African Music at cdRoots.com: World music from unexpected places: cdRoots.com

African Music at cdRoots

Browse

Please note!
Most of our CDs have been imported from Europe or Asia. They are not all shrink-wrapped, and I am not going to con you by wrapping them here just to make you think they have been sterilized in America. I guarantee that the CDs and the contents are all brand new and in perfect condition. Whenever I can, I use recycled shipping materials. They may not look as pretty on the outside, but they save money and keep the trash dumps a little bit emptier.
Thanks- Cliff, cdRoots

Here are some of the newest titles in stock. Use this search to seek music by country, artist or title

various
The Rhythm of Speech II (2 CDs and 1 DVD)
Iranian percussionist Keyvan Chemirani's Le rythme de la parole II brings together the seemingly disparate traditions of Persia, India and Mali in an exploration of common heritage, rhythmic diversity and cross-cultural experimentation. Singer Sudha Ragunathan represents the Southern Indian tradition. Nahawa Doumbia from the southern Wassoulou region of Mali is accompanied by kora player Ballaké Sissoko. The 2 disc set also includes a DVD (PAL format) documentary with some live performances. The Rhythm of Speech 2 presents conversations exploring the common ground between Indian sacred music, Sufi mysticism and Malian dance music. The set is presented in a hardcover book format with excellent notes and illustrations, complete with all texts and an essay by French world-music radio personality Caroline Bourgine.

various
Golden Afrique Vol. 2
The critical acclaim that was heaped on Golden Afrique Vol.I was well deserved, and now there is a second edition (2005) devoted to Congolese dance music, from African rumba to the early forms of soukous music, the music that toppled highlife from its throne as the pan-African party sound. From the beginnings of the outstanding Ngoma label to Kabasele's 1960 hit "Indépendance Cha Cha Cha" and featuring an early recording by Manu Dibango, plus Tabu Ley Rochereau, Franco, Sam Mangwana, Dr. Nico, Nyboma, plus an excellent collection of tracks from less famous artists, some of whom can be heard on CD for the very first time.

Justin Vali
Madagascar Valiha (Les Bambous) (2 CD set)
Justin Rakotondrasoa (called Vali after his main instrument) is one of Madagascar's best-known players of the valiha, a box harp played upright, with strings on both sides of the box. He is a master of the tradition but is also a lover of innovation and exploration. This album shows his love for and commitment for his own country as each piece bears the name of a plant or animal found in Madagascar.

Regis Gizavo, Louis Mhlanga, David Mirandon
Stories
Malagasy accordionist Régis Gizavo, South African guitarist Louis Mhlanga and French percussionist David Mirandon join in a beautiful, subtle recording of shared roots and diverse interests. It's all trio arrangements, with vocals by Gizavo and Mhlanga and no additional instrumentation, and the rich and dynamic sound is a testament to their musicianship. fRoots says: Well, for a start the extraordinary tightness of their playing makes it sound like a hard working regular band... the general level of telepathy is really remarkable, even on the more obviously jammed pieces... Nicely recorded too by Gizavo and Mirandon's regular sound man Manou Gallet, with a pleasing roundness that's perfectly suited to the ensemble sound: busy but light and warm. Highly recommended. - Ian Anderson

Nuru kane
Sigil
This is world music: Senegalese musician moves to Paris, but instead of going to the western pop route, he discovers the gnawa of north Africa, travels, learns, and comes back to Paris to make a unique and enthralling electro-acoustic roots music.

Stella Chiwese
Double Check (2 CDs)
Something new, something old - two sides Of Zimbabwe's mbira queen. A completely new recording created in Zimbabwe, the unfortunately titled first CD 'Trance Hits,' is an album with references to spirits, a policeman possessed by the sounds of the m'bira, a singing fish and a song she dreamed her grandmother was singing to her. The second, 'Classic Hits,' features re-released tracks with her original band, The Earthquake and produced by a selection of Brit procuders int he 90s including John Peel, Hijaz Mustapha (aka Ben Mandelson) and Colin Bass (and a special guest appearance of the rhythm section of 3 Mustaphas 3). For old and new friends alike, this is a welcome and highly recommended recording.

Afrissippi
Fulani Journey
Things like this are just too irresistible: a Senegalese musician moves to Oxford Mississippi, meets up with some local blues talent and before you know it, a new band is born. Guitarist Guelel Kumba is joined by Eric Deaton (of the RL Burnside Band) and local legends, The Taylor Grocery Band, with a special bonus video that includes a guest appearance by the MC5 legend, John Sinclair. highly recommended

Grand Kalle et l'African Jazz
Merveilles du Passe 1958-60; Volume 1
Grand Kallé, Dr. Nico, Dechaud, Mujos, Vicky Longomba, Rochereau, (briefly) Manu Dibango: the first great modern Congolese band at its peak. Marvelous indeed and truly essential. Listen

various
Midnight in Mali
It can't get much better than this: a live concert with some of Mali's best and most interesting performers: guitarist Djelimady Tounkara, balafonist Keletigui Diabaté, n'goni master Basekou Kouyaté and singer Dieneba Seck with Medina N'Diaye (kora, vocal), Samba Sissoko (percussion), Salif Sissoko (percussion), Mariam Tounkara (vocals), Alou dembele (bass), Zoumana Tereta (sokou-violin), Vieux Kanteall (kamalen n'goni) and all under the direction of guitarist Habib Koité. Highly recommended!

Ludovico Einaudi and Ballake Sissoko
Diario Mali
I am, to be honest, not quite sure what to make of this one. Italian classical-crossover pianist Ludovico Einaudi and Malian kora player Ballaké Sissoko seem to have found a uniquely odd collaorative place, one that often borders on the George Winston-ian but just as often finds a smooth, incessant blues groove. It never quite explodes, but in its own gentle way it does probe.

The Green Arrows
4 track recording session
A mighty 2 CD set of recordings by a legendary Zimbabwean guitar-rooted band. The Green Arrows were a major influence in Zimbabwe in the 1970s, fusing the different rhythms of the region into one unique popular sound and the first Zimbabwean band to record an LP, which was released in February 1976. This compilation presents 20 tracks recorded from 1974-1979, all nicely remastered. 24-page booklet includes a complete history of the band (edited by Banning Eyre), a detailed discography, and rare photographs.

These are just some of the newest titles in stock.
Use this search to seek music by country, artist or title

There are also some pages devoted to specific regions

Wamato - Les Amazones de Guinee - 17.99
Les Amazones de Guinée are a unique and quite amazing institution within African music. Since the early 60s they have criss-crossed the continent, with only occasional forays beyond, to help bring their particular brand of joy to the cause of women’s emancipation. Yet this is only their 2nd album, tight yet fluid, with the loping rhythms so particular to Guinea, bitter-sweet harmonies and vocals full of conviction. As the cry of “Retour en force des Amazones!” at the beginning of this album attests, these women demand to be heard. The Amazones are back with a vengeance. This is the gold-standard for female (or any other) bands in Africa and an enduring symbol of African women’s emancipation. Highly recommended. Listen

Authenticité: The Syliphone Years - Balla Et Ses Balladins - 22.99
2 CD collection by one of Guinea's most interesting and influencial bands. Listen

N'der Fouta Tooro Vol. 2 - Seck, Mansour - 17.99
The legendary guitarist of Dande Lenol occasionally steps out on his own, and this recording (along with Volume 1) is one of the best guitar recordings to come out of the region. Direct and untainted by technology (save for some electric bass), musician and singer Seck is joined by guitars, hoddu, kora (the late, great Kaouding Cissoko), ngoni and percussion, and the guest vocalist Ousmane Hamady Diop on this second of the series of deep roots from Senegal.

Meanwhile In Thiès... - Royal Band Thies and Dieuf Dieul - 17.99
This is the roots of mbalax, the slower groove, the heavier horn sound, the sinewey, reverbed guitars all in service to some great singing. The tama and sabar are there in force, the incredibly fat bass lines run rampant, and there are some trumpet lines on this disc that will knock you over.

