Nigerian musician and activist
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Bachata is a music of the people. Recalling the American blues, bachata was infamous as the anthem of the hard-drinking, womanizing, down-on-his-luck man, vilified as the entertainment of the brothels and the cabarets, and worshipped by the down-trodden poor as the deepest expression of their feelings. Today it is an international sensation. Alex Wolfe, director of the film "Santo Domingo Blues: The Story of Bachata" brings us live ambience and stories of bachata stars Luis Vargas, Antony Santos, Luis Segura, Adridia Ventura. Produced by Alex Wolfe.
Conor McCreery And Jibola Fagbamiye join us to talk about their book Fela: Music Is The Weapon. Not being familiar with the musician, time has been spent listening to his music, and through the book we learn about his journey. … Continue reading →
On January 8, 1959, Fidel Castro and his ragtag army marched into Havana and proclaimed victory in the Cuban revolution. Much of the world knew Cuba primarily from its 1930 megahit "El Manicero" ("The Peanut Vendor") and from the mambo craze of the 1950's. After Castro came to power, the economic, political and cultural doors between Cuba and the U.S. would soon be shut. The doors opened briefly for tours by Cuban artists in the U.S. during the Carter and Clinton administrations. In this broadcast, we savor sounds from the pre-Revolutionary golden age of Cuban music that sets the scene for the international success of Cuban music. We illustrate how popular music in Africa and the Americas is not imaginable without the influence of Cuban music--copied and adapted on three continents. We'll hear the stories and rare recordings of such core styles as son - as well as luminaries like Beny Moré, Arsenio Rodriguez, Celia Cruz and the Sexteto Habanero; along with less well known artists. Produced by Ned Sublette APWW #65
Jibola Fagbamiye is a Nigerian born artist who was obsessed with bringing the story of Afrobeat founder and political activist Fela Kuti to life in the pages of a graphic novel. After workshopping the idea on his own, he decided he needed some help putting the finishing touches on the project so he contacted his […]
Join the Nerd Initiative Bullpen for a Variant Edition Turn A Page as they talk with Jibola Fagbamiye & Conor McCreery about their upcoming biography of one of music's most complex individuals: Fela Kuti in "FELA: MUSIC IS THE WEAPON (On Sale OCTOBER 7th via Armisted Books)! Purchase FELA: MUSIC IS THE WEAPON: https://www.amazon.com/Fela-Music-Weapon-Jibola-Fagbamiye/dp/0063058790 Follow Jibola at: https://linktr.ee/jibolastudios Follow Conor at: https://x.com/ConorMcCreery Follow Ken at: https://linktr.ee/odphpodcast Follow Tom at: https://linktr.ee/offthecufftom Find Your Comic Store: https://findyourcomic.store/ Tom Jolu music: https://tomjolu.bandcamp.com/track/im-not-mad-im-just-disappointed Your NCBD reviews destination: https://nerdinitiative.com/comic-books/ Check out our website: https://nerdinitiative.com Follow Nerd Initiative on your favorite social accounts at: https://linktr.ee/nerd_initiative Fantasyverse: Where Comics, Manga and more Collide: https://www.fanatical.com/en/fantasyverse #music #felakuti #fela #afrobeat #novel #art #musicistheweapon
Ogni sabato, dalle 17.35 alle 18.30, musica, libri e spettacoli che ci aiutano a 'restare umani'. Guida spirituale della trasmissione: Fela.
Aquesta setmana fem un programa contundent començant amb els beats electrònics i els ritmes ancestrals de Tunisia del nou disc d' Ammar 808,seguim amb la descoberta del disc de Made Kuti el fill de Femi i net de Fela i multiinstrumentista que porta la música més enllà del gèneres, recomanem el concert de la Hypnotic Brass Ensemble amb la força dels vents i acabem felicitant l'aniversari a Yossou N'Dour.
