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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

Rendez-vous Barbes - Orchestre National de Barbes - 18.99
Orchestre National de Barbès was formed in 1995 by Youcef Boukella, composer and bass player. The group preaches a multicultural philosophy, and its music is a blend of rock, gnawa, raï, salsa, chââbi, reggae, alaoui and jazz. Barbés is not in Morocco, but rather in Paris, a neighborhood near Sacre Coeur that has become a refuge for exiles from north Africa. In English, the band's name means The National Barbés Orchestra - implying that Barbés is a nation unto itself. This music represents an imaginary but quite visceral nation.

Choc 'n Soul - Manu Dibango - 17.99
Manu Dibango is known for his alchemy of jazz, African and Jamaican music, Gospel and R'nB. His unique style was the forerunner of what is now often called 'world music.' Dibango is perhaps best remembered for his 1972 afrobeat single "Soul Makossa," often considered the first disco record. This best-of collection from Frémeaux features twelve tracks released between 1978 and 1989, including the 1978 Kingston remix of "Reggae Makossa." Guest artists include Michael and Randy Brecker, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.

Next Stop... Soweto, Vol. 3: Giants, Ministers And Makers: Jazz In South Africa 1963 - 1984 - VA - 16.99
2-CD set is part of a 3-set series exploring South African music. The focus is on the mid-'60s to mid-'80s. Features saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, drummer Early Mabuza, The Heshoo Beshoo Group, The Drive, Philip Tabane's Malombo, more. See the complete track list

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.

Africa: 50 Years of Music - Various Artists (US orders only!) - 140.99
The most comprehensive compilation of African music I have seen to date - 183 classic recordings by 183 important artists from 38 countries in North, South, East and West Africa.The artists include universal stars such as Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Youssou N'Dour, Franco, Cheb Khaled, Cesaria Evora, Mulatu Astatke, Salif Keita, Manu Dibango and Oum Kalsoum. But the real treasure is in the lesser known and to many, unknown singers and musicians that abound here. The tracks, licensed from some of the world's most respected record companies, are all original studio recordings or, in a few cases, famous concert performances. Most of them were made in the 50 years from 1960 to 2010 - the era of African independence - but three landmark Egyptian classics date from the 1940s. Many of these songs are known and loved worldwide: "Pata Pata," "Soul Makossa," "Yeke Yeke," "Sweet Mother," "Mario," "Shakara," "Jive Soweto." Others will be revelations to even the most dedicated record collectors. The deluxe longbox 18 CD set (10½" x 5½" x 1¼") includes a 60-page book of photographs, record-cover reproductions, specially commissioned artwork and essays by experts on each of Africa's popular styles.

Africa: 50 Years of Music - Various Artists (non-US orders) - 165.99
The most comprehensive compilation of African music I have seen to date - 183 classic recordings by 183 important artists from 38 countries in North, South, East and West Africa.The artists include universal stars such as Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Youssou N'Dour, Franco, Cheb Khaled, Cesaria Evora, Mulatu Astatke, Salif Keita, Manu Dibango and Oum Kalsoum. But the real treasure is in the lesser known and to many, unknown singers and musicians that abound here. The tracks, licensed from some of the world's most respected record companies, are all original studio recordings or, in a few cases, famous concert performances. Most of them were made in the 50 years from 1960 to 2010 - the era of African independence - but three landmark Egyptian classics date from the 1940s. Many of these songs are known and loved worldwide: "Pata Pata," "Soul Makossa," "Yeke Yeke," "Sweet Mother," "Mario," "Shakara," "Jive Soweto." Others will be revelations to even the most dedicated record collectors. The deluxe longbox 18 CD set (10½" x 5½" x 1¼") includes a 60-page book of photographs, record-cover reproductions, specially commissioned artwork and essays by experts on each of Africa's popular styles.

The King of History - D.O. Misiani and Shirati Jazz - 16.99
Classic 1970s Benga Beats from Kenya - They did not invent benga, the energetic dance music of Kenya and Tanzania, but they defined its modern form, with its hypnotic electric guitars and fabulously active bass, and made it popular throughout East Africa. Their records, released internationally in the late 1980s and early 90s, introduced benga to the world. Because of benga, D.O. Misiani, who was born in Tanzania in 1940 and died in Kenya in 2006, is probably now the second-most famous Luo in the world.

Muzikr - Carlou D - 17.99
Carlou D emerged from Senegal's hip-hop scene of the 90s, joined Senegal's first, and arguably most successful, hip-hop group, Positive Black Soul. In 2004 he left to start his solo career. Performing in traditional Muslim robes with his dreadlocks signaling asceticism, he wears the image of Cheikh Ibra Fall around his neck as a tribute to his spiritual guide. It is from the leader of this spiritual sect, the Baay Fall, that Carlou takes much of his musical inspiration, preserving and modernizing the chants, melodies and rhythms used in celebration of this man who has millions of followers around the world. With a pure voice and infectious sense of rhythm, and backed by a scintillating band, Carlou D makes electric, spiritual roots music, straight from Dakar. The album features Carlou's mentor Youssou N'Dour as special guest singer on one track. Listen!

Traditional music from Uganda - Vol. I - Sarah Ndagire, Pedson Kasume and friends - 18.99
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

Verité d'Afrique - Pierre Akendengue - 18.99
The 19th album by one of Africa's most interesting artists (says Cliff), recorded in part, in a shanty town in Libreville, Gabon with the remaining tracks were finished up in Paris. While continuing to mine a traditional African vein, Akendengué also branches out in new musical directions, working with Cape Verdean producer Nado Andrade (best known for his role as pianist and musical director to Cesaria Evora), and even delving into reggae. However to please his fans, Akendengué also slips in an old favorite, "Considérable," amongst his new material. Originally written in 1972, the song's lyrics about pan-African unity remain as topical as ever.

The Kusum Beat - Sweet Talks - 16.99
Sweet Talks were amongst the top five most popular bands in Ghana during the 1970s having recorded a string of hit albums. ‘The Kusum Beat’ was originally released in 1974 and became a household favourite with heavy emphasis on the ‘Afro’ through its traditional rhythms and motifs, blended together into a modern mix that combined highlife, funk and Afrobeat Like a small handful of seminal Ghanaian albums, The Kusum Beat has stood the test of time and sounds as original and unique today as it did back in 1974.

African Pearls: Sénégal: Echo Musical - VA - 21.99
A 2CD collection of music from '70s Senegal.Senegal has been strongly influenced by Cuban music coming to Dakar through Cuban sailors. Widely broadcast, the Afro-Cuban repertoire stands at the foundation of modern Senegalese music. Mornas and coladeras from Cabo Verde are also to be heard along Dakar streets. This collection brings together some famous names and some you have never heard before in a beautiful set of rugged roots. Artists include Omar Pene and Le Super Diamono; Star Band De Dakar; Etoile de Dakar; Xalam; Ifang Bondi; Orchestra Baobab; Star Band No. 1; and many others. 24 full tracks in all.

Next Stop... Soweto: Township Sounds From The Golden Age Of Mbaqanga - various - 15.99
First of a 3-part series exploring underground South African music during the late '60s and '70s. This volume covers the vibrant energy of the township jive sound. Jive - or mbaqanga - emerged in the '60s as a fusion combining elements of rural Zulu music and harmony vocal styles with Western instrumentation. Takes the listener far beyond the accepted township jive with smaller groups utilizing jazz, gospel, rumba, funk and traditional mining songs. Includes hit makers like Mahlathini and Mahotella Queens but puts more emnphasis on names you might never have heard before: The Big Four, Piliso and His Super Seven, African Swingsters, Lucky Strikes, Intombi Zephepha. (20 tracks)

Next Stop... Soweto Vol. 2: Soultown, R and B, Funk and Psych Sounds From The Townships 1969-76 - various - 15.99
Second of a 3-part series exploring underground South African music during the late '60s and '70s. Touches on mbaqanga and jazz artists who dabbled with soul and funk fusions during the early '70s: the Mgababa Queens and Mahotella Queens, and great SA jazz combo The Heshoo Beshoo Group, more. 22 tracks.

