Th!nk Global, New Eco Friendly World Music Label

Th!nk Global is the new label from World Music Network that combines the ideals of reducing poverty, defending human rights and protecting the environment with superb collections of cutting edge music from around the world. In partnership with Amnesty International and Oxfam, all Th!nk Global releases use a novel type of packaging – using only 100% recycled card with no plastic tray or plastic jewel case. “As far as we are aware, this is the first time that any CDs have been released using 100% recycled card packaging,” says a company press release.

The first two releases are: West Africa Unwired and Bellydance.

The CD Bellydance is a round up of the musical styles that have developed in tandem with the traditional Raqs Sharki (or Bellydance) dance of Arabic North Africa. The compilation brings together music from Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria and beyond. The tracks have been also been sequenced to suit a bellydance performance.

West Africa Unwired is a who’s who of current West African music. The compilation offers an insight into the ancient song repertoire of the region as well as being a taster of some fine modern songwriting talent and a guide to the many influences (from flamenco to funk) which have filtered into the current West African sound.