This classic episode features Afropop Worldwide's original live recordings of stellar artists Joe Arroyo (Colombia) in London, Paulina Tomayo (Ecuador) in Quito, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas (Cuba) in New York, Los Van Van (Cuba) in Havana, and Willie Colon in New York. Produced by Sean Barlow APWW #292
The first time Puerto Rican bandleader Willie Rosario heard the word salsa applied to the Cuban-style music he played was in Venezuela, where DJ Phidias Danilo first popularized it. Subsequently applied as a marketing tool by Fania Records in New York, the word quickly became a marker of Puerto Rican identity. We talk to the founding bandleaders of the genre -- Rafael Ithier (El Gran Combo), Quique Lucca (Sonora Ponceña), and Willie Rosario -- and presents immortal hits of early Puerto Rican salsa. Produced by Ned Sublette with José Mandry APWW #207
Hva er egentlig forsoning og hvordan håndterer man en forsoningsprosess?I denne episoden går vi i dybden forsoning, hvordan man jobber i en forsoningsprosess, og hvilken rolle tilgivelse har i det hele. Du får møte psykolog og forfatter Nadia sammen med skuespiller og artist Fela, som begge har stått i dette selv, men også bidratt til å guide andre gjennom sine prosesser. Nadia deler fra sin egen reise med forsoning både til egne foreldre, mann og seg selv, men også hvordan hun bruker en kombinasjon av disse erfaringene og psykologifaget for å guide andre. Fela deler hvordan livets utfordringer bidro til å skape avstand mellom de ulike i hans lille familie, og hvordan sorg utfordret relasjonene enda mer, men også hvordan sorgen bidro til det som ble en viktig forsoningsprosess. Ikke minst hvordan den prisbelønnede teaterforestillingen “Blokk til Blokk” ble en del av prosessen.Sammen med Jimmy ser de på hvilken rolle forsoning har i dagens verden der “cancel culture” og hyperindividualitet kanskje bidrar til et narrativ som ofte er sentrert rundt individet. De ser på hvordan tilgivelse og forsoning kanskje er viktigere enn noensinne, som en nøkkel til polariseringen som driver samfunnet fra hverandre.Nadia Ansar er psykolog med spesialisering innen emosjonsfokusert terapi og klinisk familiepsykologi. Hun har jobbet som psykolog og prosjektleder i blant annet Alternativ til vold, barne- og ungdomspsykiatrien, familievernet og Blå Kors Kompasset. Nå jobber hun ved Institutt for psykologisk rådgivning i Oslo, med en doktorgrad i emosjonsfokusert ferdighetstrening for foreldre. Hun er også forfatteren bak boka Min Skam som kom ut i 2023 og nå den nye boken Forsoninger. Nadia er ekstra engasjert i hvordan vi kan forsone oss med våre egne opplevelser, og hvordan dette kan være nøkkelen til forsoning i våre relasjoner.Felipe «Fela» Orellana jobber som skuespiller og artist, men også med ungdommer på ulike plan i Oslo. Sammen med moren og brødrene sine flyttet de til Norge som barn etter at faren hadde funnet jobb i Norge. På veien mot å finne sin plass, men også for å håndtere sorgen over tapet av sin eldste bror ble musikken og miljøet rundt hans største mestringstrategi. Fela har vært med å sette preg på norsk hiphop og fikk ekstra anerkjennelse for den prisbelønnende teaterforestillingen “Blokk til Blokk”, som han laget sammen med sin bror Joanathan og Don Martin. Han brenner ekstra for ungdommer og hvordan kunsten er en viktig arena for både å utfordre samfunnet og samtidig skape rom for mange av dem som faller utenfor.#hverdagspsyken #mentalhelse #psykiskhelse #forsoning #tilgivelse #relasjonerogpsyken #forsoningsarbeid #healing #forsoningsprosess #inkludering #kunstVi trenger din hjelp for å fortsette å lage Hverdagspsyken!
