included in the mix we'll hear the sweet sound of troubadour balladeers, as well as the exuberant tones of rara bands, the call and response of a capela kombit songs of work parties, impassioned choral music of evangelical churches, and the sophisticated, improvisational rhythms used in vodou rituals. Produced by Sean Barlow APWW #540

We explore the role music played in the creation of a uniquely Angolan consciousness as the country struggled toward independence in the 1960s and ‘70s after centuries of colonialism. Our guides will be producer Ned Sublette, on the ground in Angola, and Dr. Marissa Moorman, historian of southern Africa, and author of Intonations: A Social History of Music in Luanda, Angola from 1945 to Recent Times. We'll hear the pathbreaking group Ngola Ritmos, who dared sing songs in Kimbundu publicly when it was prohibited by the Portuguese. We'll hear immortal voices from the age when the guitar-driven style called semba ruled, as well as some snazzy ‘60s guitar instrumentals. Produced by Ned Sublette APWW #647

Our Hip Deep edition “A Tale of Two Rebellions,” produced in August, 2007, recounts the stories of two remarkable military campaigns in early Islamic history. Both uprisings take place in the late 9th century, both involve Africans as key players, and both set the scene for the crystallization of the Sunni-Shi'ite divide in Islam, which of course continues to this day. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #535

Scholar and author Joseph Braude guides us through the often overlooked popular music of the Persian Gulf, the music known as Khaliji. We learn about the Africans of places like Bahrain and Kuwait - slaves of yore - their free descendents, and more recent waves of African immigrants, notably from Sudan. This episode features spectacular historic recordings, such as the songs of the all but disappeared pearl divers, a well as Khaliji hits by the likes of Abdullah al-Ruwaished and Areel Abou Bakr. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #520

Toumani Diabaté, the most celebrated kora player of his time, passed away in July, 2024, just days before his 59thbirthday. Afropop Worldwide was blessed to call Toumani a friend for over 30 years and to interview him some 15 times, often at his home in Bamako, Mali. In this episode we celebrate a life of massive virtuosity, creativity and innovation. Toumani overcame daunting obstacles and extended the global reach of this venerable West African harp as no one else has ever done. We hear the voice and music of Toumani at many points in his storied career, along with commentary from his longtime producer and friend, Lucy Durán. Produced by Banning Eyre. APWW #879

The latest episode of Taste Radio's Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Farmwell, umma juice, Last Rep, Madpop and Afropop. The founders and operators introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week's special co-host is Madeline Haydon, the founder of Nutpods. Madeline offers insightful questions, thoughtful feedback, and strategic perspective alongside regular host Ray Latif, editor and producer of the Taste Radio podcast. Early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for future episodes of Elevator Talk. Participation is free, interviews are conducted remotely, and it's a unique opportunity to pitch your product, share news, and receive expert feedback from industry leaders.  Apply now to be featured in an upcoming episode.

The prolific and ever-collaborative musician Angelique Kidjo tapped Pharrell, Quavo, and Nile Rogers along with African artists including The Cavemen and Fally Ipupa and many others to join her on her latest album "HOPE!!" Photo by Brantley Gutierrez

Jorge Ben Jor first began to experiment with fusions of samba, bossa nova, rhythm ‘n' blues and soul in the early 1960s. Together with Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil, he participated in the watershed cultural movement, Tropicália, in the late 1960s. In the 1970s, he further explored Afro-Brazilian history and culture in a series of popular albums that have since become key points of reference for a contemporary neo-soul movement. Jorge Ben Jor continues to be an active presence in Brazilian popular music, and he grants us a rare interview to tell his story. The program is produced by Sean Barlow and coproduced with Christopher Dunn, author of Brutality Garden: Tropicália and the Emergence of a Brazilian Counterculture (University of North Carolina Press, 2001) as part of Afropop Worldwide's Hip Deep series. Produced by Sean Barlow & Christopher Dunn APWW #430

Afropop returns to Senegal for a thrill-packed tour of Dakar nightlife and a first time visit to the rich traditional music tapestry of Casamance. We check in with Youssou N'Dour, Baaba Maal and Cheikh Lo, and meet stars like Cheikh Ibra Fam, Dieyla, Sahad and mbalax heartthrob Pape Diouf. In Casamance, we experience the frenzy of a female fertility ritual and the serenity of the Diebate kora family. It's a classic Afropop field adventure, with nonstop music. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #878

11-я часть моей коллекции AfroPop, который все больше и больше приковывает внимания! Стараюсь не отставать от "трендов" Хороших музыкальных выходных! Первые 8 частей в телеге: t.me/diseptix P.S. Тут некоторые выпуски блокируют!

Musical improvisation comes in many forms. A jazz player creates within the harmonic structure of a composition. A Shona mbira player in Zimbabwe improvises interactively with another player, and the audience, in some cases, an ancestor spirit. An Arabic maqam musician works within the elaborate set of rules governing the movement of melodies within one or more particular maqamat, or modes. How are these musicians' experience the same? And how are they different? Musicians and scholars weigh in on this Hip Deep episode. Produced by Banning Eyre. APWW #485

This week, the crew of Afropop's Most Essential [Djaji, Karris & Moji] dive into Omah Lay's new album "Clarity of Mind", Burna Boy's fight with DJ Tunez, Tems conversation with Angie Martinez, and much more!Cover artists: Omah Lay, Burna Boy & DJ TunezFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewavngTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Intro5:03 - New Music: Shy Lover [Mavo]11:58 - Omah Lay Album reaction15:10 - Is Omah Lay similar to The Weeknd?21:36 - Is Omah Lay saying he's the best disrespectful to Burna Boy?37:53 - Dj Tunez & Burna Boy fight at Obi's House43:44 - Offset Shot46:00 - Will Rema be on Drake's Iceman album?46:50 - Drake coming to Lagos48:00 - MOBOs recap and why Wizkid never collects awards51:56 - Tems speaks with Angie Martinez53:49 - Easter events feel the same? [Homecoming, Seyi Vibez in Abuja]56:24 - Grace Ladoja's battle with cancer59:35 - Homecoming now an underground event?1:07:30 - Is Davido a Bad Label Owner: Dremo & Liya Speak1:20:37 - Bad Bunny Sues Empawa explained1:26:54 - Drama at Return of Arinzo Premiere1:38:30 - Does Daddy GO Need a $60 million jet?1:49:09 - Does Roc Nation know what to do with Ayra?1:55:10 - Patience Ozokwor, Why Actors Go BrokeCover art designed by Djaji Prime & Shina LadipoProduction & Distribution: VISIONARY STUDIOS in association with ARROWHOUSE STUDIOS#TheWavNG