Once Upon A Time In Senegal (2 CDs) - Etoile de Dakar featuring Youssou N'Dour - 18.99
The Birth Of Mbalax 1979-1981 - There are not many African artists whose names are as well-known as Youssou N'Dour's. And it's not just his '7 Seconds' duet with Neneh Cherry, or his frequent collaborations with Peter Gabriel and others. No, you don't reach his status just by who you hang out with, you get there by who you are and what you do. On one level these 2 CDs form a chapter in the story of who Youssou N'Dour is. But on another they show him simply as an equal member of a band … a band in the right place at the right time and doing the right things. That brief but vital moment in time is captured in these 23 tracks selected from the cassettes that Etoile de Dakar recorded between 1979 and 1981. Several have never been released outside of Senegal, and all have been sensitively re-mastered from the earliest available audio source. These are the best sounding recordings of this material available.

Cote D'Ivoire: West African Crossroads - various (African Pearls) - 28.99
A fantastic double CD with 33 pearls recorded in Ivory Coast between 1966 and 1985. Artists include Ernesto Djédjé, Bailly Spinto and Amédée Pierre capture another aspect of the Golden Age of West African music.

Guinee 70: The Discotheque Years - various (African Pearls) - 23.99
2 CD set: Bembeya Jazz, Sory Kandia Kouyaté, Horoya Band, Super Boiro, Balladins, Tambourinis, Camayenne Sofa, many more Listen

Sidiba - Bako Dagnon - temp out of stock-16.99
One of Mali's premier Mande musicians and a respected female griot, born in the west of Mali. Bako sings with the authority, passion and wisdom born of having learned her craft the old way: not from recordings, as many young singers do nowadays, but at the feet of masters, deep in the countryside. As such, she may be one of the last griots to live according to the old ways, though she carries her message for the current age with a knowledge base that ranges from her native Biriko style, to the more lyrical Maninka music from Guinea to the Bambara style from Segou. Her songs sound deceptively simple; yet they are informed by a prodigious knowledge of Mande history and culture, with even Ali Farka Touré often consulting her and Banzoumana Sissoko, "the old lion" inviting her regularly to his house in the 1980s to sing famous old songs like "Janjon." She has the gift of bringing the old stories to life, making them sound utterly contemporary. She is the bridge between the old and the new.

World Defeats The Grandfathers - Issa Juma and Super Wanyika Stars - 16.99
Wanyika Stars was the defining sound of Kenyan Swahili rumba in the late 70s and early 80s, and Issa Juma was a pivotal figure in both creating and giving it new directions. His powerful baritone voice was indisputably the best of the Wanyika clan and, constantly experimenting, his style could change with each producer and session. Carefully re-mastered, full-length recordings that include bona fide hits alongside rare, never-before-released tracks, this album is a long-overdue homage to a brilliant vocalist and band-leader, an innovative and accomplished musician. Listen

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.

Afrobeast - Yaaba Funk - 16.99
This predominantly Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat band is based in London, and have been making waves this year. A product of Brixton and influenced by 1970’S Ghanaian hi-life, funky sounds of James Brown and UK sounds like Roots Manuva and The Specials. This is their debut CD.

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.

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.

Afro Tropical Soundz Vol. 1 - V.A. - 9.99
VERY nicely priced sampler featuring a selection from some of Soundway's releases, from the highlife, disco and rock sounds of '70s Nigeria to the golden age of Panamanian music, Benin's Afro-Latin grooves, Colombia's champeta and all other Afro sounds; an essential introduction for music fans who are new to African, Latin and tropical music and also a superb overview for fans of the label from both sides of the Atlantic - from the west coast of Africa to the Caribbean islands, the Isthmus of Panama and beyond. Presented in a brown manila CD digpack, it offers obscure A-sides, B-sides and album cuts that have been unavailable until now. Artists include: Ebo Taylor, Fruko Y Sus Tesos, Papi Brandao, Lito Barrientos, Oscar Sulley and The Uhuru Dance Band, Les Loups Noirs de Haiti, The Sweet Talks, The Action 13, Los Silvertones, Celestine Ukwu, and Orchestre Poly-Rythmo.

Egypt Noir - Ali Hassan Kuban, Mahmoud Fadl - 19.99
In recent decades, Western archeologists unearthed the remains of Nubia - an advanced Black African civilization thousands of years older than Egypt's, but they could have just as easily discovered the funky echoes of this lost world at certain Cairo nightclubs today. This doubly lost and found culture shows its stuff on Egypt Noir, a collection featuring the icons and innovators of Nubian music. The album brings together decades of Nubian urban song, giving an unprecedented overview of the neglected musical achievements of this unsung people. Piranha's enhanced CD also offers a visual tour of the great "Orientalist" paintings of the nineteenth century - images reflecting European artists' sensual vision of Egypt and Nubia.

The Kings of Benin: Urban Groove 1972-80 - T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - special order-16.99
Originally released 2005, reissued 2009. From the Republic of Benin, West Africa, T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo is one of Africa's least-known big-bands outside of their home country. Here is a collection that reflects their many poly-rhythmic moods. A mixture of hard Afro-Funk, driving Afrobeat, deep Afro-Latin and Cuban grooves all with a unique flavor that ruled the dance-floors of 70's urban Benin. Contained here are never before heard tracks re-mastered and available for the first time outside of Africa since being originally issued on small vinyl presses that have long become extinct.

Nigeria Special Volume 2: Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds and Nigerian Blues 1970-6 - VA - 16.99
Features tracks that have been forgotten or out of print for nearly 35 years, but have since been tracked down and documented, including highlife to Juju and Nigerian blues in the languages of Yoruba, Igbo, Bini and Ijaw and a peppering of "Afro" experimentation.

Nigeria Afrobeat Special: The New Explosive Sound in 1970s Nigeria - VA - 16.99
The fourth edition in the Soundway Nigeria Special series. It was Fela Kuti and his musical and political ideals that formed the core of afrobeat's message. Blending highlife, Yoruba music, funk and jazz, Fela dominated the musical tapestry of 1970s Nigeria and his influence in Nigeria and West Africa led to a craze where most of the bands of the day incorporated this new sound into their repertoires to satisfy the tastes of the audiences of the time. This compilation highlights some of those recordings that have, until now, not seen the light of day, including a never-on-CD 45 single by Fela.

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.

Imagine Africa - various - 18.99
I do not go in for too many compilations, but this one stands out for its unique set of musicians and its collaborative spirit. East African artists from Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar offer music both traditional and modern, recordings made with care and respect for both the tradition and audio quality. Artistsinclude Witnesz, Bizmana Ntavoyo, Maryam Said Hamdun, Mahsein Ally, Anania Ngoriga, Nakite, and Bob Rudala from Tanzania, as well as Olith Ratego, Susana Owiyo, K'Odhialo, Ogoya Nengo, Katana Bin Kalama, Bismilahi Gargar, and Makadem from Kenya. Listen to Witnesz, Olith Batego and Suzanna Owiyo.

Shouka - Mariem Hassan - 15.99
New for 2010 - Mariem Hassan sings with entrancing intimacy and poetry, in a clear message calling for all to fight injustice, discrimination and persecution. All of these new songs have been developed in a close complicity with the poet Lamin Allal and the guitarist, Lamgaifri Brahim. Although very young, he has masered all the subtleties of haul music. And Mariem, with the lack of a appropriate Saharaui guitarist overthe last years, was inspired to finally realize all the songs she has been carrying in her heart for so many years. The CD also contains innovative new ideas: the title song "Shouka" is a cantata developed by using all scales and rhythms of the Haul. The essence of the traditional haul is impressively kept by Vadiya Mint el Hanevi, percussionist, chorus and dance, Lamgaifri Brahim, guitar, Mariem Hassan herself , with the important cooperation of poet Lamin Allal.

