The Sound Of Africa Mix Vol. 2
This is the second volume of The Sound of Africa, a mix of relatively new music from Africa and a few classics, compiled for this blog.
Some of these artists have acquired some recognition in the West: Baaba Maal, Fela Kuti, King Sunny Adé, Ali Farka Touré and Manu Dibango may not be household names, but they are join the non-featured likes of Johnny Clegg and some of the acts featured on the first volume among the celebrated representatives of African music. Others, such as Angelique Kidjo and South Africa”s Judith Sephuma have likewise found some international recognition. The keen Africa watcher will know Franco & OK Jazz, the oldest performers on either set ““ the song here comes from the mid-50s.
The versatile, late Brenda Fassie was so much a superstar in Africa, she had no need to look to Europe for greater fame. Her supposed rival for the crown of South Africa”s biggest female star, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, has lived a less rock “˜n roll life; she too is hugely popular throughout Africa. Brenda and Yvonne”s compatriots Bayete were quite big in their country ““ I saw them in concert very often (as I have Ringo Madlingozi, mostly with his fantastic “˜80s band Peto) ““ but just as they threatened to break big, frontman Jabu Khanyile died. Women are better represented here than on the first mix: besides Brenda, Yvonne and Angelique, Mali”s Oumou Sangare and Algeria”s Souad Massi represent.
So, which country can claim the crown of Africa”s musical capital? In my view it”s a four-way tie between Mali, Senegal, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (the former Zaire). And my favourite African artist? That would be a toss-up between Khadja Nin and Ismael Lo.
1. Baaba Maal – Mbaye (Senegal)
2. Manu Dibango – Soul Makossa (Cameroon)
3. Fela Kuti – Yellow Fever (Nigeria)
4. King Sunny Ad̩ РMa Jaiye Oni (Nigeria)
5. Brenda Fassie – Shikhebe Shamago (South Africa)
6. Manecas Costa – Ermons De Terra (Guinea Bissau)
7. Ali Farka Tour̩ with Ry Cooder РSoukora (Mali)
8. Bayete – Mmaolo-We (South Africa)
9. Jean Bosco Mwenda – Tambala Moja (DR Congo)
10. Diogal – Samba Alla (Senegal)
11. Ringo Madlingozi – Sondela (South Africa)
12. Angelique Kidjo – Babalao (Benin)
13. Oumou Sangare – Ah Ndiya (Mali)
14. Souad Massi – Yawlidi (Algeria)
15. Yvonne Chaka Chaka – Makoti (South Africa)
16. Franco and OK Jazz – On Entre OK, On Sort KO (Congo)
17. Mose “˜Fan Fan” – Lwambo (DR Congo)
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Another excellent mix, and again a couple that I’m not familiar with. Many thanks.
Thanks for another good one . . . it’s amazing the riches there are for you to draw from!
Is there any chance you have any of Oliver Mtukudzi’s work?