Soul Science - Justin Adams, Juldeh Camara - 17.99
Buzzing bass lines, no-holds-barred guitar licks, tough but playful rhythms, searing fiddle riffs, percussive groundswells and ancient-rooted vocals, Soul Science is less of a cross-cultural collaboration than a fascinating dispatch from an entirely new nation.Evoking the blues from several continents, American rock 'n' roll, a hot Sahel afternoon and desert evenings, Justin Adams (electric and acoustic guitars, Tamashek lute, percussion, banjo, vocals) and Juldeh Camara (lead vocals, one-string fiddle, West African banjo, percussion) and the tight rhythm section of Salah Dawson Miller (percussion) and Billy Fuller (bass), have achieved a synthesis instigated by centuries of history refracted through the kaleidoscope of the information age. Already an international sensation, Soul Science was nominated for "best album" in the "Culture Crossing" category at the annual BBC World Music Awards, and was selected among the "top 100 albums of the year" by both fRoots and Songlines magazines. Highly Recommended

The Very Best of Congolese Rumba: The Kinshasa-Abidjan Sessions - various - 21.99
Recorded in Abidjan in 1997/1999 and in Kinshasa in 2002, this double CD is a testimonial to the golden age of the rumba. Two legendary figures, Wendo Kolosoy, a child of Kinshasa, and Antoine Moundanda - hailing from Brazzaville on the other side of the Congo River - along with Victoria Bakolo Miziki, Likembé Géant and the Rumbanella Band, reinterpret with passion and talent the cultural heritage of the two Congolese capital cities. With suave voices, elegant guitars, sensual melodies and light swing, the rumba is to Africa what the son is to Cuba: a miracle of balance.And these musicians do it superbly.

Wijdan: The Mystery of Gnawa Trance Music (DVD) - Brahim El Belkani, Sibiri Samaké - 23.99
The Gnawa people were exiled from the Malian empire and brought as slaves to Morocco in the sixteenth century. In the last three decades the power of their trance music has come into the spotlight thanks to Western musicians and artists. In this documentary, filmmakers Bella Le Nestour and John Allen paint an intimate portrait of two men - Sibiri Samaké, a Bambarra musician from Mali, and Brahim El Belkani, a Gnawa musician from Morocco - who are seen during theirmusical meeting in 2000. In Arabic, Wijdan means "the meeting of souls." We are allowed to watch as these masters trace their common roots back in time and as they impart their knowledge to the next generation. (NTSC video format)

Langoni - Luhya music: from the countryside to the city - Ingosi Stars - 18.99
The Luhya people originate in the Western province of Kenya, but many of them have migrated to large towns, especially Nairobi. A distinct repertoire reserved for special occasions (births, circumcisions, weddings, funerals) or played for sheer entertainment is the essential ingredient. Playing on typical Luhya instruments, Mzee William Ingosi Mwoshi and his son, Jackson Amusala, are among today's best "neo-traditionalists" - a generation of Kenyan musicians who mastered the traditions of the rural areas and were able to transform them for a changing society, so that the old genres would still make sense for people both in the villages

Diaspora Hi-Fi - A Mediterranean Caravan - Watcha Clan - 18.99
It's been ten years since Watcha Clan burst on to Europe's new world-beat scene. With a best-selling début CD to its credit (20,000 units worldwide), here the Clan whisks us on a wild ride from the dance fl oors of London to France's Provence, from the Balkan mountains to the Maghreb seaside, from roots to rebellion. North and South, Arabic and Hebrew are re-united on this album, which features the exuberant vocals of Marseilles-born Sista K. Diaspora Hi-Fi presents an intoxicating blend of new reggae, jungle and electronic club beats with traditional sounds. Includes a bonus live video version of the Clan's fave, "Eli."

Sunday Monday: palm wine music from Ghana - Kwabena Nyama - 15.99
Ghana: musique de vin de palme: Nyama plays a rugged, rural form of palm wine music, the so called Akan-blues with lyrics rich in proverbs from the Akan culture. The singer and guitarist is primarily accompanied by percussion and voices.

For Oriental Dancers - From Cairo with Love - Mahmoud Fadl - 17.99
This is a compliation of Fadl's many recordings, from classical Egypt to funky new ideas. From Egypt's deep south to urban Cairo, a wide range of Oriental dance styles is represented in tracks featuring pure percussion alongside orchestral arrangements of the Umm Kalthum songbook. The line-up features trumpet master Samy El Bably, Khamis Henkish on darbouka and Loomis Green in a bonus club mix.

On the Rumba River - Wendo Kolosoy - 18.99
Along the Congo river sails a boat which never sank, a boat called Rumba. At the helm, Papa Wendo, 82 years young, continues to sing the irresistible music that brightens the eyes of dancers and conjures up soft and sad nostalgia. At the end of 2004 and perhaps for the last time, Wendo Kolosoy went back into the recording studio as the subject of the film "On the Rumba River," directed by Jacques Sarasin. Just like a return upstream to the river source, this CD features new recordings, as well as recordings made in 1950 and 1992.

Cafe Noir - Papa Noel / Bana Congo - 17.99
Guitarist Papa Noël enters his fifth decade as one of the most popular African musicians on today's scene. Following the success of Bana Congo's first album, Papa Noël is back with a new album, bringing all the creative energies of African music and Cuban rumba into the 21st century. Joined by Cuban singer Ernesto "El Gato" Gatel Coto and legendary Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango, Café Noir has already hit the world music charts in Europe.

The Art of Mawwal - Mohamed Bajeddoub, Abderrahim Souiri - 18.99
This album was recorded live at a concert originally conceived as a dialogue between two major Moroccan singers in the form of mawwal, vocal improvisation based on classical poetry. Vocalists Mohamed Bajeddoub and Abderrahim Souiri give outstanding solo and duo performances, based on excerpts from some of the most beautiful Arab poems on the theme of courtly and mystical love.

Ngoma - the early years 1948-1960 - various - 18.99
25 rarities from the treasure trove of Phono Ngoma,the first Congolese record company, founded in 1948.

Bel Canto (2 CDs) - Mbilia Bel - 22.99
2 CDs of crucial recordings of Mbilia Bel, the queen of Congolese music and one of the most popular pan-African stars throughout the 1980s, selected from Tabu Ley's 'Genidia' label by Gerald Seligman with additional notes by Ken Braun. These recordings represent an artist at the peak of her career, and included is a bonus track, the hard-to-get single version of 'Mpeve Ya Longo' - the recording that started her career. Beautifully packaged with a full-color, 44-page booklet with detailed notes, lyric translations, a discography and rare photos. Highly recommended.

Poetry And Languid Charm - Swahili Music From Tanzania and Kenya From The Late 1920s - 1950s - Various - 19.99
As recorded music developed in the early part of the 20th century, there was more and more pressure on commercial record labels to capitalise on indigenous music in Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean. This was not some sort of altruistic exercise, rather a market that was open to exploitation. On the East African coast, site of the present day Tanzania and Kenya, there was a "gold rush" fever in the 1930s to record the local music stars. The music recorded was mostly "taarab", sung poetry accompanied by an ensemble that played with both traditional African rhythms with Arabic influences and used Arabic and Indian instruments. This exciting music is being here released on CD for the first time and has been remastered to produce outstanding sound quality from the original 78 rpm recordings.

Women Of Egypt 1924-1931: Pioneers Of Stardom And Fame - various - 19.99
Featuring: Umm Kulthumm, Fathiyyah Ahmed, Munira al-Mahdiyyah etc.... A CD compilation of Arab women, stars of Egyptian theatre and song who recorded in the nineteen twenties and early thirties. Taken from original 78rpm recordings of the time and remastered to the highest standards, this collection features among others the legendary Umm Kulthum. Between 1890 and 1920, theatres and European-style cabarets sprang up all over Egypt. Performers flocked there from all over the Arab world and from Europe. Isadora Duncan, Pavlova and Mistinguette included Cairo in their world tours. At their peak, the most famous female Arabic women singers were earning as much, if not more, than their male counterparts. The 1920s was the heyday of this music and its recordings and these performers can be seen as having struck a blow for the emancipation of women. The Wall Street crash and the associated economic downturn marked the end of the recording industries' boom years, leaving us a legacy of remarkable performances of imme

Gumboot Guitar: Zulu Street Guitar Music From South Africa - Topic World Series - 19.99
Rootsy guitar from the streets of Durban. In the late 19th century, music previously played on Zulu musical bows was transferred in the new urban environment to the guitar and often concertina and violin too. Musicians often joined miners' gumboot dance teams to accompany this exhilarating genre, which mostly traditionally takes place on the streets of single-sex hostel compounds. These recordings from 1988 and 1996 feature musicians and gumboot players who live in one such hostel outside Durban.

Zanzibar: Music Of Celebration - Topic World Series - 19.99
Taarab is the most common style of music performed at weddings on the island of Zanzibar - a unique blend of musical elements from the Middle East, India and the West, combined with, to varying degrees, local African musical practices. It is an essential ingredient of most celebrations. And when Zanzibaris are not playing taarab, they are playing maulidi. Although this is primarily a sober religious performance style (celebrating the birth of the Prophet Mohammed) it is also becoming common at wedding celebrations, albeit in a more extrovert guise.