In this Hip Deep edition, Afropop producer Wills Glasspeigel heads to South Africa to reveal the story of the inimitable Hugh Tracey, a field recordist born at the turn of the 20th century in England. A wayward youth, Tracey found himself in Africa in the 1920s where he became fascinated with music from Zimbabwe. Tracey became a pioneer field recordist, making over 250 LPs of traditional African music for the Gallo label in South Africa. Like John and Alan Lomax in the US, Tracey was instrumental in preserving hundreds of songs that have since gone extinct. Glasspiegel speaks with Dianne Thram, director of Tracey library in Grahamstown, South Africa; Tracey's son Andrew, a musician and field recordist in his own right; Michael Baird, an expert on the Tracey catalog; and esteemed South African anthropologist David Coplan. We'll also head to Malawi to make a field recording of our own with the help of Malawian singer, Esau Mwamwaya. APWW #590
On the show this time, it’s the Nigerian Afrobeat of Seun Kuti and Egypt 80. Seun Kuti is Afrobeat royalty – the son of Fela Kuti, and the leader of Fela’s former band Egypt 80 since 1997. He’s released seven studio albums since then, playing saxophone and singing in addition to running the band. Their latest is Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) available on Record Kicks out of Milan, Italy. Recorded May 7, 2025 Stand Well Well T.O.P. Emi Aluta Bad Man Lighter Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the show this time, it’s the Nigerian Afrobeat of Seun Kuti and Egypt 80. Seun Kuti is Afrobeat royalty – the son of Fela Kuti, and the leader of Fela’s former band Egypt 80 since 1997. He’s released seven studio albums since then, playing saxophone and singing in addition to running the band. Their latest is Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) available on Record Kicks out of Milan, Italy. Recorded May 7, 2025 Stand Well Well T.O.P. Emi Aluta Bad Man Lighter Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Islam's complex relationship with arts and culture across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia presents special paradoxes and intrigue in the realm of music. Islam has been used both to nurture and curtail musical expression. This program delves into the historic roots of this debate, all the way back to Baghdad in the early centuries of Islam. Case studies highlight sublime and ecstatic music from Iraq, Iran, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Pakistan and more. Author and Middle East specialist Joseph Braude discusses the history and issues with two Islamic scholars. (originally aired 2008) Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #561
Links referenced within the episode:Danielle's Book: AI IS CONCIOUS, NOW WHAT?https://www.aiisconscious.ai/Andrew's Kickstarter Campaign:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tkms/reconstructing-egypt-countering-deception-in-forensic-art#:~:text=Reconnecting%20Ancient%20Egypt%20with%20its,narratives%20around%20race%20and%20culture.Pan African Academy Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/panafricanacademy/
The "Black Pacific" is a term coined by our guide, ethnomusicologist Heidi Carolyn Feldman. She describes the circumstance of African descendants displaced not only from their ancestral homes in Africa, but also from the Atlantic coast nations where their enslaved ancestors were originally brought. This Hip Deep edition explores the sonically vibrant realm of Afro-Peruvian music, a young genre identification that has flourished since the 1950s and has now produced artists of international renown, such as singer Susana Baca, and the black folkloric company Peru Negro. The music is sensuous and deeply beautiful, and represents a fascinating and little-understood history. We will hear from Juan Morillo, who represents Peru Negro, from Susana Baca, and from other artists and community scholars Feldman has worked with during her extensive research of this topic. Produced by Simon Rentner and Wills Glasspiegel APWW #558
On a return trip to Madagascar, we catch up with and hear new music from tsapiky maestro Damily, the “King of Salegy” Jaojoby, an exciting new duo starring Sammy of Tarika Sammy, Toko Telo and more. This music-rich edition is filled with entrancing and hard-to-find roots pop. In the wake of 2018's hard-fought presidential election, Madagascar faces a new era with former DJ Andry Rajoelina at the helm. Word is his theme song was a major boost. We'll hear it. We'll also sample rare field recordings from this spectacularly musical and often overlooked Indian Ocean island. Produced by Banning Eyre. APWW #800
Nigeria is the undisputed powerhouse of African pop music. Call it Naija Pop, Afrobeats, Afropop or what have you. The likes of Burna Boy, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, Olamide and Fireboy DML are giants on the scene. In this program we sample the latest from these and others - as well as action from the Afrobeat scene. We also speak with key artists in Nigeria and the U.S. about social activism among Nigerian artists regarding the 2020 EndSARS movement against police violence - an issue that sill exists today. Originally produced by Banning Eyre in 2020 APWW #825