Western Sahara: Remixing Saharaui - Hugo Westerdahl - 14.99
CD includes the soundtrack of the film La Puerta Del Sahara as well as remixes and rarities of Saharaui music. Hugo Westerdahl: arrangements, keyboard, guitar Mariem Hassan: vocals Baba Salama: electric and acoustic guitar Nayim Alal: guitar, vocals Leyoad: percussion, vocals Hababa: vocals Alberto Gambino: accordion, keyboard Patxi Pascual: saxophone and flute Josete Ordoñez: flamenco guitar Pablo Salinas: piano

Afro Baby The Evolution of the Afro Sound in Nigeria 1970-79 - VA - 17.99
2009 repress, first released in 2004. Nigeria in the 1970s had one the biggest recording industries on the continent as well as one of the most diverse. The fusion of African rhythms and culture with jazz, funk, soul, and rock was an Africa-wide phenomenon but nowhere was it more prolific and active than the cities and dancefloors of Nigeria. These twelve rarities highlight how the Afro-sound influenced all areas of the music scene and how it progressed throughout a very creative and energetic decade. From funky afro-jazz, soul and afro-highlife to big, dancefloor afro-beat Nigeria led the way in West Africa at the time. Following the success of the Ghana Soundz album released last year on Soundway we have diverted our attention to highlighting the Scene in Nigeria during the seventies. This album features only tracks that have never been released outside of Nigeria, and many of them were small underground releases there at the time appearing only on long deleted albums or 45's. All have been lovingly tracked

Volume One, Two and Three (special price offer) - Golden Afrique - 119.99
Get all three volumes of this superb set for a special price

African Woodoo - Manu Dibango - 17.99
Unearthing the world music vaults, these tracks were recorded between 1971 and 1975 by Manu Dibango for cinema, television or advertising. They have never been released on disc. The official information is missing but Dibango recalls that his Parisian band then comprised Jacques Bolognesi, Ivan Julien, François Jeanneau and Slim Pezin. On the sides cut in New York, you will find prestigious guests like Buster Williams and Cedar Walton and Tony Williams.

I Speak Fula - Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba - 14.99
Malian maestro Bassekou Kouyate is a virtuoso picker and musical visionary whose work blurs the lines between West African and American roots music. Bassekou's instrument, the ngoni, is a 'spike lute' and an ancestor of the banjo, sharing its taut-skinned drum body, percussive attack, and varied picking techniques. Since 2005, Bassekou has led Ngoni Ba, the first-ever group built around not one but four ngonis, all played by members of his family. Bassekou's longtime friend and booster Lucy Duran (a BBC radio host, record producer, and Mande music scholar) produced the band's debut, Segu Blue. These 11 tracks provide a star-studded tour of pan-Malian music, including collaborations with Toumani Diabate, griot vocal legend Kasse Mady Diabate, master of the horse-hair soku fiddle Zoumana Tereta, and guitar phenomenon Vieux Farka Toure. Listen

Segu Blue - Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba - 15.99
The first solo album from the Malian ngoni player (orignally released in 2007). Ngoni is the Bambara name for an ancient traditional lute found throughout West Africa that is plucked with the thumb, much like a 5-stringed banjo.Ngoni Ba is Mali's first ngoni quartet and features artists Kassemady Diabate, Lobi Traore, Lassana Diabate and singer Zoumana Tereta.

Ghana Soundz: Afro-Beat, Funk and Fusion in 70's Ghana - VA - 16.99
14 rare and unreleased tracks from Sweet Talks, African brothers, Black Star Sound, Ebo Taylor, and many others. Ghana Soundz is a painstakingly assembled collection of Afro-beat and Afro Funk, most of which has never been released outside of Africa and some of which is unreleased anywhere. This package will also appeal to collectors as it includes a full 16 page booklet highlighting the history of the Ghana recording industry and reproductions of original LP sleeves

Francophonic, Vol. 2: 1980-1989 - Franco and TPOK Jazz - 23.99
2 CDs - Volume 2 of the stunning Stern's collection of the Congolese master's work. Essential!

Music from Tanzania and Zanzibar 3 - Various - 18.99
The Kilimani Muslim School Choir presents Muslim 'gospel' with lead singers, youth choir and pitched tambourines.

Fuji Satisfaction - Bantu, featuring Ayuba - 11.99
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.

4-track Recording Sessions - The Green Arrows - 15.99
The Green Arrows were an important part of the Zimbabwean music scene in the 1970s, fusing the different rhythms of the region into one unique sound. This compilation presents 20 critical tracks that the Green Arrows recorded from 1974 –1979, all well-remastered. Carefully prepared 24-page bookletincludes a complete history of the band (edited by Banning Eyre), a full detailed discography, and numerous rare photographs and artifacts. After a long absence from performance, the band reunited on stage on the last day of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) on May 1, 2005.

Ilha Azul - Bau - 10.99

Tales From The Earth - Mark Weinstein and Omar Sosa - 17.99
Flautist Weinstein and Sosa on marimba and vibraphone (with an occasional piano piece) are joined by the global ensemble of Jean Paul Bourelly (guitars) Aly Keita (balafon) Marque Gilmore (drums) and vocals and percussion by Aho Luc Nicaise and Mathias Agbokou. Deeply spiritual and moody, these two artists seem to have found new depth in each other's work. Highly recommended!

Imidiwan: Companions - Tinariwen - 17.99
Tuareg band's fourth CD release possesses all the elements that have made them so magnetic: raw simplicity, melodic beauty, songs ranging from the epic and universal to the intimate and personal. Listen!

Petite planete - Trio Ifriqiya - 17.99
Fayçal El Mezouar was trained at the music school El Kordobia in Tlemcen, Algeria. For this trio, he has gathered around him jazz pianist and improviser Didier Fréboeuf and drummer Emile Biayenda, founder of the band Les Tambours de Brazza. Their music blends many styles including Arab-Andalous, traditional, jazz and contemporary. It highlights a kind of common musical language where elements from the Orient, Africa and Europe cross paths.Listen!

Sarabah: Tales from the Flipside of Paradise - Sister Fa - 19.99
Senegal's 'Queen of hip-hop.' For a woman to break through in an almost exclusively male field within a male-dominated society was a long, hard journey. Struggle breeds compassion, and Sister Fa uses her international album debut to speak out against the injustices rampant in her native country. Warm and unmistakably African, her raps, in Wolof, Manding, Jola and French, roll elegantly over beats as well as traditional sounds (kora and djembe), delivering tracks far removed from rap clichés, and more influenced by 80s old school hip-hop than current rap trends.

Niyo - Mamadou Barry - 17.99
The Guinean musician plays tenor, alto and soprano sax, flute and percussion. A connoisseur of all the sub-region's rhythms and music styles, Barry is open to all musical trends. Niyo was recorded with some of Conakry's best musicians, all generations included, both modern and traditional with three of the finest female voices in Guinea. he merges rootsy tradition, Afrobeat energy and Manding melodies into his own sound. Listen

The Syliphone Years (2 CDs) - Keletigui et ses Tambourins - 21.99
A 2 CD retrospective of one of Guinea's most wonderful bands, recorded from 1968 to 1970. They were at the forefront of the movement to bring 'authenticite' to the popular music of Guinea, while bringing in jazz and Cuban roots in ways that were, at the time, thoroughly unique. Highly recommended

Ngara - Kandia Kouyaté - 18.99
In the 1980s the Malian contralto Kandia Kouyaté became famous throughout West Africa and beyond, entirely on the strength of live performances and word-of-mouth. She made a few private recordings for wealthy patrons, but she refused to release anything publicly until 'Kita Kan' in 1999 and Biriko in '2002' (both from Sterns Africa). Now that she has retired she has finally agreed to make her private recordings available to her fans around the world. 'Ngara' (the title is the Maninka word for "diva") collects the best of these legendary recordings. Listen

La Belle Epoque (2 CDs) - Orchestra Baobab - 25.99
A two-CD compilation of early Orchestra Baobab recordings, most of which have never before been available in this country in any format. They were recorded in Dakar between 1971 and 1977 - years when Orchestra Baobab was the most popular band in Senegal. In addition to some of the musicians who still perform with Baobab, such as guitarist Barthélemy Atisso, saxophonist Issa Cissoko and singer Rudy Gomis, these recordings feature two singers who became internationally famous after leaving Baobab: Medoune Diallo of Africando and Thione Seck of Orientation. Listen

No. III de Number 1 - Number 1 de Dakar - 19.99
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).