Meet Fimi With The Flow - the Nigerian rapper who's turning heads and breaking barriers with unapologetic bars!Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thewavng⁠TIMESTAMPS0:00 - INTRO2:17 - Who is Fimi?5:30 - What Inspired Fimi To Become A Rapper7:50 - How Doja Cat, Olamide & others Inspire Fimi9:22 - The Message Behind "Preacher Man"10:31 - How Fimi wrote "Cold Outside"15:16 - Fimi's Creative Process17:24 - Fimi Wanted to do Gospel?18:50 - Navigating A Male Dominated Industry24:11 - What Does Fimi want to be remembered for?28:32 - The Inspiration behind "Gentle Baby" and Fimi's fashion sense31:45 - Dream Collab with Doja CatCover art designed by Djaji Prime & Shina LadipoProduction & Distribution: VISIONARY STUDIOS in association with ARROWHOUSE STUDIOS#TheWavNG

This Hip Deep episode is Part 1 of a two-part series comparing and contrasting approaches to musical improvisation. Beginning and ending with bebop and free jazz, Part 1 takes sidetrips into Ghanaian percussion traditions, Mande string and vocal music, and solo taqsim improvisation in Arabic music. With insights from UCLA's A.J. Racy and Wesleyan University's Eric Charry, among others, we launch a provocative and revealing meditation on spontaneity in the world's music traditions. APWW #454 Produced by Banning Eyre

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Hugh Masekela’s daughter and Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation board member, Pula Twala about a four-day tribute at Joburg Theatre honouring Bra Hugh’s enduring impact.The event celebrates his influence on jazz and Afro-pop, and reflects on how his music continues to shape South Africa’s cultural identity. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the rise of “bad press” circulating online around celebrities, the crew of Afropop's Most Essential [Djaji, Karris & Moji] debate if negative PR has become a normal publicity strategy. The crew examine the controversy around Nollywood legend Dr Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde refusing to introduce herself in a viral clip, if Burna Boy is leaving Atlantic records to focus on Spaceship records.Plus our reactions to new music from Asake, Champz, Joey & MORE!Cover artists: Burna, Omotola, AsakeFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewavngTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Intro1:46 - Reacting to New Music From Asake, Champz, Qing MAdi, Joeboy, Bhadboi Oml13:45 - Is Burna Ending his contract with Atlantic records?16:29 - 960 suing spaceship for Burna's old catalogue21:37 - Omotola Jalade Ekeinde Trends for Viral Interview clip27:21 - Was It Wrong for Mama Deola TO speak at a women's panel?32:15 - The Growth and evolution of Live-streaming in Nigeria50:58 - How Black Artists generated 80% of Music revenue in the UK without owning the music59:01 - Spotify's 60bn Naira payout to artists1:04:48 - Ozoro Festival & Matters Arising1:19:01 - Should Gospel Artists Make Music with Secular artists?1:32:46 - Hosts Introduce themselves to audienceCover art designed by Djaji Prime & Shina LadipoProduction & Distribution: VISIONARY STUDIOS in association with ARROWHOUSE STUDIOS#TheWavNG

Umm Kulthum has been called the greatest singer in the Arabic speaking world in the 20th century. Born in 1904 the humble daughter of an Egyptian village imam, she went on to become a glamorous Cairo celebrity in her 20s, and soon after that, a cultural icon whose monthly live radio broadcasts brought much of Egypt to a standstill. She turned high poetry into popular culture. She extended musical forms with her virtuoso, extended vocal improvisations. Combining historical, religious, literary and musical passions, she inspired an enduring sense of national pride and left a legacy for the ages. Millions gathered for her 1975 funeral. With Umm Kulthum biographer Virginia Danielson as guide and guest, this program explores the life and music of a musical legend.  Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #465

Au programme : 30 chansons qui ont marqué les trois décennies de l'émission : Ismaël Lo, Alliance Ethnik, Koffi Olomidé, Papa Wemba, Slaï, Kaysha, Danialou Sagbohan, Alan Cave, Youssou Ndour, Longue Longue, NTM feat Lord Kossity, Muzion, Bisso Na Bisso, Toofan, Franco, Dj Jacob, Ardiess Posse, BOB Family, As Dj, Talino Manu, Extra Musica, Fally Ipupa, Fanny J, Richard Flash, Sekouba Bambino, Smarty, Innoss B, King Mensah, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Yemi Alade et Joe Dwet Filé. (Rediffusion) Pour visionner les clips, cliquez sur les titres des chansons :  Ismaël Lo - Jammu Africa Alliance Ethnik - Respect Koffi Olomidé - Loi Papa Wemba - Show me the way Slaï - Flamme Kaysha feat. Mike Organiz' - Bounce baby Danialou Sagbohan - Zemihin Alan Cave - Se pa pou dat Youssou Ndour - Birima Longue Longue - Ayo Africa NTM feat Lord Kossity - Ma benz Muzion - La vi ti nèg Bisso Na Bisso - Bisso Toofan - Déloger Franco - Coller la petite Dj Jacob feat Erickson le Zulu - Réconciliation Ardiess Posse - Agbando BOB Family - Keskiya As Dj - Tango tango Talino Manu - Zephira Extra Musica - Obligatoire Fally Ipupa feat Benji (Neg Marrons) - So.pe.ka Fanny J - Ancrée à ton port Richard Flash - Je veux Sekouba Bambino - Famou (remix) Smarty - Le chapeau du chef Innoss B - Yo pe King Mensah - Sessimé Tiken Jah Fakoly - Plus rien ne m'étonne Yemi Alade - Johnny Joe Dwet Filé - 4 Kampé Retrouvez notre playlist sur Deezer. 