Folk music of Ethiopia (Topic 910) - Topic World Series - 19.99
Re-edited for CD from three volumes of classic recordings by Tangent Records in 1970; fascinating and varied music by the Desert Nomads, and from the Central Highlands and Eritrea.

The Music of Ammasu - Brong-Ahafu Ghana 1976 - Ammasu Akapoma Group - 17.99
A musical portrait of the Village of Ammasu in the Brong-Ahafu region of Ghana. The Ammasu Akapoma Band is the hottest funeral band in the region and on this album you will find ritual and recreational drumming, singing in sorrow and happiness, children's music, a brass band and more. Includes a 28 page booklet with text and pictures.

Martina - Africando - 12.99
Yes, they are back again and their 2003 release show why they are ever the quintessential Afro-Latin connection.

African Typic Collection - various - 12.99
A classic collection of extended dancefloor hits in the pan-African style of the 80s by Sam Fan Thomas, Charlotte Mbango, Tam Tam 2000 and Koko Ateba, at a really nice price

Ashod-Yam - Orchestre Andalou D'Israel - 17.99
Arab-Andalusian music as it might have been performed in Medieval Muslim Spain and then later in North Africa. The ensemble includes Jewish and North African musicians on percussion, 'ud, flutes, violin and other instruments.

The Syliphone Years (2 CDs) - Bembeya Jazz National - 20.99
Newly repackaged set of two CDs with a 44-page illustrated booklet and 27 tracks from the 1960s and 70s, in chronological order from their first single, 'République Guinée,' a celebration of Guinea's independence, to 'Petit Sékou,' one of their last recordings for the Syliphone label. Those shrill horns, those watery, reverbed guitars, that heavy bass and percussion... and those voices! This is damned near perfect African pop. Highly recommended!

The Voice of Lightness 1961-77 (2 CDs) - Tabu Ley Rochereau - 21.99
This 2 CD set is comprehensive look at trhe legendary Congolese artist's career in recordings from the 60s and 70s. Beautifually packaged with excellent notes by Ken Braun. Essential work by a ground breaking singer and bandleader. Highly recommended.

Introducing Kenge Kenge - Kenge Kenge - 12.99
Subtitled 'African Living Traditions: Acoustic Roots Of Kenyan Benga' the record label calls them 'guardians and masters of an ancient but living tradition. They breathe new life into Kenya's Luo musical roots, continuing its evolution, from the handmade instruments of the past, through the popular guitar-based 'benga' and now returning both to re-explore the acoustic origins of benga and to embrace their Luo musical heritage.'

Oud Du Maroc - Saïd Chraibi - 16.99
Born in Marrakech in 1951, Chraïbi has been playing the ud since he was thriteen, and is a recognized master of the instrument. This set of performances present music he has composed, on instruments he has desiogned in cooperation with the luthier Khalid Bel Hayba of Casablanca. He is acompanie din riqq (tambourine) by El din Abdel Shams, from Egypt.

Kora Du Mali - Djelimoussa 'Balake' Cissoko - 16.99
The son of the legendary kora master Djelimoussa Cissoko, balake was born in 1967 in Bamako, Mali and was quickly brought into the family;'s musical traditions. He was a member of the influential Ensemble Instrumental du Mali until he left in 1988 to accompany singer Kandia Kouyate. This is a solo set of 9 performances of his own compositions from within the tradition.

Djembe Du Burkina Faso - Yé Lassina Coulibaly - 16.99
Dancer and drummer from Burkina Faso presents a solo set of performances on the goblet-shaped, Mandinkan djembe drum, showing its spiritual side as a healing as well as percussive instrument.

Cantoras de Tetuan - various - 17.99
Cantoras de Tetuán: Traditional women's songs from North Morocco. Nine songs accompanied by traditional instruments. Performers include: Mnnána l-Jarráz, Alya l-Myáhed, Zohra Bttíwa, Plikya, Sham d-Dhá with various accompanying artists

Red Soil in My Eyes - Somi - 17.99
Somi is of Rwandan and Ugandan heritage, and while she lives in NYC these days, she is a citizen of the world who has found a home in her music. Singing has been a journey of healing, says the young singer and writer. She tells stories of life, love, and liberation that incorporate jazz, classic soul, African folk, and urban grooves. Listen

The Classic Guinean Guitar Group - African Virtuosos - 17.99
instrumental recordings made in Conakry and Abidjan in the 70s and 80s. They were essentially a Diabate family band, the four Diabate brothers playing acoustic guitars along with another guitarist or two, a kora player and one or two percussionists. Their style was rooted in traditional Mande music for stringed instruments but displayed their knowledge and love of Arabic taqasim, Spanish flamenco and even French jazz manouche. Still brilliant after all these years.

Belle Epoque Volume 1: Soundiata - Rail Band - 19.99
These 2 CDs take you back to a time, as the liner notes put it, a penniless Salif Keita was 'still plucking his old Chinese guitar under a tree, forlorn and desperate, lamenting the human condition...' But the National Railways Of Mali had the Buffet Hotel by the railway station in the heart of Bamako and their house band was simly The Rail Band. Their first singer was Salif Keita, their second, Mory Kante. So here are first recordings of artists and a music that went on to help change the way that African music was perceived outside of Africa. It's historic, but more inportant, it's just plain great music. Includes full-color, 20-page booklet with notes detailing the history of the band plus full-page reproductions of the original albums covers.

Songs of the African Coast: Cafe Music of Liberia - Various - 13.99
A collection of unique popular music recorded in 1948 in Liberia by ethnomusicologist Arthur Alberts.The music is a mix of genres echoing Calypso and early jazz (and includes songs made famous during the folk scare of the 60s like "Chicken is Nice," "Gbanawa" "Woman Sweeter Than Man" and "Hold Me Tight"), played by small ensembles (usually piano, guitar and bass), and sung in English. Includes detailed notes and interesting photos. The 18 recordings, along with the accompanying commentary, showed the intricate connections between African and American music.

Le Mandigue: Empire de la Musique - Various - 17.99
A collection of 16 tracks by artists featured at the Festival Musiques Métisses in France. Originating in Mali and Guinea, these musicians are the cultural ambassadors of the vast region once known as the Mandingo Empire, which stretched from the shores of the Gulf of Guinea to the sands of the Sahara, from the forests of Africa’s Atlantic Coast to its desert dunes. Includes previously released tracks by Salif Keita, Amadou and Miriam, Rokia Traore, Nahwa Doumbia, Ali Farka Toure, Boubacar Traore, Super Rail Band, Mory Kante, Habib Koite and many others.

The Old Highlife - Roadmaster and Agyemang - 17.99
An album of easy-going but intoxicating palmwine guitar music, recorded on location in Ghana in 2001 (reissue 2007)

Lesotho Calling: Lesiba and Sekhankula Music - various - 17.99
Producer and field recordist Michael Baird has found the lesiba, an odd but entrancing stringed instrument that is blown like a flute -- still played by cattle herders in southern Africa's mountain kingdom in 2006. These are raw, simple songs, pure folk music in the harshest sense, with no fusion or production.

Bolga Zohdoomah (allow 2 weeks for delivery) - Bolga Zohdoomah - 17.99
Led by singer Akayaa Atule, Bolga Zohdoomah plays a lively mix of highlife, afrobeat and traditional Fra-Fra rhythms and songs from Atule's home in northern Ghana.

Romper El Baile - Manuel Luna y La Cuadrilla Maquisera - 17.99

From Mali to America - Cheik Hamala Diabate and Bob Carlin - 15.99
The meeting of clawhammer banjo ace Carlin and west African griot Diabate, master of the ngoni of Mali connects the dots between the 5-string banjo and its African ancestors. With special guest Solo Tounkara on guitar. Extensive notes on the artists and the tunes in English and French.

Na Afriki - Dobet Gnahore - 16.99
Ivory Coast singer addresses social and political issues in Africa: the struggles of women in African society, the exploitation of children, and the impact of greed and violence on the family. She calls upon Africa to seek solutions from within and draw upon its own vast resources to create a better future. She sings of love and loss, as well as joy and celebration, using a wide variety of rhythms and styles that reflect her pan-African approach.

Rumba On The River (2 CDs) - VA/ African Pearls 1 - 22.99
The great rumba-congo bands of the 50s and 60s: African Jazz, Franco and O.K. Jazz, Rock-a-Mambo, African Fiesta, Les Bantous de la Capitale and Festival des Maquisards.