Guinea's legendary dance band, Bembeya Jazz, are a pillar of modern West African history. Begun in 1961 in the flush of Guinea's independence and Sekou Toure's maverick presidency, the band played under the inspired leadership of guitar giant Sekou "Bembeya" Diabate. This program delves into Bembeya history with a focus on the band's 60s and 70s heyday, right up to more recent solo work by Sekou Diabate. In the current age of Afrobeats and digital production that is helping to supplant dance bands across the continent, Bembeya's music stands the test of time for its rich mesh of tradition and swing band drive. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #427
1. Alcaldes y legisladoresno sólo de la oposición sino del PNP están molestos por el desgobierno y lo queatribuyen inacción de la administración de JGO para solucionar la crisis defalta de agua y el mantener al pueblo rehenes de Luma, Genera y New Fortress2. Ayer hubo la primerade varias protestas contra esas empresas3. ¿Será la falta de aguaun ataque a Bad Bunny? Es como dispararse en un pie.4. Ante la presión, Gobernadorano descarta activar la Guardia Nacional para atender crisis de agua potable5. Y mientras no hay agua,la gobernadora anuncia expansión de la planta ABB en Arecibo en un proyecto de $30.5millones 6. Gobernadora aún nofirma ley que separaría a la Policía del DSP7. Junta avaló contratocon New Fortress pese a advertencias sobre competencia8. ¿Quién fue doña Fela?Pues hoy hablamos de la primera alcaldesa de San Juan, Doña Felisa Rincón deGautier y un musical sobre su vida que se va a presentarEste es unprograma independiente y sindicalizado. Esto significa que este programa seproduce de manera independiente, pero se transmite de manera sindicalizada, osea, por las emisoras y cadenas de radio que son más fuertes en sus respectivasregiones. También se transmite por sus plataformas digitales, aplicaciones paradispositivos móviles y redes sociales. Estas emisoras deradio son:1. Cadena WIAC - WYAC 930 AM Cabo Rojo-Mayagüez2. Cadena WIAC – WISA 1390 AM Isabela3. Cadena WIAC – WIAC 740 AM Área norte y zonametropolitana4. WLRP 1460 AM Radio Raíces La voz del Pepinoen San Sebastián5. X61 – 610 AM en Patillas6. X61 – 94.3 FM Patillas y todo el sureste7. WPAB 550 AM - Ponce8. ECO 93.1 FM – En todo Puerto Rico9. WOQI 1020 AM – Radio Casa Pueblo desdeAdjuntas 10. Mundo Latino PR.com, la emisora web demúsica tropical y comentario Una vez sale delaire, el programa queda grabado y está disponible en las plataformas depodcasts tales como Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts yotras plataformas https://anchor.fm/sandrarodriguezcotto También nospueden seguir en:REDES SOCIALES: Facebook, X(Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, Tumblr, TikTok BLOG: EnBlanco y Negro con Sandra http://enblancoynegromedia.blogspot.com SUSCRIPCIÓN: Substack,plataforma de suscripción de prensa independientehttps://substack.com/@sandrarodriguezcotto OTROS MEDIOSDIGITALES: ¡Ey! Boricua,Revista Seguros. Revista Crónicas y otrosEstas son algunasde las noticias que tenemos hoy En Blanco y Negro con Sandra.
In this episode, Afropop dives into a celebration of the blues--for some, the essence of the American experience and for others a link back into a lost history in Africa. For our program, we also went back through a number of key interviews we've done over the years where the subject of blues came up, particularly in reference to the genre's African roots. The notion that the blues has roots in Africa is obvious, but from there, things get complicated. Scholars and historians wrestle with the details, but for artists, the feel is everything. We are lucky to live in a time where musicians in America and Africa are retracing the pathways and making new music for a new time. Originally produced by Banning Eyre in 2003 APWW #421
Afropop's Banning Eyre published his prize-winning biography of Thomas Mapfumo, Lion Songs, in 2015. In this episode, he visits the Lion of Zimbabwe at his home in Eugene, Oregon, to discuss new music, the current state of Zimbabwe and more. We hear from Mapfumo's latest album, Ndikutambire, and sneak previews of works in progress. We also meet 24-year-old Mary Anibal of Harare, a super-talented mbira player, singer/bandleader following in Mapfumo's footsteps. Subscribers to the Afropop podcast stream, might remember this special episode from last year. In honor of Thomas' 80th birthday this month, we are pleased to now share it on the radio! Produced by Banning Eyre PA 018
"Nollywood - Nigeria's Mirror" takes us to Lagos, the third largest film industry in the world. Scholars Jonathan Haynes and Onookome Okome serve as guides as we negotiate the intricacies and eccentricities of Nollyood's past and digital future. Nollywood films dramatize key tensions in contemporary Nigerian life, such as the relationship between tradition and cosmopolitanism. Distributed through pirate DVD networks across Africa, the Caribbean and the Diaspora at large, Nollywood films are a global phenomenon - and we'll find out why. We'll also be joined by Christopher Kirkley of the Sahel Sounds blog, who transports us to northern Nigeria and into the electronic sound world of Hausa film music. APWW #646
The rumba and soukous of Congo-Zaire has infatuated listeners across the world for more than half a century. However, today in the neighborhoods of the capital, Kinshasa, there is a movement of musicians creating a new music that is at once more folkloric and rootsy as well as more innovative and cosmopolitan. Producer Nathaniel Braddock shares music and interviews from the months he spent in Kinshasa in 2024 working with musicians and instrument builders involved in creating new styles called "musique de recherche" or bofenia rock. PA 042
