Each week on Africa Mix we play a variety of African music emanating from all the corners of the African continent—each region with a variety of rhythms and distinct dance styles. As we witness today, a myriad of music and dance styles have sprung from around the African countries. On tonight’s program, I am featuring 6 different styles separately: Afrobeat, Mbaqanga, Kwaito, Rumba, Mbalax and Mandingue music.
—Emmanuel Nado
ARTIST: Fela Kuti
SONG Funky Horn
COUNTRY Nigeria
Afrobeat is a blend of American jazz, funk and Nigeria beat. This style was created by Africa’s most outspoken artist, the late Fela Kuti in the early 70s. Many other African artists have since embraced this style as their own.
AFROBEAT SET
Tony Allen
Jekalewa
Nigeria
Keziah Jones
Garan Garan
Nigeria
Duro Ikujenyo
Surulere
Nigeria
Baba Olajagun
Libation for Fela
Nigeria
Dele Sosimi
Turbulent Times
Nigeria
Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble
U.S.A.
Panama/Ghana/Benin/South Africa/Japan U.S.
Fela Kuti
Viva Nigeria
Nigeria
Kwaito is the latest sound of the new South Africa, it blends hip hop, house,jive raga and rap. It is in fact South African’s hip hop. Another style featured on this set is Mbaquanga, the music of liberation.These artists featured here are just a small representation of the numerous artists who are exponents of the style
MBAQUANGA AND KWAITO SET
Soul Brothers
Abantu
South Africa
Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens
Mbaquanga
South Africa
Solomon Linda’s Original Evening Birds
Mbube
South Africa
Johnny Clegg & Juluka
Gijimbike
South Africa
Shiyani Ngcobo
Yekanini
South Africa
Soul Brothers
Idlozi
South Africa
Mtabhane Ndima
Thandabantu
South Africa
Brenda Fassie
Nomakanjani
South Africa
Chicco
Umagabane
South Africa
Boom Shaka
Nkosi Sikelela
South Africa
Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Umquombothi
South Africa
Jimmy B
Make em bounce
South Africa
Rumba is the style which originated in Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The style was and still is the preferred dance style of the older generation because of its slow beat. The style is close to the Cuban son montuno.
RUMBA SET
Rumbanella
El Congo
D.R.Congo
Kekele
Mbote Ya Pamba
D.R.Congo
Papa Noel
Africa Mokili Mobimba
D.R. Congo
Sam Mangwana
Kale Catho
Angola/D.R.Congo
Abby Sourya
Tant Pis Pour Toi
D.R. Congo
In West Africa and particularly in Senegal mbalax is the popular music, highly percussive sound dominated by the sabar drum. Youssou N'dour is not the only champion of this style, over the years many Senegalese musicians have adopted the style.
MBALAX SET
Youssou N'dour
Set
Senegal
Cheikh Lo
Boul Di Tagal
Burkina /Senegal
Baaba Maal
Bemgalam
Senegal
Ismael Lo
Baol Baol
Senegal
Kasumai
Diambadon
Senegal
Marone
Wadiur Nene
Senegal
Mandingue music is the name given to the traditional music of countries like Guinee, Gambia, Mali and part of Senegal. It is more indigenous to Mali than any of the other countries aforementioned.. It is a dinstinct sound easily recognized because of the powerful vocals of the singers who are called griots or praise singers, and the use of traditional instruments such as the kora ( a type of African harp), the balafon (a wooden-keyed xylophone) the tamana (talking drum) and the n’goni (a small guitar-like instrument). All these are used along with electric guitars, keyboard and drum kits giving Malien music its modern feel.
MANDINGUE SET
Salif Keita
Koukou
Mali
Kandia Kouyate
San Barana
Mali
Ali Farka Toure
Ali’s Here
Mali
Habib Koite
Africa
Mali
Coumba Sidibe
Aye Wili
Mali
Mamou Sidibe
Bassa Kele
Mali
Les Ambassadeurs International & Salif Keita
Kolangoman
Mali