Cultural Revolution (2 CDs) - VA/ African Pearls 2 - 22.99
Guinea's fantastically successful experiment in state-supported arts, conducted by artists like Sory Kandia Kouyaté and bands like Bembeya Jazz and Keletigui and ses Tambourinis.

One Day On Radio Mali (2 CDs) - VA/ African Pearls 3 - 22.99
Fanta Damba, Rail Band, Salif Keita with the Ambassadeurs, Super Biton, Super Diata ... traditional and modern Malian music before the rest of the world caught on

The Teranga Spirit (2 CDs) - VA/ African Pearls 4 - 22.99
The Star Band and Orchestre Baobab, of course, but also Labah Sosseh, Thione Seck, Ifang Bondi, Xalam and many other creators of modern Senegalese music.

Àwon Ojísé Olorun: Popular Music in Yorubaland 1931-1952 - various - 18.99
A revelatory collection of early modern Nigerian music, including the styles that became known as sakara, juju and apala

Bokoor Beats - various - 18.99
Highlife, afrobeat, rock and blends of all that and more, recorded in Ghana's Bokoor Studio in the early 70s.

Nour - Malouma - 17.99
Malouma is a rare find, a Mauritanian woman performing modern Mauritanian music. Malouma's music is a mix of traditional and modern sounds. She melds western styles to the Moorish music of the Sahara, adding electric guitars to traditional instruments such as the four-stringed, lutelike tidinit. Anchored in tradition yet resolutely modern.

The Best of Kakai: Volume Two - Kakai Kilonzo And Les Kilimambogo Brothers - 17.99
This compilation offers a wider perspective on this Kenyan benga artist than Volume One did, both in style, time frame, and subject matter. Recordings range from 1976 to 1984. Most of the songs on Volume 2 were 4 to 5 minute pieces designed to fit on one side of the original 45 rpm discs they were issued on. A few of the songs from the later years were recorded in the extended two-part form common in the 1980s and one of those appears on this set as well.

The Father of Rai - Bellemou - 14.99
Special price: The Algerian classic is available again, with the master musican of rai in some of his best recordings.

Amin Iman - Tinariwen - 17.99
The 2007 release by the Touareg 'desert blues' masters from Mali.

Hollywood Highlife Party - Sweet Talks - 18.99
Available again! The line-up of this 1978 recording reads like a who is who in Ghanaian music. People dance to the music in 1995 the way they did in 1978! As a big bonus the entire Moses by Sweet Talker A B Crentsil is included.

No. 1 De No. 1 - Star Band No. 1 - 18.99
Star Band and Number One de Dakar were the main rivals to Orchestre Baobab in the 1970s, and the breeding gound for some of Senegal's greatest legends. Their basic Cuban groove is overlayed with some wicked electric guitar work. All three volumes of their recordings in the catalog come highly recomended

No. 2 De No. 1 - Star Band No. 1 - 18.99
Star Band and Number One de Dakar were the main rivals to Orchestre Baobab in the 1970s, and the breeding gound for some of Senegal's greatest legends. Their basic Cuban groove is overlayed with some wicked electric guitar work. All three volumes of their recordings in the catalog come highly recomended

Ashkelon - Emil Zrihan - 18.99
Emil Zrihan is a Sephardic singer from Rabat, Morocco and cantor of the synagogue in Ashkelon, Israel. On this recording, he is backed by an ensemble of ud, violin, accordion, darabouka, percussion, guitar and bass, in a selection of traditional Moroccan and Judeo-Moroccan works. Originally released in 1999.

Golden Afrique Vol. 3 (1939-1988) - Various - 39.99
Two hours and 20 minutes of vibrant music from the townships of the African mineworkers, the copper mines of Zambia, the gold and diamond mines of South Africa and in the urban beer halls, night clubs and shebeens of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

Traditional music from Uganda - Vol. I - Sarah Ndagire, Pedson Kasume and friends - 17.99
Sarah Ndagire: female voice, yodelling, ullulation, handclapping (engalo); Pedson Kasume: male voice, adungu (bow harp), adungu bass, endingidi (tube fiddle), amadinda (xylophone), engalabi (long drum), engoma (Uganda drum), ensaasi (shakers), akacenge (shakers), ebinyege (rattles), engalo

Traditional music of the Bantu women - Vol. I - Sarah Ndagire, Pedson Kasume and friends - 17.99
Sarah Ndagire: female voice, yodelling, ullulation, handclapping (engalo); Pedson Kasume: male voice, adungu (bow harp), adungu bass, endingidi (tube fiddle), amadinda (xylophone), engalabi (long drum), engoma (Uganda drum), ensaasi (shakers), akacenge (shakers), ebinyege (rattles), engalo

Vieux Farka Toure - Vieux Farka Touré - 17.99
Bouriema 'Vieux Farka' Touré is the son of the late, great Malian guitar master Ali Farka Touré. This is his first recording, made with his father and many of his musicial compadres.

Ketukuba - Africando - 16.99
The 2006 release by this now seminal Afro-Cuban band is a tribute to the late Gnonnas Pedro, Benin's favorite son, who sang with the band from 1996 until his death in 2004. The title song, 'Ketukuba' was his last recording.

Tomora - Ballake Sissoko - 17.99
Ballaké Sissoko, son of legendary kora master Djelimady Sissoko, is one of the best of the new generation. Sissoko has played with the prestigious Instrumental Ensemble of Mali and accompanied by many great Malian singers.His work wtith Toumani Diabaté and Taj Mahal brought him more fame outside of Africa. He is also a talented composer. The album is in three parts. One section focuses on the kora alone, including a duet with Toumani Diabaté. The second section features a trio of kora, n’goni and balafon and the third one features the voices of Alboulkadri Barry and Rokia Traoré.

Heritage - Mamadou Diabate - 17.99
Drawing from the music the Mande jeli, kora player Diabate highlights the flexibility and adaptability of this courtly tradition. The band includes balafonist Bala Kouyaté, Baye Kouyaté on calabash and talking drum, American jazz musician Noah Jarrett on bass, with a special guest cameo from the Guinean guitarist Djikorya Mory Kante. Mande music is usually centered around a singer, this all instrumental recording is unusal, This music is not typically accompanied by calabash or talking drum, so the percussive aspect of the group is also innovative. But the deepest innovation comes in the compositions and arrangements themselves.

Sabou - Mory Kante - 13.99
The Guinean singer and kora player, veteren of some of western Africa's greatest bands (including the Rail Band in the early 70s) presents an all-acoustic tour-de-force in this 2004 release.

Afrijazz - Kwaku Kwaakye Obeng - 15.99
Afrijazz is percussionist Kwaku Kwaakye Obeng's shout-out to the inspirational spirits of Monk, Randy Weston, Max Roach, Anthony Braxton, Chief Bey and a host of kindred others. Kwaku brings together the sounds of his native land with African-Brazilian, Jamaican and African American strains, in an imaginative recording whose genius reveals its embedded subtleties only gradually.' - RootsWorld

Blue Sky - The Cool Crooners - 17.99
In the 1950s, southern Africans were crazy about American vocal jazz, and every kid dreamed of being a singing star, it seemed. But in the desperation of the times, and the turmoil of the fight for independence in Zimbabwe, musical careers were put on the back burner until the recent past. The Cool Crooners started a new life with their 2005 recording Isatilo. The followup to that success is this reissue of their very first album, and I think it is even more charming than the new one.

Burkina Faso: Lobi Country - Buur Xylophones - various - 17.99
Music of the Lobi people of southern Burkina Faso, Northern Ghana and Ivory Coast. This culture was moderately successful in resisting colonization and remain a relatively closed society today, so their music maintains a certain level of 'authenticity' and tradition today. This album features music to accompany funerals and initiation ceremonies, played on buur xylophones.

Mali: The Fulani Hoddu - various - 17.99
Music of the hoddu (the Fulani lute known elsewhere in Mali as ngoni).

Endurance - Mangalepa - 17.99
Congolese musicians who settled in Nairobi, Kenya, Les Mangalepa became one of the biggest bands in East Africa in the late 70s, when they recorded these tracks. Sweet and soulful, this is music that bridges the gap between early "golden age" sounds like rumba and the then fomenting soukous. Priceless performances by a spectacular band!