Grammy nominated ngoni virtuoso Bassekou Kouyate and his 8 piece band Ngoni Ba wowed the crowd at Lincoln Center in 2011. Ngoni Ba re-wired the ancient ngoni to create a dense, 21st century sound. We'll hear the concert and talk with Bassekou about hunters, his precocious son, and his future plans. We hear a very different take on the ngoni from Sidi Touré who made his U.S. debut at BAM in Brooklyn. Sidi Touré is from the legendary city of Gao in northern Mali, the seat the ancient Songhai empire. Then we go to Egypt to hear how artists from Port Said are making music for instruments that go back to the time of the Pharoahs. [Produced by Sean Barlow. Originally aired 11-09-2011] APWW #626
This program ventures into corners of Africa we rarely hear from, guided by adventurous field recordists and crate diggers. The Zomba Prison Project is a set of recordings by inmates at a maximum security prison in Malawi, one of the poorest nations on earth. The project's debut CD was nominated for a Grammy Award. Here, we speak with the producer, Ian Brennan, and hear tracks from a volume of soulful, even heartbreaking, songs from the prison. We then go back to the 1960s and ‘70s in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso (then Upper Volta) to sample a gorgeous set recordings by Volta Jazz, Dafra Star, Les Imbattables Leopards and more. We hear from Florent Mazzoleni, the author and intrepid vinyl collector behind the new box set, Bobo Yéyé: Belle Époque in Upper Volta. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #738
Host FayFay sits with two emerging Nigerian artists whose paths are as bold as their sound: Looking for Avala and Inima. Avala opens up about her journey from sneaking into open mics in New York to navigating motherhood and music in Lagos. She reflects on her identity, independence, and the power of trusting her own voice literally and figuratively.Then we meet Inima, a self-taught producer and vocalist from Port Harcourt, whose story is shaped by defiance, layered soundscapes, and a deep spiritual connection to music. These are stories of resilience without a roadmap, where making music isn't just a career, but a calling. PA 041
DJ Crew Zona Libre take a break from throwing genre-defying parties and producing their own live events and podcasts to team up with Afropop for another edition of Cuts from the Crypt. Frequent Afropop producer Morgan Greenstreet (modrums) and Brooklyn-based Puerto Rican DJ Ricardo Luiggi (tres dos) dig through Afropop's extensive vinyl archives, selecting Afro-diasporic music that defies borders and boundaries and sharing their digging experiences along the way. APWW #797
We look into the rise and mysterious fall of the funky Bajan spouge beat which ruled the island in the '70s, and discover a few underground musicians who are trying to keep it alive. Calypsonians Mighty Grynner and Red Plastic Bag detail their contributions to the lyrically potent kaiso scene. Soca stars Alison Hinds and Edwin Yearwood talk about the pros and cons of the island's competition circuit, and we learn about the hot "soca bashment" scene. Produced by Saxon Baird and Noah Schaffer. APWW #746
Join the Nerd Initiative Bullpen as they talk with CONOR McCREERY (Kill Shakespeare, Assassin's Creed) about his return to 2021's hit series THE LAST WITCH (BOOM! Studios) with its' newest chapter THE LAST WITCH: BLOOD & BETRAYAL #1 (hitting shops on on June 18th, 2025), his upcoming project: FELA: MUSIC IS THE WEAPON (On Sale October 2025) and much much more! Follow Conor at: https://x.com/ConorMcCreery Pre-order Fela: Music is The Weapon at: https://www.amazon.com/Fela-Music-Weapon-Jibola-Fagbamiye/dp/0063058790 Follow Ken at: https://linktr.ee/odphpodcast Follow Tom at: https://linktr.ee/offthecufftom Check out our website: https://nerdinitiative.com Follow Nerd Initiative on your favorite social accounts at: https://linktr.ee/nerd_initiative For your NCBD reviews destination: https://nerdinitiative.com/comic-books/ Find Your Comic Store: https://findyourcomic.store/ Fantasyverse: Where Comics, Manga and more Collide: https://www.fanatical.com/en/fantasyverse Tom Jolu music: https://tomjolu.bandcamp.com/track/im-not-mad-im-just-disappointed #comics #fantasy #witches #magic #ConorMcCreery #assassinscreed #videogames #killshakespeare #music #Fela #musicistheweapon #history
The two-man acoustic juggernaut from Malawi, Madalitso Band, is on the move in 2025. With their fourth album, Ma Gitala (The Guitars), just released and a global tour, including Glastonbury, just starting, these rootsy, spirited street musicians from Lilongwe are winning hearts everywhere. In this episode, Mukwae meets the band in Malawi as they begin to tour and takes a deep dive into their music. Then we speak with Salif Keita about his long-awaited acoustic album, So Kono, and what's happening in Mali. Produced by Mukwae Wabei Siyolwe and Banning Eyre. PA 040
One of the glories of Afropop's more than 30-year run has been joining our host Georges Collinet in the kitchen as he creates delicious concoctions, while grooving to his favorite tunes. This episode looks back on two classic “Cooking with Georges” episodes: Yassa Chicken from Senegal, and Yoruba soul food with guest chef Baba John Mason—all accompanied music to make you move, from wherever George's insatiable culinary curiosity takes him. Get your apron and your dancing shoes ready!