Au programme : 30 chansons qui ont marqué les trois décennies de l'émission : Ismaël Lo, Alliance Ethnik, Koffi Olomidé, Papa Wemba, Slaï, Kaysha, Danialou Sagbohan, Alan Cave, Youssou Ndour, Longue Longue, NTM feat Lord Kossity, Muzion, Bisso Na Bisso, Toofan, Franco, Dj Jacob, Ardiess Posse, BOB Family, As Dj, Talino Manu, Extra Musica, Fally Ipupa, Fanny J, Richard Flash, Sekouba Bambino, Smarty, Innoss B, King Mensah, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Yemi Alade et Joe Dwet Filé. (Rediffusion) Pour visionner les clips, cliquez sur les titres des chansons :  Ismaël Lo - Jammu Africa Alliance Ethnik - Respect Koffi Olomidé - Loi Papa Wemba - Show me the way Slaï - Flamme Kaysha feat. Mike Organiz' - Bounce baby Danialou Sagbohan - Zemihin Alan Cave - Se pa pou dat Youssou Ndour - Birima Longue Longue - Ayo Africa NTM feat Lord Kossity - Ma benz Muzion - La vi ti nèg Bisso Na Bisso - Bisso Toofan - Déloger Franco - Coller la petite Dj Jacob feat Erickson le Zulu - Réconciliation Ardiess Posse - Agbando BOB Family - Keskiya As Dj - Tango tango Talino Manu - Zephira Extra Musica - Obligatoire Fally Ipupa feat Benji (Neg Marrons) - So.pe.ka Fanny J - Ancrée à ton port Richard Flash - Je veux Sekouba Bambino - Famou (remix) Smarty - Le chapeau du chef Innoss B - Yo pe King Mensah - Sessimé Tiken Jah Fakoly - Plus rien ne m'étonne Yemi Alade - Johnny Joe Dwet Filé - 4 Kampé Retrouvez notre playlist sur Deezer. 

As March marks women's history month, TheWavNG's hosts [Djaji, Karris & Moji] celebrate the role of women in defining Afropop/ Afrobeats culture as they examine new music from Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage's attempts at providing opportunities to young creatives, Tems' cultural dominance, and much more!Cover artists: Ayra Starr, Simi, Tems, Tiwa Savage, Tyla & Yemi AladeFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewavngTimestamps0:00 - Intro3:09 - New music from Ayra Starr, Mavo, Crayon & more!15:00 - Crayon attacks Mavins21:48 - Asake at Umrah28:10 - Ayra's "Where Do We Go" & international campaign40:40 - The Afrobeats BIG 4 [Women]44:24 - Tiwa Savage's College of Music48:23 - Do Nigerian Celebs care about the media?53:12 - Is Tems the Biggest Female Afrobeats Artist?58:21 - Does Tems Need to be an Activist?1:15:09 - African Women Are RUNNING The DJ Scene!1:17:00 - A Very Serious Conversation About Simi1:26:44 - Moliy's Triumph1:41:15 - Fimi Interview Snippet1:42:00 - Celebrating Legendary African Women1:45:00 - Preview for next Week!Cover art designed by Djaji Prime & Shina LadipoProduction & Distribution: VISIONARY STUDIOS in association with ARROWHOUSE STUDIOS#TheWavNG

This program presents a musical portrait of Bamako in the wake of crisis. We explore the precarious lives of griots in Bamako in the early 21st Century. The program draws on the groundbreaking documentary work of Lucy Duran, exploring how hereditary musicians apprentice and grow in various cultural contexts. In this case, we focus on the upbringing and education of children in these hereditary griot (djeli) families of historian-entertainers.  Produced by Banning Eyre in 2016 APWW #731

10-я часть моей коллекции AfroPop, который все больше и больше приковывает внимания! Стараюсь не отставать от "трендов" Хороших музыкальных выходных! Первые 8 частей в телеге: t.me/diseptix P.S. Тут некоторые выпуски блокируют!

Afropop Electrofunk​​ congolais et jazz mandingue. (Rediffusion) Nos premiers invités Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko (Sénégal) & Volker Goetze (Allemagne) présentent l'album Sargal. Une musique qui coule comme une eau claire, suggère le calme et une vertigineuse sensation d'apaisement. Le chanteur et musicien sénégalais Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko et le trompettiste et joueur de bugle allemand Volker Goetze forment un duo d'une renversante éloquence poétique. Le premier, héritier d'une célèbre lignée de djèli (griots mandingues) joueur de kora, et le second, musicien, producteur et réalisateur, ont en commun le même élan pour des tissages musicaux naviguant entre plusieurs univers : jazz, musique mandingue, flamenco… sans jamais s'égarer dans une fusion hasardeuse et plate. Ils ont de plus invité ici un ami de bonne compagnie en la personne du célèbre percussionniste Mino Cinelu, qui intervient sur trois des douze compositions de ce bel album intitulé Sargal. Un mot wolof exprimant une idée de remerciement et de gratitude que l'on pourrait tout à fait leur adresser en retour, tant leur musique fait du bien. (Patrick Labesse).   Titres interprétés au grand studio - Sargal Live RFI - Bétiyata feat. Mino Cinelu, extrait de l'album - Rokhaya Live RFI. Line Up : Volker Goetze (trompette), Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko (kora et chant). Son : Mathias Taylor et Jérémie Besset. ► Album Sargal (Motéma/PIAS/Integral 2025). Site Volker Goetze - YouTube Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko - Facebook du duo. Actu concert 29/10/25 Paris Église Bon Secours.   Puis nous recevons le groupe congolais Kin'Gongolo Kiniata pour l'album Kiniata. Formé dans l'effervescence des rues de Kinshasa, Kin'Gongolo Kiniata redéfinit les contours de la musique congolaise, tout en honorant ses racines culturelles profondes. L'album Kiniata est une célébration de cette énergie brute, un hommage à la vie urbaine et aux traditions congolaises, marquées par l'usage du Lingala dans des textes qui racontent les luttes, les espoirs et les triomphes de la vie quotidienne. Leurs rythmes effrénés et leurs mélodies envoûtantes rappellent l'esprit de l'article 15 («Débrouillez-vous») dans son essence transformatrice et rebelle. Mais ici, c'est l'âme de Kinshasa qui résonne à travers chaque note, chaque percussion recyclée, chaque riff électrique. Titres interprétés au grand studio : - Toye Mabe Live RFI - Kin'gongolo, extrait de l'album - Elengi Ya Ko Vivre Live RFI. Line Up : Leebruno (chant, percussions metal), Mille Baguettes (chant, batterie), Ducap (chant percus plastique), Djino (basse) et Bébé Mingé (chœurs, harpe, guitare). En entrevue : Djino & Leebruno. Son : Mathias Taylor, Benoît Letirant. ► Album Kiniata (Hélico 2025). Kin'Gongolo Kiniata - Instagram.

