Reviewed by Tony Cummings

IN THE MAINSTREAM

As the back of the handsome slipcase succinctly puts it, “There is hardly a popular music anywhere in the world that does not, in some way, owe a debt to Africa. From the blues to jazz, reggae to ragga, dance to trance: all can trace their roots back to the Motherland.” Now for music lovers who don’t know where to start investigating the diverse music forms of the African continent comes this hugely helpful double CD compilation which pulls together many African music classics while suggesting the breathtaking sweep of the numerous genres and sub-genres. So you can thrill to Senegal superstar Youssou N’Dour, enjoy the township jazz of Hugh Masekela, groove to the potent juju of King Sunny Ade, thrill to the spine-tingling Ethiopian vocals of Aster Aweke and dance to the joyful Nigerian eccentricity of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The choice of tracks is usually faultless and though there’s only one Christian track, the haunting acapella of Ladysmith Black Mambazo on “Inkanyezi Nezozi (The Star And The Wiseman)”, this is a must-buy for believers wanting to begin what could be a lifetime musical exploration.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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