In the 1930s, infamous Dominican dictator Rafael Truillo ordered the burning of the country's palos drums, hoping to erase the powerful vestiges of African culture in the Dominican Republic. Luckily for us, the breakneck, trance-inducing sound of palos still reverberates at Afro-syncretic religious parties across the Caribbean nation almost a century later. In this episode, Afropop revisits the home of styles such as merengue and bachata, but this time we'll be looking towards the most deeply African side of Dominican music—little known outside of the island. Afro-Dominican music is a secret treasure, filled with virtuosic drumming styles, heart-stopping grooves, and mystic dance parties. We'll listen to traditional genres like palos, salve, and gaga, a uniquely Dominican take on rara music from neighboring Haiti. Throughout, we'll be looking at artists who have drawn on Afro-Dominican styles to make infectious pop music, from wizened veterans of the folklore movement such as Luis Dias, to a host of hip young bands who use Afro-inspired rock, reggae and hip-hop to redefine what it means to be Dominican. We'll also check out the Afro-Dominican scene in New York City—home to more than a half-million Dominicans—where we'll find a Dominican gaga group in Brooklyn that is mending cultural fences at a Haitian celebration. Produced by Marlon Bishop APWW #579
Veteran Afropop producer Marika Partridge takes us to the island of St Lucia for a “beginners” steel pan (steel drum) work shop with maestro Andy Narell. It's a complete sensory experience, with ambiance, cuisine, and deep history on the only instrument invented in the 20th century. Plus Marika's journey to steel pan bliss. Then Mukwae catches us up with the latest trends in remixing, Afrobeats and amapiano. Produced by Marika Partridge and Banning Eyre.
The development of the popular Jamaican style is audible in this fun-packed, loosely chronological selection of tunes, moving from a US-style shuffle to ska to rock steady, toasting, dub, and Rastafarian reggae. Programmed by and using the record collection of reggae connoisseur and KPFK radio host Chuck Foster. Produced by Ned Sublette. Consulting scholar and guest programmer: Chuck Foster, who is still on the air 33 years later!