Afropop Electrofunk​​ congolais et jazz mandingue. (Rediffusion) Nos premiers invités Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko (Sénégal) & Volker Goetze (Allemagne) présentent l'album Sargal. Une musique qui coule comme une eau claire, suggère le calme et une vertigineuse sensation d'apaisement. Le chanteur et musicien sénégalais Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko et le trompettiste et joueur de bugle allemand Volker Goetze forment un duo d'une renversante éloquence poétique. Le premier, héritier d'une célèbre lignée de djèli (griots mandingues) joueur de kora, et le second, musicien, producteur et réalisateur, ont en commun le même élan pour des tissages musicaux naviguant entre plusieurs univers : jazz, musique mandingue, flamenco… sans jamais s'égarer dans une fusion hasardeuse et plate. Ils ont de plus invité ici un ami de bonne compagnie en la personne du célèbre percussionniste Mino Cinelu, qui intervient sur trois des douze compositions de ce bel album intitulé Sargal. Un mot wolof exprimant une idée de remerciement et de gratitude que l'on pourrait tout à fait leur adresser en retour, tant leur musique fait du bien. (Patrick Labesse).   Titres interprétés au grand studio - Sargal Live RFI - Bétiyata feat. Mino Cinelu, extrait de l'album - Rokhaya Live RFI. Line Up : Volker Goetze (trompette), Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko (kora et chant). Son : Mathias Taylor et Jérémie Besset. ► Album Sargal (Motéma/PIAS/Integral 2025). Site Volker Goetze - YouTube Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko - Facebook du duo. Actu concert 29/10/25 Paris Église Bon Secours.   Puis nous recevons le groupe congolais Kin'Gongolo Kiniata pour l'album Kiniata. Formé dans l'effervescence des rues de Kinshasa, Kin'Gongolo Kiniata redéfinit les contours de la musique congolaise, tout en honorant ses racines culturelles profondes. L'album Kiniata est une célébration de cette énergie brute, un hommage à la vie urbaine et aux traditions congolaises, marquées par l'usage du Lingala dans des textes qui racontent les luttes, les espoirs et les triomphes de la vie quotidienne. Leurs rythmes effrénés et leurs mélodies envoûtantes rappellent l'esprit de l'article 15 («Débrouillez-vous») dans son essence transformatrice et rebelle. Mais ici, c'est l'âme de Kinshasa qui résonne à travers chaque note, chaque percussion recyclée, chaque riff électrique. Titres interprétés au grand studio : - Toye Mabe Live RFI - Kin'gongolo, extrait de l'album - Elengi Ya Ko Vivre Live RFI. Line Up : Leebruno (chant, percussions metal), Mille Baguettes (chant, batterie), Ducap (chant percus plastique), Djino (basse) et Bébé Mingé (chœurs, harpe, guitare). En entrevue : Djino & Leebruno. Son : Mathias Taylor, Benoît Letirant. ► Album Kiniata (Hélico 2025). Kin'Gongolo Kiniata - Instagram.

Cheikha Rimitti was more than Algeria's musical icon - she was the embodiment of defiance itself. Born into a life of poverty and oppression, her powerful voice resonated as the rallying cry for the marginalized, fearlessly giving voice to the forbidden themes of love, sexuality, and political injustice. Rimitti's music ignited a fire for independence, challenging societal norms with each daring lyric. Though her songs faced bans and censorship, her indomitable spirit could not be silenced.  A century after her birth, Rimitti's legacy burns ever brighter, inspiring a new generation of artists to remix and reinterpret her anthems of freedom. As we celebrated the 100th birthday of this trailblazing queen of raï in 2023, we honor Cheikha Rimitti - the voice that could not be oppressed, the embodiment of liberty through song. On this poignant journey through her extraordinary life, we meet the musical descendants carrying Rimitti's defiant torch forward, a century after that first cry of dissent rang out.  Produced by Elodie Maillot APWW #870

Over the years, as barriers to international touring in the U.S. have risen, and more and more talented African and African diaspora artists have made their homes in American towns and cities, the sounds and voices of Africa have become more and more common on local scenes. In this edition of Afropop's "Africa in America" series, we spotlight women, Marie Daulne (of Zap Mama) collaborating with NYC Afrobeat band Antibalas, Razia of Madagascar, and the incomparable Afro-jazz innovator Somi, also Sudanese-born Alsarah and Awa Sangho of Mali.  Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #705

This joyful celebration of gospel music greats brings together Africa and America. Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the South African male a capela choral group singing in the local vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube. They became known internationally after singing with American Paul Simon on his joyous Grammy Award winning 1986 album Graceland. The Fairfield Four, started over 100 years ago, won a Grammy for the Best Roots Gospel Album. The Four Eagle Gospel Singers are a historic a cappella gospel group from Bessemer, Alabama, known as one of the state's oldest gospel groups. The Gospel Harmonettes were a pivotal 1950s female gospel group, fronted by the legendary Dorothy Love Coates, known for their powerful vocals, civil rights activism, and intense performances that influenced soul/R&B; Also featured are The Birmingham Sunlights who are distinctive for using no instruments in their church services. APWW #40 Produced by Sean Barlow

It's been decades since house and techno music exploded out of South Side Chicago and inner-city Detroit, and most Americans still don't know their dance music history. In 1977 a DJ named Frankie Knuckles moved to Chicago to spin and remix disco records at an underground club called The Warehouse. Out of a fringe subculture that formed there - gay and African-American - house music would emerge to become one the biggest club music genres in the world. Meanwhile, young black futurists of Detroit channeled their city's post-industrial decay into a utopian machine music known as techno. APWW #619 Produced by Marlon Bishop and Wills Glasspiegel