Assusu - Famoro and Kike Kouyate - 19.99
Recorded in Conakry in 1992- Kouyate was bass player with Ballaet ses Balladins in the late sixties This recordings feat M mah Bangoura vocals, Souleyman Diallo peulh flute Famoro grumbling bass icl two balaphones , three more female voices, djembe and the m bote bass drum

The Key to Granada - Said Chraibi - 19.99

Volume 2: Mansa - Rail Band w/Salif Keita and Mory Kanté - 18.99
The Malian National Railways formed the Rail Band du Buffet Hôtel de la Gare de Bamako to entertain guests at the hotel adjacent to the central train station in Bamako, but that unpromising origin belied how excellent a band it was and what an impact it made right from the get-go in 1970. The lead singer was a young man named Salif Keita. The band's dynamic fusion of jeliya and other traditional Malian forms with rock, blues and Latin music was audacious and brilliant. Salif Keita went on to start his own band, Les Ambassadeurs, in 1972, but by then another talented singer, Mory Kanté (who really was a jeli and not only sang but also played balafon) had joined the Rail Band. Around the same time the band hired a new guitarist, Djelimady Tounkara. Tounkara now leads the Super Rail Band. The three-volume Rail Band retrospective (compiled by Ibrahima Sylla) is not organized chronologically. Each 2-CD volume includes recordings from the 14-year span of 1970 to1983. Volume 2: Mansa includes five tracks with Salif Keita, five with Mory Kanté (including the title track, a 12-minute epic recorded in 1975), and eight others featuring singers Magan Ganessy or Djelimady Sissoko. Highly recommended!

Traditional music of the Bantu women and folktales of the Baganda women from Uganda - Vol. I - East Africa - Sarah Ndagire, Pedson Kasume and friends - 18.99
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

The Rough Guide To Afrobeat Revival - various - 16.99
Tony Allen, Antibalas, Seun Kuti and Fela’s Egypt 80, Chicago Afrobeat Project, , Femm Nameless, Kokolo, Dele Sosimi, Mr Something Something And Ikwunga The Afrobeat Poet, Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble and The Superpowers. Second bunus CD is 10 tracks by Kokolo.

Festival in the Desert (CD) - Various Artists - 17.99
A unique celebration of the music and culture of the Tuareg people, this live recording of performances from the three-day festival held in January, 2003, includes tracks by Lo'Jo, Oumou Sangaré, Ali Farka Touré, Blackfire, Tartit, Afel Boucoum, ballake Sissoko, Tinariwen, Robert Plant, Justin Adams and many others.

Senegal 70: Musical Effervesence - various (African Pearls) - 24.99
2 CD set: fourteen artists including Star Band de Dakar, Étoile de Dakar (with Youssou N’Dour), Star Number One, Orchestra Baobab and many others Listen

Congo 70: Rumba Rock - various (African Pearls) - 24.99
2 CD set: Franco, Tabu Ley, Dr. Nico, Bantous de la Capitale, Zaiko Langa Langa, Papa Wemba, Trio Madjesi, Kékélé, many more Listen

Riyad al-hubb, musiques d'al-Andalus - Al Arabi, Lefeuvre, Delgado - 19.99
Available again: A collaboration of musicians from Spain, France and Morocco give new meaning to trans-Andalus, with a blend of orth African, Occitan and just pure non-geographic ingenuity.

Music of the Sakalava Menabe - Tribute to Mama Sana - Various Artists - 16.99
This recording is dedicated to the memory of Mama Sana, the last traditional player of the tubular zither called valiha, which many consider to be the 'national instrument' of Madagascar. Sakalava Menabe is a region located on the central western coast of the island. These recordings were made in 1995 and 1996 by the people who live here, and knew her best.

Sahrauis: Music of Western Sahara - various - 43.99
3 CD box set with a substantial illustrated and illuminating book covers a vast range of the music from the Saharawi, a nomadic tribe in the western Sahara that is working towards independence from Morocco, currently and primarily living in Algerian camps.

Seno - Ba Cissoko - 16.99
2009 release by Guinean kora player Ba Cissoko and his band. Born in Guinea Bissau, he moved to Guinea Conakry, eventually working with Kourou and Sékou Mbady, who now play bass, kora and electric kora in the ensemble. Hot, hard and defiantly modern. The Guardian writes "This third album takes a step back towards tradition, however. There are still bursts of sonic wizardry - wah wah kora, growling fuzz guitar - but the spirit of change is as much in the use of Latin, funk and reggae flavours."

Bon Voyage! 1963-1977 - Ry-Co Jazz - 18.99
13 great tracks of classic Congolese music. Founded in the late 50s in Congo, the band refined it's rumba sound, and then moved in 1967 to Antilles where they fused the local music into what would eventually morph into zouk. Listen

Muso Ko - Habib Koité and Bamada - 17.99
Reissue of the great 1990s classic from the Malian guitarist: 'Guitarist Habib Koite is from Mali, but this rising star represents the contemporary sound of African pop. His first album, which is now being re-released here, is mostly made up of upbeat songs that electrify a variety of regional styles. The accompanying translated lyrics show Koite to be a songwriter that takes on weightier subjects than the usual vacuous party fare. The songs don't translate easily, resembling fables at times, but there is no mistaking the message of his hit, "Cigarette A Bana (The Cigarette is Finished)." Koite's brisk, breezy songs layer call-and-response singing over a seamless mix of African percussion and Western instruments. His academic training shows up most notably in his sophisticated arrangements, which continually change textures, keeping his songs as appealing to the head as the feet.' - Marty Lipp, RootsWorld

Brakka System - So Kalmery - 17.99
So Kalmery is originally from the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country sadly so often in the headlines over the last years. His story is one marked by the rich history but also the misfortunes of this part of Africa. His father was assassinated because of his close ties to the independence leader Patrice Lumumba, and So Kalmery became an orphan and a refugee at the age of seven... He spent many years fleeing from the various wars that devastated the region and finally found asylum in Zambia. It was during this period that the humanism which permeates his songs was forged. Very young, he learned music and played in numerous local orchestras. He established himself in Europe following a tour with the great Congolese musician Franco. A prodigious musician, an insatiable traveller, a poet, singer and dancer in search of the roots and the values of humanity, So Kalmery is an atypical and mystical figure, who plays an unclassifiable music which is at the crossroads of blues, folk music, soul and pop: Brakka.

Cissokho System - Cissokho System - 17.99
West African roots meet Norwegian jazz and popular music in a vibrant take on the mbalax style. Led by the inimitible kora wizard Solo Cissokho

Francophonic (Vol 1, 1953-1980) - Franco and le TPOK Jazz - 22.99
Subtitled "The Greatest, A Retrospective" and Franco truly can be called one of the greatest musicians to hit sub-Saharan Africa in the 20th Century. From his very first session thru some of his monster hits, this 2 CD, 28 Track set has it all. Incoudes an excellent 48 page illustrated booklet written by Francophile Ken Braun.

Tribute to Oum Kalsoum - Various Artists - 19.99
In June 2001, on the occasion of the second Music Festival, the Institut du monde Arabe paid a resounding tribute to the great lady of Arab song. The same concert, an exceptional event, was then given as part of the "Les Orientales Festival" at Saint-Florent-Le-Vieil. It brought together a new generation of performers from various Arab nations such as Karima Skalli (Morocco), Abir Nasraoui (Tunisia), and Riham Abdelhakim (Egypt), accompanied by the National Arab music Ensemble of the Cairo Opera, conducted by Salim Sahhab. This album offers you live recordings of the best moments from the two concerts, as well as some of the most beautiful and moving songs associated with the "Star of the East."

Music from Tanzania and Zanzibar 1 - Various - 18.99
Swedish national radio recordings: Here the focus is on traditional music, with several groups from two African countries whose music is less well known and highly exciting including a Wagogo women's group

Between the Desert and the Sea - El Tanbura - 17.99
El Tanbura is a collective of veteran Egyptian master musicians, singers, fishermen and philosophers. They hail from Port Said, the gateway to the Suez Canal and the world beyond. Like their hometown, El Tanbura boast influences from east and west (and north and south): Gallibiya, Levis and Gucci sunglasses, fez and Nike caps jostle for prominence. Their music is driven by the seductive call of the simsimiyya - an ancient lyre dating back to the Pharaohs, revered both for its mesmerizing properties and occult origins in ancient exorcism rituals. Founded in 1989, El Tanbura, and they have also collaborated with One Giant Leap on the forthcoming film 2sides2everything.