A small network of DJs in the suburbs of Lisbon, Portugal has been consistently producing some of the world's best dance music. The children of African immigrants, these young musicians have combined a hemisphere of musical influences and distilled them down into a single astonishing style. But how did Lisbon start to make such great African music? And what does that say about the identity of the city, or the country, or the continent? On this special Hip Deep edition, we take you on a journey to Lisbon, a city facing both the sea and 600 years of its own history. We'll go to African club nights, hang out with obsessive record collectors, learn how to dance kizomba, and visit the projects that have produced a musical revolution. And through it all, we will try to answer a seemingly simple question: Just where did this music come from? Produced by Sam Backer APWW #722
Behind every Afropop YouTube megahit and dancefloor sensation, there is a producer, a beat-maker striving to imagine the next big thing, basically inventing the future. In part 2 this two-part podcast, we meet Dami TNT, a rising producer in Lagos, Nigeria. And we hear a discussion between Zimbabwean producer Kooldrink, Pierre Kwenders of the Moonshine Afro-house about beats, tempos, and the emergence of super-fast youth music, like Tanzania's singeli, in urban African centers. Produced by Banning Eyre PA 038
This Hip Deep episode features a remarkable journey among the forest people of the Central African Republic. The polyphonic, hocketing vocal style of this region's forest peoples ("pygmies") is one of the most singularly beautiful musical expressions in Africa, one that has entranced outsiders since the time of the pharaohs. Ethnomusicologist Michelle Kisliuk has spent nearly 25 years immersing herself in this music, and wrote a landmark book about the lives and music of the BaAka people in the Central African Republic. Kisliuk believes deeply in the performance experience--learning by doing--and this program will initiate listeners into one of the most enchanting and mysterious musical practices in Africa. The program also deals with the BaAka's problematic encounters with neighboring ethnic groups, Christian missionaries, and modernity in general. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #603
Kano State in northwest Nigeria is a land of paradox. The ancient home of the Hausa people, it has ties back to the oldest civilizations in West Africa. Muslim since around the 12th century, the region remained largely self-administered during the era of British colonialism, and never significantly adopted Christianity or Western culture and values as in other parts of Nigeria. In 2000, Kano instituted Shariah law. But by that time, the city of Kano was also the center of a large and active film industry, dubbed Kannywood. And it would soon be home to a nascent coterie of hip-hop artists. There followed a series of high-profile conflicts and crises between these forces of religion, politics and art in the years since. But as the Afropop crew discovered in 2017, Kano has achieved a delicate balance that allows film and music to continue apace under the watchful eye of clerics and a censorship board. We visit studios producing local nanaye music, with its echoes of Hausa tradition and Indian film music. We also meet young Hausa hip-hop artists striving to develop careers under uniquely challenging circumstances. Produced by Banning Eyre and Sean Barlow APWW #757
Behind every Afropop YouTube megahit and dancefloor sensation, there is a producer, a beat-maker striving to imagine the next big thing, basically inventing the future. In part 1 this two-part podcast, we meet Kooldrink, the producer who broke South African superstar Tyla, and Pierre Kwenders of the Moonshine Afro-house collective in Montreal, and hear their thoughts on making African hits in 2025. Produced by Banning Eyre PA 037
Andy Palacio (1960-2008) of Belize was a brilliant singer/songwriter/bandleader/activist and one of the greatest champions of Garifuna culture in his time. At the height of his international acclaim, after the release of his 2007 album Watina, Andy died suddenly. This program was produced shortly before that tragic event and captures Andy, his band and fellow musician Paul Nabor, in their prime. As we were preparing the program for rebroadcast, we learned that Andy's protégé and fellow Garifuna culture icon Aurelio Martinez—who also appears in this program—died in a plane crash at age 58. So this program, capturing a pinnacle moment for Garifina music, is dedicated to these two fallen giants. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #524
In this Hip Deep program, we explore musical connections between Africa and India. First up is the story of the Afro-Indian Sidi community. In the 13th century, Africans arrived in India as soldiers in the armies of Muslim conquerors. Some were able to rise through the ranks to become military leaders and even rulers. Their descendants continue to live in India today, performing African-influenced Sufi trance music at shrines to the black Muslim saint named Baba Gor. Next, we dive into the swinging jazz era of 1930s Bombay, when African-American jazz musicians arrived by the dozen to perform at the glitzy Taj Mahal Hotel. They trained a generation of Indian jazz musicians who would become instrumental in the rise of India's Hindi film music industry. Then we head south to the island of Sri Lanka, where Africans have had a presence for almost 500 years. We explore their history through the groovy Afro-Indo-Portuguese pop music style known as baila, popularized by 1960s star Wally Bastiansz and still performed at parties in Sri Lanka today. Finally, we speak with Deepak Ram, a Indian jazz flutist who recounts his experiences growing up Indian in apartheid South Africa. Throughout, we hear from leading experts, and of course, introduce fantastic and often-unexpected music. Produced by Marlon Bishop APWW #663