Dans la première partie, programmation consacrée aux nouveautés musicales avec Passi, Zakalara, Rachelle Allison ou encore Smarty. Dans la séquence gold, honneur à Seal et à Smockey Robinson. La chronique de James Woka est consacrée, cette semaine, au rappeur marocain Ino Casablanca. Et dans la seconde partie, émission spéciale consacrée à la carrière de Bruno Mars, proposée par Stéphane Linon. Playlist du 19 février (1ère partie) Passi x Ndo Layams x Djimi Finger - Koala remix Zakalara feat BabyDaiz - L'argent Lëk Sèn - Shine Rachelle Allisson - Konsa Dans sa chronique, James Woka décrypte le style musical de l'artiste marocain Ino Casablanca. Capable de mélanger des sonorités marocaines, espagnoles, congolaises, du bouyon et du konpa haïtien, son empreinte musicale en devient unique.  Récemment, il a été nommé dans la catégorie des révélations masculines aux Victoires de la Musique. James Woka en vidéos sur Instagram Smarty - Le succès Séquence Gold : Seal - Kiss from a rose (1994) Smokey Robinson - Being with you (1981) Playlist du 19 février (2ème partie) Le 27 février, Bruno Mars sortira The Romantic, son quatrième album studio en solo. Stéphane Linon propose de revenir sur le parcours d'une artiste devenue une icône. D'origine portoricaine, c'est en 2003 que sa carrière débute lorsqu'il décide de s'installer à Los Angeles. Après avoir composé pour Brandy, Sean Kingston ou Flo Rida, il passe de l'ombre à la lumière en 2010 avec la sortie de son premier album Doo-wop & Hooligans. Depuis, il enchaine les succès et les récompenses. Bruno Mars - Just the way you are Bruno Mars - Locked out of heaven Bruno Mars feat Mark Ronson - Uptown funk Bruno Mars - Chunky Bruno Mars - I just might Retrouvez la playlist officielle de RFI Musique.

Dans la première partie, programmation consacrée aux nouveautés musicales avec Passi, Zakalara, Rachelle Allison ou encore Smarty. Dans la séquence gold, honneur à Seal et à Smockey Robinson. La chronique de James Woka est consacrée, cette semaine, au rappeur marocain Ino Casablanca. Et dans la seconde partie, émission spéciale consacrée à la carrière de Bruno Mars, proposée par Stéphane Linon. Playlist du 19 février (1ère partie) Passi x Ndo Layams x Djimi Finger - Koala remix Zakalara feat BabyDaiz - L'argent Lëk Sèn - Shine Rachelle Allisson - Konsa Dans sa chronique, James Woka décrypte le style musical de l'artiste marocain Ino Casablanca. Capable de mélanger des sonorités marocaines, espagnoles, congolaises, du bouyon et du konpa haïtien, son empreinte musicale en devient unique.  Récemment, il a été nommé dans la catégorie des révélations masculines aux Victoires de la Musique. James Woka en vidéos sur Instagram Smarty - Le succès Séquence Gold : Seal - Kiss from a rose (1994) Smokey Robinson - Being with you (1981) Playlist du 19 février (2ème partie) Le 27 février, Bruno Mars sortira The Romantic, son quatrième album studio en solo. Stéphane Linon propose de revenir sur le parcours d'une artiste devenue une icône. D'origine portoricaine, c'est en 2003 que sa carrière débute lorsqu'il décide de s'installer à Los Angeles. Après avoir composé pour Brandy, Sean Kingston ou Flo Rida, il passe de l'ombre à la lumière en 2010 avec la sortie de son premier album Doo-wop & Hooligans. Depuis, il enchaine les succès et les récompenses. Bruno Mars - Just the way you are Bruno Mars - Locked out of heaven Bruno Mars feat Mark Ronson - Uptown funk Bruno Mars - Chunky Bruno Mars - I just might Retrouvez la playlist officielle de RFI Musique.

Elijah Wald, acclaimed author of “Escaping the Blues: Robert Johnson the Invention of the Blues”, talks with producer Ned Sublette, and plays lesser-known recordings by Peetie Wheatstraw, Lonnie Johnson, Leroy Carr and others, who provided source material for some of Johnson's classic tunes. APWW #452 Produced by Ned Sublette in 2005