Ça va se savoir - Amadou Sodia - 18.99
Amadou Sodia is a central figure in the vibrant music-scene of modern Guinea. Son of a poet, Amadou was born in the town of Fadama, close to the centre of present-day Guinea. He was born Amadou Doumbouya and it was as a Doumbouya that he joined the Horoya-Band, one of the most popular groups in Guinea in the 70s and 80s. While in demand for his mastery of the bolon (a 4-string harp), it is as a singer and composer that he’s really made his mark. And on this recording, you get a telented backing worthy of greatness: Kante Manfila and Ousmane Kouyate on guitar, Djeli Moussa Diawara on kora, and Kerfala Kante and Sekouba Bambino on additional vocals. With its multi-layered arrangements that sensitively balance the electric with the acoustic, it is the perfect vehicle for a singer who is rooted in the past, yet singing for the present while looking to the future. Highly recommended.

The Two Worlds - Foday Musa Suso - 18.99
Foday Musa Suso is an internationally recognized musician and a Mandingo griot born in West Africa. Suso grew up in a society where griots function as walking libraries, singing their stories for the community while providing history, wisdom and entertainment. With this new album Suso displays virtuosic kora performances of his own compositions. Known also as a recording artist and collaborator, Suso has collaborated with artists like Philip Glass (whose own label released this CD) and the Kronos Quartet. This is a solo recording, just kora and occasionally voice.

African Salsa - Various Artists - 17.99
Senegalese Salsa Fireworks' includes music by Pape Fall, Africando, Super Cayor de Dakar, Mapenda Seck and others. This Earthworks reocrding is one of the best collections of the Salsa-Senegal connection.

Bamba - Orchestra Baobab - 17.99
The most sultry, unbelievably voluptuous band in Africa in the seventies had to be Baobab. With swirling guitars that sound like they are buried in layers of honey, saxophones as sweet, and a rhythm section that just never lets up, this Senegalese crew made a series of recordings in the late seventies and early eighties that have become something of a legend.

N'Wolof - Baobab - 17.99
classic sounds from Senegal

Dakar Sound sampler 1 - various Artists - 14.99
A collection of tracks from the Dakar Sound sereis, including Horoya Band, Madiop Seck, Sekou Diabate, Etoile 3000, Number One, Baobab. 13 tracks.

Dakar Sound sampler 2 - various Artists - 14.99
A collection of tracks from the Dakar Sound sereis, inculding Dexter Johnson, Superstar de Dakar, Tondo, El Hadj Faye, Mac Group. 14 tracks, three never before released

Diarabi Donkili - Les Soeurs Diabate - 17.99

Zambian Roadside - Various Zambian artists - 17.99
Zambia's Southern Province is vibrant with a large diversity of music - topical songs, unique guitar styles (often with home-made guitars), catchy tunes and rhythms, beautiful harmony singing, and interesting percussion. Field recorder Michael Baird calls it 'the roadside reality - the state of music as it is.'

Alliance - Afrissippi - 13.99
The second round for this allianceof Senegalese roots and Mississippi blues, and every bit as solid as the first. Guelel Kumba - guitar, vocals, Eric Deaton - electric guitar, Kinney Kimbrough - drums, Justin Showah - bass, Papa Assane M'baye - percussion, Jeff Callaway - trombones Listen

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Music from Ethiopia: the central highlands, desert nomads and Eritrea - 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 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.'

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

Golden Afrique Vol. 3 (1939-1988) - Various - 42.99
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).

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.

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

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 - special order
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 Passé, Vol. 3 (1966-1967) - Grand Kalle 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 Kalle 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.

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.

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.

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!

Descarga Oriental: The New York Sessions - Maurice El Medioni - Roberto Rodriguez - temp out of stock-18.99
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."

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!

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 - 42.99
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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sepia - Coco Mbassi - 16.99

Mandinka Drum Master - Mamadou Ly - 16.99
Tabala Wolof is the ritual drum music of a West African Sufi order, the Qadiriya of Senegal. Led by a bass drum during night time worship, the Qadiriya play interlocking rhythms on tuned drums to inspire ecstatic singing.

Drums of the Firdu Fula - Amadu Bamba - 16.99
Digitally recorded in the Gambia, Drums of the Firdu Fula presents the traditional drumming and singing of the Firdu Fula. The recording features the troupe led by Amadu Bamba. Amadu is a leading performer from Serekunda, the Gambia.

A Land of Drummers - Various African Drummers - 14.99
Village Pulse (VP) senegal africa drumming sabar wolof djembe

Akom: The art of possession - Akan music from Ghana - 16.99
Ly is the lead drummer and a founder of the Ballet National de Senegal. While spectators take turns dancing, Mandinka drummers develop melodic conversations on three tuned drums. The drummers' interlocking rhythms combine to create music with a high-energy dance beat.

Douga Mansa - Mamadou Diabate - 17.99
His reputation as a kora virtuoso and tradition-based musical maverick is well known. In Diabate's hands, the kora proves capable of infinite variation, encompassing delicately articulated structures, swirling eddies of glissandi, pounding, vertical rhythms and roaring cataracts of arpeggio. On the opening track, an astounding range of simultaneous yet syncopated melodies and rhythms join and separate in a complex clarity that amazes. The 12 selections that follow are all equal to that moment,, showing a rich tradition that lives on in the hands of a master.

African Jazz Pioneers - African Jazz Pioneers - 15.99
A who's-who of African jazz-roots greats, including Stompie Manana, Jasper Cook, Bheki Buthelezi, Sam Tshabangu, Albert Khumalo and on and on. It's been called African-jazz, Soweto-soul and a dozen other hyphen-hyphens, but it is unique music unto itself, that could only have happened in South Africa in the 1980s, and this 1989 recording features some of the best session players out there.

Desert Blues 3: Entre Dunes et Savanes - VA - 39.99
Third volume of this wonderful series from Network Medien, 2 CDs and excellent book of notes and pictures. Featured artists include Khaled, Malouma, Dhafer Youssef, Gigi, Amadou and Mariam, Ali Farka Touré, Rokia Traoré, the Kronos Quartet and Tinariwen. All of this is complemented by new discoveries and first releases, plus a handsome long-box booklet full of photographs and intelligent text.

Take One - Hallelujah Chicken Run Band - 15.99
In 1973,Thomas Mapfumo helped form the Hallelujah Chicken Run Band and, for the first time, began to shift his music away from Western-influenced rock and explore the traditional music of his Shona people, transcribing the scale of the traditional instrument mbira (or thumb piano) to guitar with his guitarist Joshua Dube. The HCR Band was one of the first to develop the staccato style of guitar for which Zimbabwe is known today, and was also one of the first modern groups to sing in the traditional Shona language – a major act of liberation and an act of protest against the Rhodesian government. This compilation presents 18 of the Hallelujah Chicken Run Band's biggest and most influential hits, recorded from 1974–1979 and all painstakingly remastered. Take One is a mixture of songs of liberation alongside poignant love songs. Carefully prepared 24-page booklet with a complete history of the band was edited by renowned critic Banning Eyre, with a full detailed discography, and numerous rare photographs and ar

Geej - El Hadj N'Diaye - 18.99
Songlines describes this Senegalese singer's work as having a "gripping blend of haunting melodies, floating guitars and inspired lyrics." El Hadj brings together far-flung strands of Senegalese tradition and identity in an unique musical career. His songs are informed by a deep knowledge of and compassion for those who are suffering and neglected in Africa, and he writes with a literary flair born of his own experience as an author and actor. From its most tender whisper to its most anguished gut cry, the voice of El Hadj is a marvel. This is mostly a gentle acoustic album, a subtle but powerful letter from Senegal to the world. Highly recommended.

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 from Tunisia and represents the first generation of solo women lutenists in the Arab world.

Pod (CD/DVD) - Afrocelts - 16.99
Interesting remixes of previous tracks include 'Johnny At Sea' (previously only on the band's website), and 'Full Moon Low Tide,' (with some dire sounding bagipes bits), as well as more familiar fare given radical rewrites. 2-disc package includes a DVD with some videos some moments from their 2001 appearance at WOMAD USA.