In this episode, we meet two women from the Twin Cities - DJ Fawzi and DJ Yasmeenah - who are challenging stereotypes while continuing a tradition of Somali-Minnesotan trailblazing. And we catch up with Songhoy Blues through a short conversation with Oumar Touré, bassist of the acclaimed desert blues group about their groundbreaking new album Heritage. We end with a tribute to Garifuna singer, activist and icon, Aurelio Martinez, wo died on March 17. Produced by Akshaj Turebylu PA #036
This year marks the 25th anniversary of socially conscious rapper Common's pivotal album Like Water for Chocolate. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their classic album dissection of Like Water for Chocolate including an interview with Common from the year 2000.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:Common, "Time Travelin' (A Tribute to Fela)," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000Common, "Take it EZ," Can I Borrow a Dollar?, Relativity, 1992Common, "I Used to Love H.E.R.," Resurrection, Relativity, 1994Common, "Brown Sugar," Brown Sugar, EMI, 1995Common, "Funky for You," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000Common, "A Song for Assata," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000Common, "Payback is a Grandmother," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000Common, "The Light," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000Common, "The 6th Sense," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000Common, "Thelonius," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000Common, "Geto Heaven Remix T.S.O.I," Like Water for Chocolate (Alternate Edition), MCA, 2001Common, "A Film Called (Pimp)," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000Kendrick Lamar, "Institutionalized," To Pimp a Butterfly, Interscope, 2015New York Dolls, "Looking For a Kiss," New York Dolls, Mercury, 1973Delivery, "The New Alphabet," Force Majeure, Heavenly, 2025Delivery, "Deadlines," Force Majeure, Heavenly, 2025Lucy Dacus, "Ankles," Forever is a Feeling, Geffen, 2025See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 Originally aired in 2007
This week on Black on Black Cinema, the crew returns to discuss "Tyler Perry's Duplicity." The film follows a high-powered attorney Marley who faces her most personal case yet when she is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the shooting of her best friend Fela's husband. The crew discuss the implications of how and why this story is being handled by Tyler Perry, potential ramifications of the film of the larger narrative of police violence against Black people, and more.
This week on Black on Black Cinema, the next film is announced, "Tyler Perry's Duplicity." The film follows a high-powered attorney named Marley who faces her most personal case yet when she is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the shooting of her best friend Fela's husband. The random topic this week is about some rather odd takes on Blackness from Malik Yoba's while sarcastic commentary on how Black people should refer to themselves in the wake of rising hatred toward us to Robert Griffin III's very serious statements on Black prominent figures' political importance that are seemingly so devoid of context and understanding of history that it would be impressive if it were not so utterly stupid.
King Sunny Ade was, in many ways, the inspiration for what would become Afropop Worldwide. And he was by no means an inspiration only to us! Many fans in America first got hooked on Afropop (and African music in general) through the landmark 1982-83 tour by King Sunny Ade and his African Beats: The propulsive polyrhythms of traditional drums mixed with sophisticated guitar arrangements and pedal steel were like nothing we had ever heard. Topped by graceful choreography and the beaming presence of the “Chairman” himself, the effect was totally intoxicating. In this program, we travel to Lagos to talk to people there who help us fill in the picture of King Sunny Ade's earlier career in the 1960s and '70s. KSA also granted Afropop Worldwide a three-hour interview. We'll hear his stories and some classic recordings. Featured in the show are highlights from a sublime acoustic concert Ade and the African Beats gave at Joe's Pub in New York City. Produced by Sean Barlow APWW #468
In this episode of Planet Afropop, FayFay spotlights two standout artists, Tchella, an R&B vocalist, and Dotti the Deity, a Nigerian folk musician. Both friends and reality show winners, they've taken unique paths in a music scene dominated by lo-fi Alté vibes. From Port Harcourt to Lagos, and Badagry to Ibadan, they've stayed true to their sound, navigating the challenges of niche artistry, self-doubt, and perseverance. This is a story about music, identity, and finding your lane against the odds. PA 035
From late night sessions of frenetic drumming, singing and trumpets and teenagers shaking their "waists" by the light of the moon, to hard-driving studio simpa tracks with drum machines, vst synths and auto-tuned vocals, simpa is an evolving neo-traditional popular music of the Dagbani people of Northern Ghana that is rarely heard outside of the region. We visit Tamale and the surrounding villages, meet pioneering producer DJ Ebony at his barber shop studio and star singers including Dickson Gawan, Yaa Naraa and Bala Zaaku and dance along with the Nyanshegu simpa group See Is Believing. Special thanks to: “Kumtili” Latif Umar Mohammed and Saeed Alhassan Dawuni for translation. To Ebony, Tahid Abu and Mohammed Razak for all their generosity with their materials, contacts and time and Saeed Alhassan Dawuni for everything: transportation, translation, recording and filming assistance, context and friendship; thanks Mohammed Alidu for accommodations in Tamale and use of Bizung School for interviews; thanks to Dave Ewenson for sharing your research and original materials. PA 034 Produced by Morgan Greenstreet