Afrotronix, le musicien et compositeur tchadien, revient avec un nouvel album intitulé KÖD. 27 pistes aussi variées que dansantes avec lesquelles il propulse dans le XXIe siècle les rythmes, les mélodies et les voix du patrimoine musical africain. Caleb Rimtobaye, aka Afrotronix, est l'invité de la rédaction. Il répond à Olivier Rogez. RFI : Köd, c'est le titre de votre nouvel album. Qu'est-ce que signifie ce mot ? Afrotronix : Köd en Saran, une langue du sud du Tchad, cela veut dire tam-tam, parce que le tam-tam est l'un des premiers outils de codage, et j'ai voulu le ramener sur le devant en cette période où l'intelligence artificielle prend toute la place. Donc, j'ai voulu rappeler la genèse de cette intelligence basée sur le coding, j'ai voulu ramener l'attention sur l'humain, sur l'origine. Bien sûr, beaucoup craignent que la machine prenne le relais et que l'homme passe en dernier, mais je veux juste rappeler que tout ça vient de l'humain et que cela ne date pas d'aujourd'hui.  Sur votre site, on peut lire que vous avez nourri les logiciels, les machines de sons traditionnels et de musiques traditionnelles. Expliquez-nous.  Le processus consiste à fournir à la machine les algorithmes africains dans le cadre de mes logiciels de musique. J'ai fait un travail de « sound design » à partir des sons d'instruments qu'on ne retrouve même plus aujourd'hui et je les ai synthétisés. Au niveau rythmique, je ne compose pas une électro qui part de la house-music à laquelle on ajouterait des éléments africains. Avec moi, la base elle-même est africaine. Donc j'amène la machine à penser dans les langues et dans les codes africains. C'est ce que j'appelle « la proposition de l'algorithme africain aux machines ». Et vous vous êtes appuyé sur de vieilles cassettes, peut-être aussi de vieux vinyles africains que vous avez fait écouter à vos logiciels, c'est ça ? C'est exact. Je suis allé au Tchad et j'ai rapporté beaucoup de samples. De même, j'ai récupéré de vieilles cassettes audios à la radio nationale. Avec tout cela, j'ai créé une database. Toute ma démarche consiste à célébrer les valeurs culturelles africaines et non de les considérer comme des vestiges du passé. J'aimerais en faire des ressources vivantes qui continueront à alimenter nos conversations, nos projets de société, nos projets politiques, parce que c'est un héritage. Des ancêtres ont travaillé dur pour en arriver là. La question est de sortir du mimétisme au niveau politique et social, d'arrêter d'essayer de copier tout ce qui vient de l'Occident. Parce que nous avons une force de créativité à laquelle il faut faire de la place.  À écouter aussiAfrotronix code les sons de l'Afrique sur « KÖD », son nouvel album « Köd est une méditation sur ce qui échappe aux machines », écrivez-vous. Pourtant, ce disque doit aussi beaucoup aux machines. Ces logiciels, cette intelligence artificielle, vous les prenez à contre-pied ?  La chose que je veux éviter, c'est que l'on se mette à servir les machines. Les datas qu'on propose aux machines, c'est nous qui décidons de ce qu'elles sont. C'est nous qui décidons ce que la machine doit apprendre. Je ne prompte pas ma musique, c'est une limite que je ne franchis pas parce que je pense qu'alors il manquerait l'essence. Moi, je ne fais pas la musique pour du commercial. J'ai un message à transmettre. Les mots, l'effort et l'énergie que j'essaie de faire passer par la musique, sont l'essence de mon travail. Donc, si je m'abstiens de prompter car sinon je perdrais l'intérêt. Il y a beaucoup de choses intéressantes sur cet album. On trouve par exemple un chant rebelle Toubou, l'ethnie du Tchad, dans le titre « Himini ». Vous l'avez trouvé où, ce chant rebelle Toubou ?  J'étais en route pour le Nord vers Fada, et j'ai entendu dans la voiture les chansons que passaient les chauffeurs. Vous savez, dans certaines régions, les chauffeurs prennent des risques, et ils passent beaucoup de chansons de bravoure. Et pendant tout le temps du parcours, j'écoutais et un chauffeur m'a parlé de ces chants. Il m'a expliqué et j'étais vraiment touché par la force de cette musique composée pour pousser les hommes à ne pas reculer.  Des chants pour aller au combat ? Oui. Et dans la résistance de ce que je suis en train de mener aujourd'hui, dans le besoin de faire de la place à la culture africaine et à résister à l'envahissement, j'ai trouvé important de remettre ça au centre.  Justement, est-ce qu'à Ndjamena ce message est compris ? Est-ce que les autorités sont attentives à ce travail de préservation du patrimoine musical ? C'est ce qui manque un peu, hélas. C'est mon combat, et c'est le grand message que j'essaie d'envoyer au fur et à mesure. Moi, je ne crois pas qu'il y ait de développement sans la culture et l'un des messages que j'envoie à l'autorité, encore aujourd'hui, c'est : oui, on fait beaucoup de sacrifices au niveau de l'armée pour défendre, mais défendre quoi ? Si on met de côté la culture, qu'est-ce qu'on défend ? Notre identité passe par les manifestations culturelles, et ce que l'État devrait comprendre. Le public l'a compris et les gens répondent parce que c'est l'image qu'ils veulent voir d'eux-mêmes. Moi, je rassemble plus de monde que les leaders politiques au Tchad. Il est peut-être temps que ces leaders se penchent sur la question et qu'ils investissent dans la culture.

The Harlem Renaissance was a vibrant 1920s-1930s Black cultural movement centered in Harlem, a hub for African American creativity, literature (Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston), music (jazz, blues), and art (Aaron Douglas), fueled by the Great Migration and a desire to redefine Black identity that forged a new sense of Black Pride. In this program, we hear less well known artists such as James (“Big Jim”) Reese Europe who led an orchestra of 120 musicians. We also hear iconic songs of the era including Fats Waller's “Ain't Misbehavin'”, Mamie Smith's massive 1920 hit “Crazy Blues,” Cab Colloway's “St. James Infirmary” and more. Along the way, we'll enjoy the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra featuring Louis Armstrong on trumpet and vocals and Coleman Hawkins on sax, Ethel Waters, James P. Johnson, and Willie the Lion Smith. Harlem also drew the top Cuban orchestras who came to New York by steamship to record, calyso singers, and Haitian vodou music and theater. Harlem was famous for its rent parties and a wide open attitude to defying Prohibition where revelers danced to the shimmy, the black bottom, and the Charleston from down south. Relive the glory! APWW #226 Produced by Ned Sublette

Sierra Leone has deep reserves of resilience, and an ability to come together and overcome great obstacles embedded in its culture. To provide the kind of history that is all too often overlooked when reporting on current events on the African continent, we are encoring this Hip Deep episode, which explores the nation's past. When Sierra Leone gained independence in 1961, Freetown swayed to the beguiling, breezy lilt of palm wine guitar and danced to the funky pop of Geraldo Pino and the Heartbeats. Once a center of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, Sierra Leone became an improbable amalgamation of indigenous peoples and repatriated Africans freed from slavery. Thirty years of political and economic disintegration led to a horrific civil war that claimed tens of thousands of victims and created a generation of maimed bodies and ruined lives between 1991 and 2002. A significant portion of the violence was internal, with community members and sometimes children taking up arms against each other. Following the conflict, efforts to restore peace included truth and reconciliation programs aimed at strengthening social ties. This episode profiles the inspiring story of Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, a band formed in war-era refugee camps in Guinea. The band played a key role in giving citizens the courage to return home, and now, along with other young musicians in Freetown, attempt to pick up where others left off before the war. Produced by Simon Rentner with Wills Glasspiegel. APWW PGM #552 Originally broadcast in 2008