Ano Neko: Let's Create Together - Dobet Gnahoré - 17.99
Dobet Gnahoré is an up-and-coming young artist from Africa's Ivory Coast. She not only posesses a incredible voice but she also has a commanding presence on stage. Gnahoré inherited all the power of the bété traditions from her father Boni Gnahoré, drum-master and vocal lead of the Attungblan Choir. As part of her studies before becoming a professional singer, Gnahoré performed alongside her father in the Ki Yi Mbock theatre troupe in Abidjian. The album's title, Ano Neko, means let us create together in bété. Gnahoré's album is a mix of African folk traditions with modern sounds reminiscent of the work of to Zap Mama and Sally Nyolo and features songs in French, bété, fon, baoulé, lingala and malinké.

Guitar Fö - Sekou Bembeya Diabate - 16.99
Sekou Bembeya Diabaté (aka Diamond Fingers) is a legend of West African guitar. As lead guitarist and co-founder of Bembeya Jazz, Diabaté and his band brought the Mandingo tradition onto the dancefloors and airwaves of West Africa. When dance bands went into decline in the 1980s, Diabaté began to work as a soloist. His guitar work has influenced and inspired many of the great guitarists on the African continent. For this album, Diabaté has put together re-readings of his solo favorites, along with some classics from Bembeya Jazz. Guitar Fö is a lesson in African swing.

Djiriyo - Abdoulaye Diabate - 17.99
This 1995 recording was the international debut of a champion of modern Bambara music and one of today's outstanding Malian voices, in a mix of high tech and traditional instruments.

Oum Kolthoom - Anniversary Tribute - The Nazareth Orchestra / Lubna Salame - 17.99
The music of the great Egyptian diva Um Kalthoum performed by this well-respected Arab ensemble and singer Lubna Salame.

Fôly! - Habib Koité and Bamada - special order-19.99
Foly! – Live Around the World' features live recordings made during 2001 and 2002 by Koite and his band. The 18 on this specially-priced double album. Hailed as the 'African Eric Clapton,' Koité's music combines Malian tradition with Western influences, proving that one does not have to forsake the past in order to grow, and that the modern world, for all of its benefits, needs to keep its links to the folklore, mythology and history of the people in order for it to retain its soul. 2 CD set.

Simanje-Manje And Kwela - Donald Kachamba's Kwela Band - 18.99
Donald Kachamba, born in Blantyre, Malawi, is considered on of the outstanding musicians-composers of the middle generation in southeastern Africa. over the years he has developed compositional techniques and a very personal music with his group. the donald kachamba's kwela jazz band, liberating himself from the constraints of current african pop music styles. his music is deeply rooted in his childhood experience of kwela, sinjonjo, saba-saba, hauyani, simanje-manje and other southern african urban dance music genres of the 1950's and 1960's. this album , amply documented by prof. gerhard kubick, features his solo work where he overdubs himself on his nagra tape recorder.

Kankele-Ti - Diabate, Sona - 18.99
Sona Diabaté, two female backing voices, the acoustic guitar of Sekou Bembeya Diabaté (Bembeya Jazz' diamondfingers) and Demba Camara on 12-string-guitar in an unplugged recording from 1988. the two bonustracks feature Sekou Bembeya Diabaté live; N'diarabi documents one of his rare performances as singer and deri is a guitar duo with his brother Kaba.

King Onyina's Guitar Highlife - Onyina, King - 18.99
This is the music that marked the times around ghanain independance: guitar band highlife, incorporating many Ghanaian traditions and many foreign influences (king onyina knows all the albums of barney kessel and wes montgomery). besides the excellent guitar work this album also features the typical highlife singing style: on top of onyina's tenor you hear male alto and treble singers. with extensive notes by koo nimo.

Guitar Sèche - Djessou Mory Kanté - 18.99
Guitar sèche is the French term for acoustic guitar, an imported instrument, affordable and easy to carry around. This album features four of these instruments: a new one, a fairly good one and two battered specimens. the album has been recorded in Conakry directly onto digital 8-track. Djessou Mory Kanté is joined by grand papa diabaté, the father of modern guinean guitar playing. by djessou mory's brothers bakary and djekoria mory kanté and by moriken kouyaté. with comprehensive notes by eric charry, of wesleyan university, an authority on mande guitar music.

Back To Farabanah - Manfila, Kante - 18.99
Eight of the songs on this CD were recorded in an strawthatched roundhut in Farabanah, his hometown in upper Guinea. Three songs featuring the legendary bolon-player Djeli Sara Kouyaté were recorded in Kankan where Manfila went to school. One more song was recorded in a studio, one Kanté Manfila had written 30 years ago in Abidjan: dem niare, based on a moma from Guinea-Bissau or Cabo Verde.

Commandante Che Guevara - Nicholas Menheim and Le Super Sabador - 18.99
nicolas menheim was a founding member of africando - before he had worked as a singer with étoile de dakar and number one de dakar. in 1997 he decided to try his luck on his own and set super sabador. in 1999 they record the 12 tacks on this cd in studio 2000. the songs were released only in senegal on two cassettes néné chèrie and commandante ché guevara. super sabador play fresh interpretations of classic songs by cuban composers, a new interpretations of tabu ley's aïnicha and naturally nico's own compositions.

Embouteillage - Super Cayor De Dakar - 18.99
super Cayor de Dakar's 2001 release features the tenorsaxophone of maestro Issa Cissokho (ex- bandleader of Orchestra Baobab). On top of the 6 songs on the original Senegalese cassette you can hear two live recordings of the band.

Gare Gare - Sona Diabate - 18.99
Sona Diabaté accompanied by Djessou Mory Kanté on guitar and Papa Diabaté on kora. Additional musicians are Djelimady Kouyaté, balfon, Amadou Sodia, bolon, Pierre Marcault, doundoumba, Alpha Camara, djembé, and Kova Bavogui (both ex bembeya jazz), bass. Backing vocals are by Djanka and Sayon Diabaté plus Mama Keita. Kanté Manfila took care of the musical arrangement and added a few guitar licks - as did Sona`s brother Sekou Bembeya Diabaté

Koffi Cola Na Yo - Mama Diabate - 18.99
Just listen to Mama's fantastic voice and her rap like singing style. The title track does not advertise a certain soft drink but strongly condemms polygamy. Rerelease of a guinean cassette that was recorded in Abidjan's jbz-studio in 1993.

Madaris - Igd El Djilad - 18.99
a vocal group from sudan; eight singers are accompanied by two keyboards, percussion and bass. the band presents a variety of styles from the various regionss of africa's largest country - including love songs in arabic tradition and songs from the nuba mountains that show strong black african influence. singing almost acappella igd el djilad is rejuvenating old sudanese choral traditions.

Music In Ghana - Various - 18.99
a selection out of the archives of african music at the institute of african studies, university of ghana, legon. to document such an archive on one cd is impossible - so this album be seen as an appetizer that makes scholars and music lovers hungry for more: there are 21 tracks of traditional music from the various regions of ghana. additional spices are 3 highlife songs by the late e.k.nyame and a brass band tune, since the archive not only collected traditional music. some of the instruments featured are: one string fiddle, mouth bow, ivory and aseseben horns, benta, a Hawaiian guitar and all kinds of drums.

Objectif Perfection - Bala Et Ses Balladins - 18.99
One of the national orchestras of Sekou Touré's Guinea, the band was on top of 1964 until 1980 when their last recording was made - aptly called objectif perfection - which is released in full on this CD. Plus four more tracks from around 1970, including two versions of sara.

Roots And Fruit - Orchestre Baobab - 18.99
This album focuses on the work of the Casacais musicians (from the southern region of the country, the Casamance) of Orchestre Baobab: Balla Sidibé and Rudy Gomis. it compiles tracks from the hard to find buur and musique'afrique labels, an unreleased 10 minute smoochie by Rudy Gomis and Rudy`s 1986 solo-cassette (featuring barthelemy attisso and balla sidibé) - the last fruit of Baobab.

Sopente - Super Cayor - 18.99
The band calls its style salsa-mbalax. They not only put the Senegalese style next to the latin-american one but effectively mix the two: a customized Senegalese percussion set effectively replaces the timbales. The result is a very danceable music.