Stories - Regis Gizavo, Louis Mhlanga, David Mirandon - 18.99
Malagasy accordionist Régis Gizavo, South African guitarist Louis Mhlanga and French percussionist David Mirandon join in a beautiful, subtle recording of shared roots and diverse interests. It's all trio arrangements, with vocals by Gizavo and Mhlanga and no additional instrumentation, and the rich and dynamic sound is a testament to their musicianship. fRoots says: Well, for a start the extraordinary tightness of their playing makes it sound like a hard working regular band... the general level of telepathy is really remarkable, even on the more obviously jammed pieces... Nicely recorded too by Gizavo and Mirandon's regular sound man Manou Gallet, with a pleasing roundness that's perfectly suited to the ensemble sound: busy but light and warm. - Ian Anderson

Congotronics - Konono No 1 - 16.99
From the border between Congo and Angola comes Konono N°1, a thoroughly unique ensemble, traditional in the most elemental sense of the word: they made music from what they had on hand, rooted in their histopry be defiantly modern in its creation. Three likembe (mbira, or thumb pianos), electrified and amplified are at the core of the experience, accompanied by singers, percussionists, dancers a sound system that makes the average urban boombox experience seem a pale imitation. See also: Congotronics 2.

Kaful Mayay 1973-75 - Tabu Ley Rochereau And Afrisa International - 17.99
Not only neo-traditional 'Kaful Mayay' but also gorgeous 'Nzale,' hypnotic 'Aon-Aon' and 5 other tracks from the early 70s, including two making their first appearance on CD.

Merveilles du Passe 1958-60; Volume 1 - Grand Kalle et l'African Jazz - 17.99
Grand Kallé, Dr. Nico, Dechaud, Mujos, Vicky Longomba, Rochereau, (briefly) Manu Dibango: the first great modern Congolese band at its peak. Marvelous indeed and truly essential. Listen

Merveilles Du Passé, Vol. 3 (1966-1967) - Grand Kallé and L'african Jazz - 17.99
A later configuration of Kinshasa's seminal band, with Jean Bombenga singing alongside Kallé Kabasele.

Merveilles Du Passé, Vol. 2 (1961-1962) - Grand Kallé and L'african Jazz - 17.99
Grand Kallé, Dr. Nico, Dechaud, Mujos, Vicky Longomba, Rochereau, even (briefly) Manu Dibango: the first great modern Congolese band at its peak. Marvelous indeed and truly essential.

Succes Des Années 50/60, Vol. 1 - Grand Kallé and L'african Jazz - 17.99
Volume 1 of an overview of the great and seminal Congolese rumba band in the 1950s and 60s.

Succes Des Années 50/60, Vol. 2 - Grand Kallé and L'african Jazz - 17.99
Volume 2 of an overview of the great and seminal Congolese rumba band in the 1950s and 60s.

Volume 1 - Grand Kallé and L'african Team - 17.99
Assembled in Paris in the late 60s, Kallé Kabaselle's new band, though largely Congolese, included Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango and Cuban flutist Don Gonzalo Fernandez.

Volume 3 - Grand Kallé and L'african Team - 17.99
Assembled in Paris in the late 60s, Kallé Kabaselle's new band, though largely Congolese, included Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango and Cuban flutist Don Gonzalo Fernandez.

Volume 2 - Grand Kallé and L'african Team - 17.99
Assembled in Paris in the late 60s, Kallé Kabaselle's new band, though largely Congolese, included Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango and Cuban flutist Don Gonzalo Fernandez.

Nico, Kwamy, Rochereau and L'african Fiesta - African Fiesta - 17.99
Singers Kwamy Munsi and Tabu Ley Rochereau fronting a band led by guitarist Nico Kassanda in 1962 and '63. Such a constellation couldn't hold for long, but while it did … nzambe!

Makila Eyina Nzoto - African Fiesta - 17.99

Le Seigneur Rochereau - Tabu Ley Rochereau - 17.99

À L'olympia - Rochereau, Tabu Ley - 17.99
Rochereau's historic Paris debut at the famous Théatre Olympia in Paris, 1970, for which occasion he renamed his band Afrisa International.

L'afrisa International - Rochereau, Tabu Ley - 17.99
African Fiesta National refashioned as Afrisa International and Tabu Ley in his prime.

Lisanga Ya Banganga (2 CDs) - Rochereau and Franco - 22.99
When Kallé Kabaselle died in 1983 his most succesful protégé, Rochereau, and his greatest rival, Franco, came together to honor him and ended up collaborating on two historic LPs.

Rochereau, Sam Mangwana and L'African Fiesta National - Tabu Ley Rochereau - 17.99
Losing a guitarist like Dr. Nico would toll the death knell of most bands but not African Fiesta. Appending the tag National, Rochereau hired fine new guitarists and a singer-songwriter called Sam

Tete Nakozonga - Rochereau, Tabu Ley - 17.99
African Fiesta National refashioned as Afrisa International and Tabu Ley in his prime.

Sacramento - Rochereau, Tabu Ley - 17.99
Rochereau recorded two of his biggest and most enduring hits in the mid 80s, a quarter-century into his career: the love lament "Sarah" and his duet with Nyboma, "Sacramento."

Rochereau and L'african Fiesta National, Vol. 1 (1964-1966) - Rochereau, Tabu Ley - 17.99

Rochereau and L'african Fiesta National, Vol. 2 (1966-1969) - Rochereau, Tabu Ley - 17.99
When Dr. Nico went his separate way, Rochereau lost no time in hiring two good guitarists to replace him and carried on from strength to strength with African Fiesta National.

1968/1969 - Tabu Ley Rochereau - 17.99

1971/1972/1973 - Tabu Ley Rochereau - 17.99

Sorozo - Rochereau, Tabu Ley - 17.99
Afrisa International in the late 70s, when Dino Vangu led the guitar section. Includes the original (and best) version of "Ponce Pilate."

Down by the River - Musicians of the Nile - 17.99
For 30 years the Musicians of the Nile, from Luxor in upper Egypt, have traveled the world performing their traditional gypsy music, based on the sound of the rababah (horse-hair stringed fiddle) and testimony to an ancient Bedouin tradition. The group continues to act as guardians of their timeless tradition, continually renewing their art.

Isatilo - The Cool Crooners - 17.99
Genuine 'old school' vocal music from southern Africa.This group of senior crooners from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe present some classic sounds from the early days of pan-African pop music, steeped in the township sound and mbaqanga of South Africa, but well imbued with Congolese rumba, American jazz and R'n'B and later, rock and roll. It's terribly retro, and very right!

Homeland 2 - A Collection of South African Music - various South African artists - 12.99
The sequel to the first Homeland album, which was nominated for a Grammy. Sixteen tracks ofcontemporary sounds in South Africa. The rhythms and melodies of grass-roots Africa, from mbaqanga (township jazz) to choral music.

Congo River - Coco Sukali - 10.99
Fernand Tchikounzi is a Congolese born New Yorker and lead vocalist for the group Coco Sukali. In addition to a brilliant band, the CD includes guests that would make any soukous king jealous: Lokassa Ya Mbongo, Daly Kimoko, and Nguma Lokito. This is the cool side of rumba from the old-school of Franco and Tabu Ley, sung in both English and Lingala.

Berber Songs of Kabyle (5 CD set) - Taos Amrouche - 39.99
Marguerite Taos Amrouche was a major figure in both French and Algerian culture: a sophisticated author of influential novels in French, and a singer-musician whose expressive voice and penchant for ethnomusicological detective work did much to preserve and propagate traditional music of the Berber and Kabyle people. This is a comprehensive collection of her Arion recordings of the 1970s, including 95 songs on FIVE (5) CDs. IN a nice presentation box, includes a 140-page booklet with extensive notes and texts at a very good price.

Assembly - Zawose and Brook - 12.99
Tanzania has a made-to-measure musical ambassador in the person of Dr Hukwe Zawose: educator, instrument builder, cultural conservationist and - most importantly - a charismatic singer and musician of singular abilities who has introduced the music of his people (the Wagogo, of central Tanzania's arid Dodoma region) to an international audience.

Orientation: Egypt, India, Senegal - Thione Seck - 17.99
At the same time that Youssou N'Dour was formulating his Egypt project, former Star Band de Dakar and Orchestra Baobab star Thione Seck was creating an even more adventurous exploration of the relationship between south and east, Orientation. Recorded between 1999 and 2002, and produced by Ibrahima Sylla and François Breant, more than 40 Egyptian, Indian, French and Senegalese musicians were involved in this project. HIGHLY recommended!