Dans la première partie, programmation consacrée aux nouveautés musicales avec Shenseea, Doria, Maureen et, en exclusivité, le nouveau titre de Tiken Jah Fakoly. La chronique de James Woka consacrée cette semaine au ganga riddim. Et dans la seconde partie, émission spéciale consacrée à un nouveau genre musical : l'Indian afro. (Rediffusion) Playlist du 22 janvier Mimie feat Phillbill - 237 mood Shenseea - Time for me Kery James feat Kareen Guiock Thuram - Qui on est ? [Rap Live Session 5] Doria - Verbatim Dans sa chronique, James Woka fait le pont entre le Maghreb et l'Afrique de l'Ouest, le Fuji et le Gnawa grâce au ganga riddim. James Woka en vidéos sur Instagram Darina Victry - Ma raison Maureen - Automatic Exclusivité : Ce vendredi, la star du reggae Tiken Jah Fakoly sortia la chanson Mutamba, en hommage au Congo et à la résistance de Constant Mutamba. Tiken Jah Fakoly - Mutamba Spéciale scène musicale indienne afropop De nombreux artistes indiens s'inspirent aujourd'hui des musiques afro... mais sans le dire.  Jordan Sandhu feat Avvy Sra - One in a million Karan Aujla feat Ikky - MF Gabhru ! Diijit Dosanjh feat Mashud, Seabay - Wassiq Cheema y et Gur Sidhu - Arhe so Jhde Gur Sidhu feat Gurlez Akhar, Kaptaan, Cheema Y, Ponjabi Song - Business Pour visionner les clips, cliquez sur les titres des chansons Retrouvez la playlist officielle de RFI Musique.

Guitariste et producteur tchadien, Afrotronix présente Köd, son troisième album sorti le 16 janvier 2026. Et Benito, humoriste français d'origine comorienne, présente Benito sincère, le spectacle qu'il joue tous les samedis et dimanches sur la scène du République, à Paris. Ils répondent aux questions de Claudy Siar, Warra Charlotte Gomis et Stéphane Linon. Afrotronix propose un projet de 27 chansons qu'il définit comme une réflexion sur l'intelligence artificielle, entre autres. Fidèle à son héritage musical, il continue de nous transporter dans une transe afrofuturiste tout en arborant sur scène un casque futuriste qui symbolise la sagesse ancestrale. Plus d'informations sur Afrotronix Benito a d'abord conquis son public sur les réseaux sociaux. Depuis, l'artiste poursuit son ascension dans un spectacle dans lequel il souhaite rassembler les personnes en quête de rires et de vérités. Plus d'informations sur Benito Playlist du 26 janvier : Afrotronix - Dakoun Sougourou Afrotronix - Oda yé Afrotronix feat Hendry Massamba - Malembé sono in Therapia Afrotronix - Beyond the sky  Afrotronix - Himini Pour visionner les clips, cliquez sur les titres des chansons Retrouvez la playlist officielle de RFI Musique.

Nestled between Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria, Benin is a rich sliver of West Africa too often overlooked. This program puts Afropop's spotlight on Benin, starting with the country's favorite daughter. International star Angelique Kidjo looks back on her musical education in the Benin capital, Cotonou, as she walks us through the songs on her album Oyo, which spans covers of songs by James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Miriam Makeba, and Benin's own Bella Bellow. We meet the 70s "vodoun funk" band Orchestre Poly-Rythmo, who are still going strong, and recently made their belated US debut. We move forward to present a chat with Lionel Loueke, a Beninois guitarist who has moved on to become one of the most original voices in contemporary American jazz. The program ends with a remembrance of the brilliant Malian guitarist and singer Lobi Traore. APWW PGM #594 Originally aired in 2010

Dans la première partie, programmation consacrée aux nouveautés musicales avec Shenseea, Doria, Maureen et, en exclusivité, le nouveau titre de Tiken Jah Fakoly. La chronique de James Woka consacrée cette semaine au ganga riddim. Et dans la seconde partie, émission spéciale consacrée à un nouveau genre musical : l'Indian afro. Playlist du 22 janvier Mimie feat Phillbill - 237 mood Shenseea - Time for me Kery James feat Kareen Guiock Thuram - Qui on est ? [Rap Live Session 5] Doria - Verbatim Dans sa chronique, James Woka fait le pont entre le Maghreb et l'Afrique de l'Ouest, le Fuji et le Gnawa grâce au ganga riddim. James Woka en vidéos sur Instagram Darina Victry - Ma raison Maureen - Automatic Exclusivité : Ce vendredi, la star du reggae Tiken Jah Fakoly sortia la chanson Mutamba, en hommage au Congo et à la résistance de Constant Mutamba. Tiken Jah Fakoly - Mutamba Spéciale scène musicale indienne afropop De nombreux artistes indiens s'inspirent aujourd'hui des musiques afro... mais sans le dire.  Jordan Sandhu feat Avvy Sra - One in a million Karan Aujla feat Ikky - MF Gabhru ! Diijit Dosanjh feat Mashud, Seabay - Wassiq Cheema y et Gur Sidhu - Arhe so Jhde Gur Sidhu feat Gurlez Akhar, Kaptaan, Cheema Y, Ponjabi Song - Business Pour visionner les clips, cliquez sur les titres des chansons Retrouvez la playlist officielle de RFI Musique.

In the music of the French Antilles - the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe - you can hear influences that range from the traditional béle and gwo ka drumming of the islands' rural communities, to European additions like polka and French chanson. But when these islands produced a pop genre that took much of the Caribbean and African world by storm - the smooth and sexy dance music zouk, which exploded in the 1980s - it was an entirely new blend that uniquely reflected the complex layers of identity in these Caribbean communities that are, administratively, a full-fledged part of France. Still colonies? Many think so. Either way the Antilles have long produced artists and thinkers with deep sensitivity to the gradations of race, class, migration, and relationship to a powerful, distant metropolis. Now, musicians in Guadeloupe and Martinique are re-exploring their roots, celebrating rhythms that go back to slavery days without pulling back from the cosmopolitanism of recent years. Our guide to this music - and the rich history and ongoing debates that it reflects - is Brenda Berrian of the University of Pittsburgh, whose book, Awakening Spaces: French Caribbean Popular Songs, Music and Culture, is a definitive - and enthusiastic - treatment of the subject. Hip Deep by Siddhartha Mitter. APWW #570 Produced by Siddhartha Mitter in 2009

The first decade of the 21st century saw the beginning of huge changes in African diaspora music. Afrobeats and amapiano were still in the cradle, but a new spirit was in the air. In this program, we return to that crucial decade to hear some of the bold new ideas bubbling up in Africa. We'll hear Buraka Som Sistema from Angola and Portugal, Nigerian rapper 9ice, an Akon remix of Amadou and Mariam, and a then emerging American rock band with a bright future ahead of them, Vampire Weekend. Produced by Wills Glasspiegel. Originally broadcast in 2009.

