“Africa – 50 Years of Music” (Sterns Africa, 2010) is the most comprehensive compilation of African music ever achieved. The 18 volume boxed set collects 182 classic recordings by 182 key artists from 39 countries and covers the length and breadth of the entire African continent. The artists include universal stars such as Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Youssou N’Dour, Franco, Cheb Khaled, Cesaria Evora, Mahmoud Ahmed, Salif Keita, Manu Dibango and Umm Kulthum.
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 two 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 boxed set includes a 76-page bi-lingual booklet with photographs, record-cover reproductions, specially-commissioned artwork and essays by experts on each of Africa’s popular styles.
Buy the album:
- In North America: Africa – 50 Years of Music
- In Europe: Africa – 50 Years of Music
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