Bulawayo Jazz - 1950, '51, '52 - Hugh Tracey recordings - 18.99
The record label says: In no book of the history of jazz will you find any mention, let alone a chapter, about an exciting style of jazz developed in Africa in the early 1950s - in Bulawayo to be precise, economic heart of then Southern Rhodesia now Zimbabwe and gateway to and from South Africa. This is a grand omission. Here, finally, is the evidence. The dominant figure in the Bulawayo scene was August Musarurwa.

Colonial Dance Bands - 1950 and 1952 - Hugh Tracey recordings - 18.99
The record label says: This album presents a variety of African bands playing dance music during the colonial period. Recorded in the British colonies of Kenya, Tanganyika and Northern Rhodesia, Portuguese East Africa, and Belgian Congo. Some bands were professional outfits playing to Europeans, mostly in hotels, others were enthusiastic amateurs. Each and every one was a pioneer in their way, and deserve tremendous respect for that alone.

Kenyan Songs and Strings - 1950 and 1952 - Hugh Tracey recordings - 18.99
The record label says: The selection of music here is comprised of a capella choirs and songs accompanied by string instruments. Except for two guitar tracks and one oud track, the string instruments are all lyres - chepkongo, kipukandet, thum, litungu. The strummed lyres sound very guitar-like, at times positively post-punk, and then the wonderful buzzing bass sound of the plucked thum, with strings made of cow tendons. And an array of beautiful traditional vocal styles.

Descarga Oriental: The New York Sessions - Maurice El Medioni - Roberto Rodriguez - 17.99
Rai pioneer and and master of the PianOriental Maurice El Médioni from Oran, Algeria meets Latin drummer Roberto Rodriguez (from Havana, Cuba, and part of the sound of Miami Sound Machine, Lester Bowie and Chachao). They met in New York for a Descarga Oriental, dreaming of routes that never were and bringing two distinct global roots into a new 21st century collusion.

Koulikoro - Sekou Kouyate - 17.99
I wrote this when the CD was published in the 1990s: "If you want African pop music, it doesn't get better than this disc... this recording is expansive and hypnotic in its use of music new and old. This album includes lush, full throttle pop sounds, rife with swirling layers of electric guitars and soaked in reverb and synths. These show off the rock guitar style that Kouyate incorporates into the melodies of Mali. At the other end of the spectrum is the equally charged acoustic sound he can develop on songs like 'Tikenou.' Here the voices and ngoni are up-front and clean in a call and response that can be mesmerizing. The bulk of the music on Koulikoro is decidedly on the pop side, but it is intelligent, multi-faceted and expertly played."

Kalaman N'gone / Dozon N'goni - Alan Fane's Fote Mocoba - 17.99
The Rough Guide writes: "Acoustic trio led by the late Super Djata Band vocalist, exploring hunters' rhythms of the Bamana and Wassoulou... Buzzing harp, spiralling balafon and singing that makes you jump out of your seat. Wild and compelling stuff."

Medej - Cantos Antiguos Saharauis - Mariem Hassan, Nayim Alal et al - 17.99
Medej covers a Moslem tradition of spiritual songs that are dedicated to the prophet Mohammed, praising him and referring to the most important facts of his life: his birth and childhood, how Allah chose him to be his prophet, the journey from Mecca to Medina. Each Islamic territory has adapted these songs medjas to its social and cultural surroundings. The Saharawi songs presented on this disc are interpreted in the mother tongue of the Saharawis, hassanía.

Longevity And Reclamation - Orlando Julius Ekemode - 17.99
Any fan of Afro-pop, juju, highlife or other 60s to 80s Nigerian sounds is sure to find something to like from this artist. Julius first came to the music via his uncle, the great IK Dairo. In the 70s he was regualrly going head-to-head with Fela for the attention of the Nigerian audience. The saxophonist and his band are living proof that the music lives on.

Midnight in Mali - various - 16.99
It can't get much better than this: a live concert with some of Mali's best and most interesting performers: guitarist Djelimady Tounkara, balafonist Keletigui Diabaté, n'goni master Basekou Kouyaté and singer Dieneba Seck with Medina N'Diaye (kora, vocal), Samba Sissoko (percussion), Salif Sissoko (percussion), Mariam Tounkara (vocals), Alou dembele (bass), Zoumana Tereta (sokou-violin), Vieux Kanteall (kamalen n'goni) and all under the direction of guitarist Habib Koité.

Double Check (2 CDs) - Stella Chiwese - 28.99
Something new, something old - two sides Of Zimbabwe's mbira queen. A completely new recording created in Zimbabwe, the unfortunately titled first CD 'Trance Hits,' is an album with references to spirits, a policeman possessed by the sounds of the m'bira, a singing fish and a song she dreamed her grandmother was singing to her. The second, 'Classic Hits,' features re-released tracks with her original band, The Earthquake and produced by a selection of Brit procuders int he 90s including John Peel, Hijaz Mustapha (aka Ben Mandelson) and Colin Bass (and a special guest appearance of the rhythm section of 3 Mustaphas 3). For old and new friends alike, this is a welcome and recommended recording.

Songs from the Great Forest - various - 17.99

Songs of Exile (Chant D'exil) - Cheikh Raymond Leyris - 17.99
Historical recordings of the Jewish-Algerian musician Raymond Leyris made in 1956 in the town of Constantine, Raymond Leyris birthplace in Algiers. The CD consists of classical Andalusian music, performed by Leyris's orchestra which included both Jewish and Arab musicians ; and classical Arab texts describing the golden age in Spain. Among the players is a talented 14 years old guitar player named Gaston Ghrenassia, later to become famous as the popular singer Enrico Macias. In 1961, during the Algerian War of Liberation, Raymond Leyris was assassinated by a radical Muslim group. This brutal assassination prompted the massive immigration of the Algerian Jewish community from Algiers. To this day, the music of Raymond Leyris symbolizes fellowship and unity between Jews, Arabs and Christians.

Introducing Daby Balde - Daby Balde - 15.99
Subtitled "Senegalese star on the rise' and a lively exploration of the Fula tradition by a musician who, as the title implies, ought to be better known. A great acoustic sound is played out on fiddle, accordion, flute, kora percussion and acoustic guitar.

Kinavana - Kekele - 17.99
It traveled from Congo to Cuba to Congo.... some say from Cuba to Congo to Cuba. No matter the origins, the roots of rumba are too intertwined to separate anymore, and the music is as strong today as it was at its birth. On their 2006 recording, Kékélé have created a tribute to Cuban songwriter, singer and guitarist Guillermo Portabales with a solid set, joined by legendary saxman Manu Dibango, singer Madilu "System" Bialu, the grande dame of Congolese music Mbilia Bel and some of New York's finest including Nelson Hernandez and singer Isabel Martinez. Rock solid roots!

Solon Kono - Djelimady Tounkara - 17.99
One of the great Malian guitarists, Tounkara began his career with the district band Pioneer Jazz in the Missira area of Bamako and then helped establish Super Rail Band, the band the started the careers of Salif Keita and Mory Kante, with whom he appears to this day. His second 'solo' recording features some of Bamako's hottest young musicians. Tounkara gives free reign to his improvisational talents on acoustic guitar (as well as on electric guitar on two pieces) in subtle and elegant style. With Samba Diabate on guitar, Mariam 'M'Bau' Tounkara, Mariam 'Djodjo' Diabate, Samba Sissoko and Mountaga Diabate on vocals, they rock in that unique African way. For Super Rail Band fans, there is a glowing version of the Mory Kante classic 'Sarankegni.'

los afro salseros de senegal en la habana - Los Afro Salseros - 17.99
In April 2001 a group of Senegalese salseros went to Cuba to record at Havana's legendary Studio Egrem. This CD presents the singers Labah Sosseh, Pape Fall, James Gadiaga and Mar Seck, accompanied by musicians selected from Dakar's leading salsa orchestras. Arranger Yakhya Fall, ex-bandleader and guitarist of Number One de Dakar, leads the ensemble. There is no keyboard, there is no drum kit, but there are two trumpets, Issa Cissokho's sax, lots of percussion and a grand piano in a beautiful 'Dakar tuning.'

Qeshm Island - Various - 17.99
The unique nature and culture of the fascinating Island of Qeshm (in the Persian Gulf), with its strong influences from Iranian, Arabic as well as East-African traditions is explored by an impressive groups of musicians including Mohammad Reza Alogholi, Saeed Ansari, Christophe Rezai, Peter Soleimanipour, Reza Asgarzadeh, Ali Boustan, Frahad Asadian and Karan Homayounfar. They offer personal interpretations on these cross-cultural roots.