Jump for George - Imaginary Homeland - 15.99
This is one of those 'what can you say?' sort of recordings. Composer, saxophonist, and percussionist David Rogers, percussionist Mark Stone, violinist Marlene Rice and funky bassist Matt Pavolka have found the non-existant link between Appalachian string bands, Ghanian percussion, downtown jazz and host of other unrelated ideas that miraculously fit together as if they had the deepest of ethnomusical roots.

..in Concert - Bernard Woma - 15.99
Master Ghanaian xylophonist Bernard Woma captivates audiences through his performance of traditional Dagara Gyil music and inventive original compositions. A highly energetic and virtuosic live performance together with Mark Stone (percussion) and Kofi Ameyaw (xylophone, percussion).

New Destiny - Dallam-Dougou - 15.99
A unique ensemble of African and European-American musicians, who merge the dougou (place) of west African with the dallam (melody) of Hungary to create a new musical sound completely imaginary and completely original.

Tea in Marrakech - various - 17.99
Artists include Youcef, Orchestre National De Barbes, Nass Marrakech, Gnawa Diffusion, Hamid Baroudi, Freres Bouchenak, Chaba Zahouania, Orchestra Faical, Faouzi Ben Guamra, Salamat, Rasha and Sawt El Atlas

Umbele - Jabu Khanyile - 17.99
The South African vocalist's 2001 release features a mix of roots and township jazz.

The Drummers Of The Nile In Town: Cairosonic - Mahmoud Fadl - 17.99
oin Mahmoud Fadl on his walk down Cairo's Mohamed 'Ali Street, the notorious musicians' hang out, where he meets up with master drummers Mohammed Kallo Sobhi and Magdi Berbish, the Khalil family (flagship of Said musicianship) and the legendary Hasaballah Brass Band, the one and only brass band in Egypt.

Homeland - A Collection of South African Music - various South African artists - 16.99
A collection of danceable South African township jive. Most of the tracks are drawn from South African albums that went gold there in the late 1980s. With the Boyoyo Boys, Mzikayifani Buthelezi, Elias Mathebula, Manka Le Phallang and others.

Bros - The Four Brothers - 17.99
If heaven isn't a lot like the Saratoga bar with The Four Brothers then I'm not going' said BBC radio host Andy Kershaw many years ago. And he probaby is not exagerating. This band from Zimbabwe made some of the best guitar music on the planet; spikey, tight, rhythmic and often furious, but always positive in its vibe and totally engaging.

The Aden Song - Mohammed Murshid Naji,Khalil Mohammed Khalil - 17.99
In the first half of the 20th century,the Yemeni port of Aden was a tremendous melting pot of cultures and influences.It was the meeting point of Arabic,African and Indian civilizations.This contributed to the relatively recent emergence of a special musical style,The Aden song ,a musical emblem of this unique cultural ferment.The style is essentially urban,i.e.singing with lute and percussion accompaniment.This record presents the Aden song from its earliest beginnings to its maturity, from 1948 right up to the present day.

Nhava - Oliver Mtukudzi - 13.99
The Idaho Arts Quarterly wrote: "This is a joyous CD, a celebration of life and an affirmation of the spirit... hypnotic in a very passionate way. 'Tuku is like a torchbearer of wisdom... the guitar work [is] gorgeous... rhythms within rhythms and solos from the heart. Tuku is given excellent support by the "Black Spirits," a nine-member group consisting of vocalists, a keyboardist, percussionists and guitarists."

Arabo-Andalusian Sufi Songs - Ensemble Ibn Arabi - 17.98

Music from Tanzania and Zanzibar 2 - Various - 17.99
This music is unique - warm, swinging, close to folk music - now with modern, digital sound quality. Includes the group Tondo.

Mulemba Xangola - Bonga - 16.99
Bonga Barceló de Carvalho is the godfather of Angolan roots-pop music, and this recording shows off some of his best work, recorded in Portugal and featUring not only his splendid Angolan roots, but some great Afro-Cuban sounds as well.

Denke denke - Mamar Kassey - 17.99

Entre Nil et Gange (Between the Nile and the Ganges) - Hussein El Masry - 18.99
Hussein el-Masry was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1952 and is a one of the great oud players, composers and singers. Here he is accompanied by sitar player Narenda Bataju, a pupil of Ravi Shankar. and percussionists Adel Shams el-Din on riqq and daff and Hanif Khan on tabla. This recording is a single, long improvisation, 54 minutes in length.

Desert Blues -- Ambiances du Sahara - Various artists - 39.99
a journey through the rich traditions of ballads from the Sahara, the Sahel and neighbouring African regions. Artists include Baaba Maal, Youssou N'Dour, Abou Djouba, Ali Farka Toure with Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal, Oumou Sangare, Sali Sidibe, Hassan Hakmoun, Dimi Mint Abba, Tata Dindin, Kante Manfila, Abdel Gadir Salim, Hamza El Din, Aster Aweke and Mahmoud Ahmed.

Kongo Sigui - Super Rail Band de Bamako - 16.99
fRoots says: 'the magnificent new one from the other outfit in the holy trinity of guitar-led West African bands.' Great new, stripped down and grooving, this is the best of the west African guitar sound.

Vol 1: Trovador - Africando - 17.99
The first recording by this African-Latin fusion supergroup

Tierra Tradicional - Africando - 17.99
The second recording by this African-Latin fusion supergroup

Artisanat - Pape Fall and African Salsa - 17.99
From one of the Africando crew, a new recording of latin-Senegalese connections

The Guitar and the Gun - Various artists, Ghana - 17.99
A classic collection of highlife from Ghana, recorded 1981-84 during the revolution. Bokor Studios saved the music of an era in spite of hardships and now these great recordings, orginally released on vinyl by Earthworks, are finally on a CD!

The Music in My Head 2: Guitars are from Mars, balafons are from Venus - Various African artists - 17.99
Classics, hits and unknown wonders from oft-mentioned 'the golden age of African music' from the late seventies into the early nineties, when bands like Etoile De Dakar and singers like Youssou N'Dour still ruled the African music scene, when groove was god. This set includes major artists like N'Dour and the Etolies, Thione Seck, The Rail Band and Baobab, but more important, some of the less- published but important artists of the time like Kelitigui et ses Tambourins, Aminata Fall and Balla et ses Balladins.

Kwaito: South African Hip Hop - Various South African - 17.99
Pop grooves from Soweto merge the local sounds with the hard edge of Hip Hop

Diawar - Lo, Ismael - 13.99
Selections from three albums the one-of-a-kind songwriter and singer made in the 1980s

Township of Idols, The Best of... - Mahotella Queens - 16.99
20 classic tracks from the 'queens' of township jive

Rumba Music - Sam Mangwana - 17.99
His acclaimed 1993 set supported by first-class African and New York Latin musicians

Sam Mangwana Sings Dinu Vangu - Sam Mangwana / Dino Vangu - 17.99
A return to the Golden age of Congolese rumba brings singer mangwana back together with guitarist Dino Vanguand create a rumba sound that harkens back to the days of Franco. With Nana Akumu (formerly with T.P.OK Jazz) and bassist Miguel Yamba (Zaiko Langa Langa) at the core of the band, Sam Sings Dino is unsweetened, mellow rumba without the pyrotechnics that begat speed soukous.

Ujumbe - Samba Mapangala and Orchestra Virunga - 17.99
Although originally from Congo and a purveyor of the dominant rumba Lingala, Mapangala migrated eastward to Kenya and began incorporating elements of the local pop music and language to create a melange that became a distinctly East African sound.

Rai Rebels - Various Algerian Artists - 13.99
The classic Earthworks collection reissued at a prettty nice price! Include saCheb Khaled, Chaba Fadela and other founders of the rai movement in the 1980s.

N'der Fouta Tooro Vol. 1 - Seck, Mansour - 17.99
The legendary guitarist of Dande Lenol, direct and untainted by technology (save for some electric bass), musician and singer Seck is joined by guitars, hoddu, kora, ngoni and percussion, and the guest vocalists Baaba Maal and Ousmane Hamady Diop on this set of deep roots from Senegal.

The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Vol 1 - Various South African Artists - 15.99
The original recording that broke down the barriers and brought the music of South Africa to the world... reissued.

Tanzanian Classics - Tondo - 17.99
New songs with a classic sound from Tanzania.