Le 10 décembre 2025, veille de son concert parisien à la Maroquinerie, l'artiste franco- camerounais James BKS a offert à son public une version deluxe de son EP See us rise - and win. Accompagné de son invité, le peintre et digital artiste Fred Ebami, il répond aux questions de Claudy Siar, Yasmine Bakayoko et Stéphane Linon. En fin d'émission, les invités affrontent les chroniqueurs dans l'épreuve du Blind Test. James BKS est un artiste pluridisciplinaire, auteur-compositeur interprète, fils de Manu Dibango. Sa musique fusionne rythmes et chants d'Afrique de l'Ouest aux sonorités modernes telles que le hip-hop et l'afro-pop. See us rise est le troisième projet de l'artiste, co-produit par JoAtouch et mixé par Roark Bailey. Dans cet EP, l'artiste se révèle sans artifice. Playlist du 7 janvier : James BKS - Milli Vanity La chanson Milli Vanity fait référence au scandale qui a touché groupe Milli Vanilli à la fin des années 80. Dans Milli Vanity, James BKS raconte l'envers du décor du succès. James BKS - See us rise James BKS - Assia James BKS - Wettin U go choose La chaine YouTube de James BKS Fred Ebami, l'invité que James BKS a souhaité mettre en lumière : Artiste pop art franco-camerounais, Fred Ebami s'inscrit dans le digital et s'inspire de Basquiat ou encore d'Andy Warhol. Grâce à une technique artistique qui lui est propre - créer des visuels à partir de photos et de dessins retravaillés à l'ordinateur -, Fred Ebami fait le lien entre l'organique et le digital. Plus d'infos sur Fred Ebami Pour visionner les clips, cliquez sur les titres des chansons Retrouvez la playlist officielle de RFI Musique.

Once-substantial Jewish enclaves of Morocco, Algeria and other North Africa states have dwindled steadily since World War II, mostly through migration to Israel. In sub-Saharan Africa, lesser known Jewish communities provide strikingly different narratives. Guided by ethnomusicologist and Rabbi Jeffrey A. Summit of Tufts University, this program focuses on the history and music of a small but robust community of Jewish converts in Uganda, the Abayudaya. Summit's own recordings include the Abayudaya singing choral music, modified folkloric songs accompanied by local drums and harps, such as the enchanting adungu, and also ventures into pop music bring this remarkable story vividly to life. This program will also introduce history and music from a younger community of practicing Jews in Ghana. APWW #544 Produced by Banning Eyre.

In hard times and boom times, people in Ghana know how to party. In this program, we hear regional pop and neo-traditional music at festivals, funerals and community celebrations across the county. We travel to the lush south-east Volta region to hear Ewe borborbor, agbadza and brass band music. In the northern city of Tamale, we hear Dagbani traditional music, hip-hop and pop, and visit the vibrant Damba chieftaincy festival in nearby Yendi. And back in the bustling metropolis, Accra, there's new trend moving hips: classic highlife, with a new pop flavor. Produced by Morgan Greenstreet APWW #745

Tarab, the ecstatic feeling associated with listening to and playing great music, is a fundamental characteristic in many varieties of Arab music. In this program, we explore tarab with special guest UCLA ethnomusicology professor A.J. Racy. Racy draws on his lifelong study of music and musicians, and also his insights as a virtuoso performer on the nay flute and the buzuq. Racy guides us through the experiences of listeners and players, providing deep insight into many varieties of tarab. We hear works by A.J. Racy, Sabah Fakhri and Ensemble Al-Kindi of Syria.

Sweet accordion riffs, the steady twang of the triangle, and the off-beat pounding of the zabumba drum make forro a favorite for all Brazilians. The infectious tunes and syncopated beats have been described as "a mixture of ska with polka in overdrive." This edition of Afropop Worldwide's Hip Deep will profile forro creator Luiz Gonzaga--from the wanderlust that led him from his rural birthplace in northeastern Brazil to a pumping career in the capital, Rio de Janeiro, in the 1940s. Conversations with Brazilian artists, recorded on location in the forro capital of Recife, following in Gonzaga's footsteps. Produced by Megwen Loveless APWW #457

The massive Niger River Delta is a fantastically rich cultural region and ecosystem. Unfortunately, it has been laid low by the brutal Biafran War (1967-70) and by decades of destructive and mismanaged oil exploration. This program offers a portrait of the region in two stories. First, we chronicle the Biafran War through the timeless highlife music of Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, perhaps the most popular musician in Nigeria at the time. Then we spend time with contemporary musical activists in Port Harcourt's waterfront communities and in oil-ravaged Ogoniland to hear how music is providing hope for these profoundly challenged communities. The program features new and classic music, the words of Nigerian scholars, musicians, activists and veterans of the Biafran War, concluding with an inspiring live highlife concert on the Port Harcourt waterfront in which rappers and highlife graybeards come together to imagine a better road ahead. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #754

Salegy may be the most popular dance music of Madagascar. It's a churning, harmonious groove with spine-stiffening vocal harmonies that emerged from towns and cities of northern Madagascar in the mid-20th century. On a trip to Diego Suarez, we learn that salegy's older origins are both fascinating and mysterious. We meet young salegy stars Ali Mourad and Jacs, and speak with the genre's reigning legend, Jaojoby, on the roof of his nightclub in Antananarivo. Along the way we visit a music school in Diego and hear blazing guitar riffs and get a fingerpicking tour of the entire island from guitar maestro Hajazz. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #698

On a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands in winter 2018, we took the pulse of the national music of St. Croix – quelbe. Rarely recorded, rarely exported, quelbe is an energetic form, led by sax or flute with percussion and banjo, and it fuels the traditional dance style, quadrille. St Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and sits alone 42 miles south of St. Thomas and St. John. That's part of why traditional music and dance forms have remained strong on St. Croix. Meet bandleaders Stanley Jacobs of Stanley and the 10 Sleepless Knights, and Dmitri Copemann of the Renaissance Band, who are cultivating a vibrant next generation. Produced by Marika Partridge and Banning Eyre APWW #782