Congotronics Vol 2 (CD/DVD - PAL format) - Various - 22.99
Hot on the heels of the remarkable Congotronics 1 is a fresh selection of even more amazing sounds, courtesy of no less than seven electro-traditional bands from Kinshasa, all especially recorded and produced for this set and featuring Sobanza Mimanisa, Kasai Allstars, Kisanzi Congo, Masanka Sankayi, Bolia We Ndenge, Basokin, Konono N°1 and Tulu. Complete CD and video perforrmances on DVD (video disc is PAL format). Aptly subtitled 'Buzz'n'Rumble from the Urb'n'Jungle.' If you loved Konono No. 1, you will be equally enthralled by these other bands. See also: Congotronics 1

Abayudaya: Music From The Jewish People Of Uganda - Various Artists - 13.99
Choral, Afro-Pop And Traditional Drumming, Hebrew Prayers And Songs In Hbrew, English And Several Ugandan Languages.

Plea for Peace - The Afro-Semitic Experience - 15.99
This African-Jewish jazz alliance offers a unique perspective, both musically and philosopically. Using tools expected and unexpected (bass, horns and drums are met by dobro, violin, African percussion and clarinet) they make a music that will grab the ear of mainstream jazz and Jewish fusion fans because no matter the genre, it is genuine, original and surprising.

Gabon - Myènè Songs - various - 17.99
Recorded over a period of fifty years, this recording documents the musical traditions of the Myene, keepers of the Ogowe river in central Gabon. The disc includes ritual music for harp, percussion and voice recorded with Ocora’s usual attention to detail and featuring a booklet with indepth information.

Ceasefire - Emmanuel Jal and Abdel Gadir Salim - 16.99
Two different Sudanese artists - different generations, regions, and styles - come together to explore their common ground. Southern rapper Jal joins the legendary northern singer, composer and oud player Abdel Gadir Salim in am unusual collaboration of young and old, north and south.

Mesk Elil - Souad Massi - 16.99
2005 release by the much-reviewed Algerian songwriter and singer. With a larger band including musicians from Europe and Africa (Djely Moussa Kouyate from Salif Keita’s band and rising star Daby Touré), she is pulling for that international stardom so often sought after and rarely achieved.

Golden Afrique Vol. 2 - various - 38.99
The critical acclaim that was heaped on Golden Afrique Vol.I was well deserved, and now there is a second edition (2005) devoted to Congolese dance music, from African rumba to the early forms of soukous music, the music that toppled highlife from its throne as the pan-African party sound. From the beginnings of the outstanding Ngoma label to Kabasele’s 1960 hit 'Indépendance Cha Cha Cha' and featuring an early recording by Manu Dibango, plus Tabu Ley Rochereau, Franco, Sam Mangwana, Dr. Nico, Nyboma, plus an excellent collection of tracks from less famous artists, some of whom can be heard on CD for the very first time.

Volume One, Two and Three (special price offer) - Golden Afrique - 99.99
Get all three volumes of this superb set for a special price

Dimanche a Bamako - Amadou and Mariam - 17.99
The Malian husband and wife duo return, joined by producer/participant Manu Chao on their 2005 release, a rich and colorful recordign of mali roots and modern touches.

Togo: Kabiye Orchestras and Lithophones - various - 17.99

Nuba al-maya - Ibn Baya - 17.99
Joined by Omar Metioui and Eduardo Paniagua, the Moroccan ensemble Ibn Báya (which also includes Spanish artist Luis Delgado) explores 'musica andalusi" from the 11th and 12th centuries on 'Núba al-maya.'

Mvet ai Mandzang - Music of the Beti in Cameroon - various - Cameroon - 17.99
From the series of the Museum Collection Berlin, a documentation of the music of the Beti in southern Cameroon. The mvet (a zither with notched bridge) and the mendzang (xylophone) are the most important musical instruments of the Beti of southern Cameroon. Traditional epic ballads and love songs are accompanied by the zither. The xylophone is played in groups at general on public and festive occasions. These recordings were made in 1984 in Cameroon, and in 1989 in Berlin with the group Mendzang M'ekum Adjap.

Live - Bonga - 17.99
Bonga’s 'Angola 72' and 'Angola 74' are still considered classics of contemporary African music. On this new live album, he shows the results of a decade of experiments, trials (and errors) have paid off. Over guitars, dikanza, accordion and laidback percussion, Bonga sings of frustrated love, persistent social ills and the humiliation that is killing Africa and has hardly changed since the colonial age. The music is great, but it is that voice, a rough-hewn yet ddly romantic sound, that is still at the root of it all.

Zambush Vol. 2 - Various Zambia Artists - 17.99
'Zambian Hits from the 60s and 70s' features three legends: the sophisticated group The Big Gold Six featuring the jazzy guitar of Bestin Mwanza, the sweet singer from the province Emmanuel Mulemena, and the cosmopolitan Nashil Pichen Kazembe. Three different vocal sounds and three great guitar sounds that could only have come from Zambia.

Kongo Magni - Boubacar Traore - 17.99
Guitarist/singer Boubacar Traoré is one of the 'house favorites' at cdRoots. His dense voice and rugged guitar style contrasts sharply with the rolling lilt of many of his Malian contemporaries. On Kongo Magni, Boubacar’s realistic, if pessimistic, view of life and its problems is finally granted a fragile silver lining. Accompanied by a small combo of accordion and harmonica, kamele ngoni, balafon and percussion, Traoré is again revealed as philosophical, lyrical and resigned - guarded, hopeful and humane.

Taximen et autres sons - Amadou Balake - 18.99
Featured on the 2005 'Golden Afrique' collection, and a guest singer on the Africando CD 'Martina' CD, Ivory Coast musician is little known outside of his home, but this music is so funky, warm and inviting that he should not be so obscure. Rich guitars and percussion are punctuated by rootsy horns and a heavy bass line, and his voice is raw silk.

The Truth - Dieneba Seck - 17.99
A little heard but fantastic singer from Mali accompanied by an ensemble of voices, acoustic bass, percussion, ngoni, soukou (violin), flute and guitar. Simple, wonderful and simply wonderful.

Kita Mata ABC - Gaby Lita Bembo and Orchestre Stukas du Zaire - 18.99
Lita Bembo wasn't just one of Zaire's great showmen.In the late 60s and early 70s he was leader of the Stukas, one of the country's wildest bands in that wild era. Listen

Fuji Satisfaction - Bantu, featuring Ayuba - 18.99
Adé Bantu is one of the defining figures of German HipHop. Born and raised in Lagos,Nigeria, then relocated to Cologne, his AfroPean blend draws from his forefathers' heritage and his experience of the African diaspora alike. He uses urban styles and sounds from R'n'B through HipHop to Ragga to contribute to the soundtrack of a global Africa: rooted in Yoruba history yet ripe with Western production, deeply sensual yet utterly spiritual, thoroughly individual and highly political. He is joined by Adewale Ayuba, a master of Nigeria's next generation of Fuji music.

Women Care - Various - 18.99
Norwegian artists Unni Wilhelmsen, Anneli Drecker, Simone and Lynni Treekrem met four African artists - Chiwoniso from Zimbabwe, Marie Daulne (lead singer of Zap Mama) from the Congo Democratic Republic / Belgian Congo, Tigist Bekele from Ethiopia, and Talike from Madagascar - in their respective homelands to make music together, and build relationships and networks using music as the common language. In cooperation with Norway CARE, this is the record of those meetings.

Wawa - Mastaki Bafa - 17.99
Congolese acoustic guitarists first international recordings are a simple affair: guitar, a rugged voice, the percussion of the local lokele message drums.

Folon...The Pas - Keita,Salif - 16.99
As on earlier albums, Keita is still backed by a crack team of musicians including Cheick Tidiane (keyboard), Ousmane Kouyate and Diely Moussa Kouyate (guitars), Moriba Koita (kora) and Lansine Kouyate (Balafon). But Folon, compared to the three ealier albums in which Keita's voice is pure fire and brimstone, is mostly sweet gentle melody. Simply put, it is a move away from the slickly rich layers of sound that characterised Amen.In fact, listening to the signature tune 'Mandjou', you are thrown back to the 70s when Keita was starting out with the Rail band of Bamako and then Les Ambassadeurs. Still, for Keita fans (and I am one of them) this is a must have album.' Opiyo Oloya, RootsWorld

Moffou - Keita,Salif - 16.99
'...it is the ballads, simple and usually accompanied only by guitar, that emerge as the heart and soul of Moffou. In them, Keita's life's work is consolidated and glorified via the sympathetic, relaxed maturity of an artist in his prime. His soaring, Islamic-flavored tenor is supported throughout by Kante Manfila's gracious, meticulously crafted acoustic arrangements. Some of Keita's earlier efforts, for all their manifold beauties, have not entirely withstood the ravages of hindsight. Moffou is a classic in the making; it will never, ever sound dated.' - Christina Roden, RootsWorld.