At The Court of the Mwami, Rwanda 1952 - Hugh Tracey Recordings - 19.99
Tutsi, Twa and Hutu music

Royal Court Music Of Uganda, 1950 and 1952 - Hugh Tracey Recordings - temp out of stock-19.99
Music from rituals used to praise and support the kings of the Ganda, Nyora and Ankole people of Uganda

On The Edge of The Ituri Forest, 1952 - Hugh Tracey Recordings - 19.99
Mbuti pygmy singing; Mudumbu and Nande music for the likembe (thumb piano), Budu horns and drummers; and Mbuti pipers performing an unusual hocketed melody

Kalimba and Kalimbu Songs of N. Rhodesia - Hugh Tracey Recordings - temp out of stock-19.99
Features the music of what is now modern Zambia and focuses on specific types of instruments.

Kanyok and Luba; So. Belgian Congo 1952 and 1957 - Hugh Tracey Recordings - 19.99
A musical portrait of the lesser known Kanyok people, their various direct and indirect Luba neighbours of southern Congo and the urbanizing Katanga mine culture.

Tswana and Sotho Voices - Hugh Tracey Recordings - temp out of stock-18.99
Botswana, South Africa and Lesotho, 1951-59

The Nuguni Sound - Hugh Tracey Recordings - temp out of stock-18.99
1955, 57, 58 recordings from South Africa and Swaziland

Portuguese East Africa: So. Mozambique - Hugh Tracey Recordings - 19.99
Recordings made in 1943 through 1963

Tanganyika: Tanzanian Instruments - Hugh Tracey Recordings - 19.99
1950 recordings from Tanzania

Tanzania Vocals: Tanganyika 1950 - Hugh Tracey Recordings - temp out of stock-18.99
A capella performances include more than 600 Chagga men and women chanting on the southern slopes of Mt. Meru, praise songs by the Gogo, humorous songs by the Nyamwezi, lyrical wigasha dance songs by the Sukuma near, and Maasai chanting.

Secular Music from Uganda -1950 -52 - Hugh Tracey Recordings - temp out of stock-19.99
This CD features music by the people for the people, for their own enjoyment - secular, worldly music free of any court constraints. Likembes, harps, horn ensembles, flutes, etc. Become a convert to the lyrics of the opening track: 'All things in nature love each other, The lips love the teeth, The beard loves the chin, And all the little ants go br-r-r-r together!'

Forgotten Guitars from Mozambique - Hugh Tracey Recordings - 19.99
Brilliant acoustic guitar music recorded in 1955, 56 and 57 in Portuguese East Africa includes Feliciano Gomes, Aurelio Kowano and others

Kenyan Songs and Strings - 1950 and 1952 - Hugh Tracey recordings - 19.99
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.

Colonial Dance Bands - 1950 and 1952 - Hugh Tracey recordings - temp out of stock-19.99
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.

Mariama - Traore, Boubacar - 13.99
A nicely priced reissue of the classic acoustic guitar sound of Mali, by the grand old man of the music.

The Wassoulou Sound: Women of Mali - Various Malian singers - 16.99
One of the classics of the 1980s Malian music explosion features Sali Sidibe, Oumou Sangare, Coumba Sidibe, Dienaba Diaki, Dienaba Diakt and Kagbe Sidibe.

Chill-out Sessions - Ladysmith Black Mambazo - 17.99
A collection of the South African vocal group's more contemporary sounds.

Xhosa Womens Songs - various - special order
Recordings from the Musee d'ethnographie in Geneva's 'Archives internationales de musiques populaire' See the complete series.

Le Roi Du Ziglibithy - Djedje, Ernesto - temp out of stock-18.99

Abaraka! / Tack! - Ellika and Solo - temp out of stock-17.99
Abaraká!/Tack! - Thank you, indeed, Ellika and Solo for another marvelous recording of new music from many roots. Senegalese kora master Solo Cissokho and Swedish fiddler extraordinaire Ellika Frissell forged a beautiful hybrid with their 2002 release, and here they expand beyond the duo setting to add percussion, vocals and other instruments like banjo and bass, with special appearances by American fiddler Bruce Molsky, sumblime Senegalese vocalists Adama Cissokho and Binta Suso and percussionist Seckou Keita (all three relatives of Solo). The ensemble works shed new light on the duos vision, but there are still plenty of the kora/fiddle duets that make this team so essential. It's all damned near perfect.

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

Hamza - Djamel - temp out of stock
Algerian singer Djamel and his Belgium-based band plays Arabic pop music with roots in both places. A strong band with a horn section, accordion, a rhythm section of bass, guitar, drums and percussion, and a lot of local instrumental color presents music that surpasses your expectations for a mixed-nationality band.

Kankan Blues - Manfila, Kante; and Bala Kalla - temp out of stock-18.99
Recording made in Kankan , upper Guinea, with Kanté Manfila, singer and arranger for the legendary Ambassadeurs and longtime partner of Salif Keita; featuring Manfila as singer and guitarist, his younger brother Djessou Mory Kanté and the Kankan based group of Manfila's elder brother Balla Kalla with two balaphones and five female singers. Papa Diabaté accompanies on kora

Bulawayo Jazz - 1950, '51, '52 - Hugh Tracey recordings - temp out of stock-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.

los afro salseros de senegal en la habana - Los Afro Salseros - temp out of stock-18.99
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.'

N'na Niwale - Kante Manfila - temp out of stock-18.99
Recorded in a small studio in grigny, just south of Paris, this record features the guitars of Kanté Manfila and Djessou Mory Kanté (they overdub themselves in places), kora by Papa Diabaté, balaphon by Ibrahima Soumano and the voices of Kanté Manfila (lead), Oumou Sangare, Fanta and Sona Diabaté (backing). Beautiful interleaved arrangements and stunning rhythms.

Women Care - Various - temp out of stock-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.

Deseos - Mariem Hassan - temp out of stock
Saharaui singer Mariem Hasan has become the representative voice for her exiled people throughout the world. After a number of collaborations with musicians from Africa and Europe, Deseo presents her in a more personal forum, accompanied by her brother Boika on guitar and percussionist Leila, under the direction of arranger and guitarist Baba Salama, three great musicians coming out of the refugee camps of Tinduf. These raw and wonderful songs sing of dispair and hope, love and beauty in the face of hardship, and the acompaniment is equal to their force.

Voice of Africa - Abdullah Ibrahim - out of print - no longer available
The legendary 1974 recording Mannenberg 'is where it's happening' by the South African jazz legend Dollar Brand is no longer in print, but this collection includes both extensive tracks from that original release. 'Mannenberg' and 'The Pilgrim' provide a glimpse of the master at close to his best, and as a bonus, some of the most solid playing by Basil Coetzee ever recorded. (This recording was released briefly in the US in the late 70's as Cape Town Fringe. In addition to the complete Mannenberg recording, there are 4 additional titles: Black Lighting, Little Boy, Black and Brown Cherries and Ntyilo Ntyilo. 62 minutes of some of the best South African jazz ever made.

Solon Kono - Djelimady Tounkara - special order-please e-mail me
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.'

Hollywood Highlife Party - Sweet Talks - temp out of stock
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.

Guitar, Extra Dry - Diabate, Grand Papa - temp out of stock
Guitar virtuoso Papa Diabaté, founding member of the Guinea jazz band (of dakar), of the guinean orchestras syli and jardin de guinèe and of african virtuoses (of abidjan) presents at age 63 his first solo album featuring djessou mory kanté and morikem kouyaté. with comprehensive notes by eric charry, of wesleyan university.

Medej - Cantos Antiguos Saharauis - Mariem Hassan, Nayim Alal et al - temp out of stock-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.

Mariem Hassan Con Leyoad - Mariem Hassan - temp out of stock-16.99
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.'

Sandiya - Kelitigui Diabate - special order - please e-mail for info
The amazing balafon master from Mali (well known for his recent work with Habib Koite), with guest artists Toumani Diabaté, Djelymadi Tounkara, l'Ensemble Traditionnel du Mali, Fassery Diabate, Diawoye Diarra, Habib Koité and Bamada. A gorgeous collection of music for mallets, solo and accompanied by kora, guitar, flutes and percussion, all of it full of elegance and vitality. Listen