Zambush Volume 1 - Zambian Hits of the 80s - Various - 18.99
The electric music from Zaire and Zimbabwe from the 80s may be well known in the West, the music from Zambia is not. Zambia's had always had a vibrant and diversified music scene has always been vibrant and diversified and during the eighties yet another new musical era emerged - the kalindula years, when rural dance music from all over Zambia went electric and these songs became the big hits of the time. Zambush offers 10 tracks in 70 minutes of rough and tumble electric roots.

Cape Town Songs (the very best of...) - Abdullah Ibrahim - 15.99
14 tracks by the South African pianist and composer known as Dollar Brand, includes 'African Marketplace,' 'Calypso Minor,' 'For Monk' among other favorites and a few surprises.

Biso Nawa - Henri Dikongue - 16.99
A master of a gentle, acoustic sound from Africa, Dikongue and his guitar make their 2005 stop on CD with this warm recording, joined by a small ensemble: Henri Dikongué, vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion; Jean-Paul Flores, guitar; Ludovic Mantion, piano; Etienne Mbappè, bass

Bayekeleye - Mose FanFan - 17.99
This is old school Congolese music, and that's the way I like it. Fan Fan returns with more of the same - rhythmic, throbbing and sweetly sung rumba-rooted African soul music of the highest order. Great horns, great guitars, fat bass and real human drums and percussion. Keep your high-powered electro-soukous machines - just give me the groove. Highly recommended.

Behmanka - Mamadou Diabate - 17.99
Mamadou Diabate’s combination of fiery melodic improvisation, inexorable rhythmic precision, and ringing tone is a revelation. The eight solo performances tracks on Behmanka, which is named for very old dialect of the artist’s native Mandinka language, reveal a virtuoso in his prime.

10 Birds in the Woods - Mbye, Gottlow and Birgerson - 12.99
They call it 'the Afriscania mix of Gambian voice and kora with Swedish accordion and guitar. Alagi Mbye is from Serekunda in the Gambia, a kora-master, singer and a storyteller from an old Jali family. From Malmö, Sweden, accordionist Roland Gottlow and guitarist Anders Birgerson offer the Scani cool. Completely unique, relaxed and homespun, this is the third of our exclusive CDR series.

Mariem Hassan Con Leyoad - Mariem Hassan - temp out of stock-17.99
Raw, gritty acoustic-electric music from Saharaui singer Hassan and the remarkable band Leyoad. Electric guitars, havey percussion, a horn section and some throbbing bass lay down an incessant and irresistible groove for Hassan and her backing vocalists to pour their passions into. Touches of acoustic instruments, accordion and such, just add to the surprising sound of this ensemble. fRoots says this is 'the rawest, dirtiest slice of blues I've heard in quite a while.'

Let Me Be - Rasha - 17.99
Rasha reflects on the situation of her people in Sudan - a mixture of homesickness and hope. Due to the civil unrest in her homeland, she moved to Cairo in 1991, and now lives in Spain. The life of the exile is at the center of her work, in 11 songs both political and controversial.

A María Teresa Vera - Various - 17.99
A tribute CD to one of the most influential woman of traditional Cuban music. Contemporary performances by Gema y Pável, Jacqueline Castellanos, Omara Portuondo, María Salgado, Argelia Fragoso, Martirio, Uxía, Caridad and Reinaldo Hierrezuelo.

Kchaba - Hijas Del Sol - 17.99
The third album by the singing duo Hijas del Sol is a very cheerful and 'African' album, even though it has more songs in Spanish than any other. Exceptional musicians from Equatorial Guinea like Pablo Tarifa, David Owono, Alex Ikot and Chery Malé seek out the traditional musical base of their home region (Sibeba), then open up to others styles from the African continent and Europe. They run from roots to pop, never losing the core sound of two great voices in harmony.

Samai Andalou - Maurice El Medioni - 17.99
A fascinating encounter between Alegerian pianist Maurice El Medioni Israeli musicians - Yair Dalal, Eyal Sela, Avi Agababa, Sam Elfassi, Noam Topelberg. An eastern pianist, influenced by classical Algerian music, who took elements of the Latin rhythm (Cuban, Salsa, Rumba etc.) and integrated them into the Middle Eastern music into a jazz-like (but not jazz) fusion. Latin influences meed North African traditions and the results are thoroughly unique.

No. III de Number 1 - Number 1 de Dakar - 17.99
They went under a lot of variants of the name: Starband de Dakar, Orchestra No. 1, Star Number One, and Starband du Senegal to name a few, and they always delivered number one, A-class music, steeped in Cuban and Latin influences, and always 'just right.' This is a collection of their more obscure recordings (and none are on the more familiar Dakar Sound releases).

From Dance to Trance - Guem - 16.99
Born to Nigerian parents brought to Algeria, Guem grew up playing traditional music and trance rhythms from an early age. His family soon initiated him into the secrets of the diwan (ceremonies where many of the participants enter a state of trance). When he turned 16, Guem left Algeria for Paris to become a professional soccer player. But the young man promptly came to realize that his hands would take him further than his feet. After a brief stint at the American Cultural Centre in Paris, Guem went on to make his name playing with the cream of French and American jazzmen (including Michel Portal and Steve Lacy). However, the ‘man with gold fingers’ quickly grew bored of being considered an accompanist and decided to become a soloist. In 1973 Guem recorded his first album - Percussions africaines. Five years later he would score his first major hit with Guem et Zaka recorded in collaboration with his pupils from the American Cultural Centre. With more than 30 albums (recorded since the mid-70s), thousands of dance and percussion courses and many worldwide concerts, Guem still keeps the same goal: lift percussion out of its traditional role as a backing instrument and prove that drums can provide melody as well as rhythm.

Sya - Amadou Kienou - 17.99
Griot Amadou Kiénou is from Burkina Faso. Trained from his youth through the rituals and ceremonies that still mark the life of his native village (baptisms, weddings, funerals, sacred rites etc), as a professional he has worked with such artists as Manu Dibango, Youssou N’Dour and Baba Maal. He is a virtuoso of the djembe and a fine traditional singer.

Gabon: Atege Songs - Various Artists - 16.99
On the high plateaux of southern Gabon, the Atege people developed an elaborate form of vocal polyphony. This CD, recorded over a period of sixty years, is a testimony to the richness of their musical heritage.

Mali Blue - Lobi Traore - 16.99
A collection of tracks from Bambara singer Lobi Traoré's previous recordings, 14 tracks includes on live recording.

Tekitoi - Rachid Taha - 16.99
Taha is often seen as the 'punk spirit' of Alergerian roots-pop music, and this 2004 release is thought provokinging and fascinating. It includes his version of ‘Rock El Casbah’, an homage to the late great Joe Strummer, whose spirit Taha often credits as being the real roots of rai.

Ya-Rayi - Khaled - 16.99
The acknowledged 'master of rai' returns to his roots in Oran for this 2004 release, produced by Philippe Edel.

Diam - Daby Toure - 15.99
Daby Touré grew up in Mauitania, but moved to Paris at a young age, where he did service in Afropop bands like Touré Kunda (his cousins) and later Touré Touré. THis solo effort (which translates as 'peace') is a folky and experimental 'world music' recording that while strong on African roots, delves into a variety of other cultural influences for inspiration.

Akoma - Adesa - 16.99
The musicians of Adesa bring the Ghanaian korlegorno (lute), horns, flutes, water kalebasses and the balafon to compositions that lean not only on rural traditions but also on ritual and courtly music and their own experiences from their tours in Europe. This is an elegant yet rough-hewn musical experience from western Africa.

Festival in the Desert: the film (DVD) - Various Artists - 23.99
Lionel Brouet's documentary about the 2003 Festival in the Desert tells the story of the event, and does so in a uniquely compelling and atmospheric way. Bonus features include an interview with event organizer Issa Dicko about the Touaregs and a photo gallery. Live performance footage and interviews with participating artists offer a magical journey seen through the eyes of those who attended the festival. This 52-minute documentary on DVD is in French with English subtitles.

Rhapsody for Lute - Yousra Dhahbi - 18.99
Yousra Dhabi is a lute player f