Papa Wemba was born Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba in Kazai, in the former Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). From humble village beginnings in…
Artist Profiles: Papa Wemba
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
Artist Profiles: Njacko Backo
Njacko Backo is a percussionist and singer. He was born in 1958 in the hillside village of Bazu, Cameroon. After studying under his village elders…
Artist Profiles: Manu Dibango
Emmanuel Dibango N’Djoké was born on December 12 of 1933 in Duala, Cameroon. Manu Dibango arrived to Europe as a young student. With his extraordinary…
Artist Profiles: Blick Bassy
Born in 1974, singer, songwriter, guitarist and percussionist Blick Bassy grew up with 20 siblings in Cameroon’s capital Yaunde, a city where people from all…
Artist Profiles: Drummers of Burundi
The spectacular rhythms of The Drummers of Burundi have been cited as inspirational to rock and folk musicians The Clash, Echo & The Bunnymen, Joni…
Artist Profiles: Alif Naaba
Alif Naaba has been steeped in the musical traditions of Burkina Faso, West Africa. His Afropop style combines pulsating polyrhythmic percussion, kora textures, and funky…
Flamenco Visionary, El Lebrijano, Dies at 75
One of Spain’s legendary flamenco singers and trendsetters, El Lebrijano passed away in Sevilla on July 13, 2016. Juan Peña Fernández, “El Lebrijano” was born…
Musicport Festival 2016 Announces Partial Lineup
World music event Musicport Festival 2016 has announced many of the artists scheduled to perform October 21-23, 2016. The Friday night headliners include The Magic…
Skirball in Los Angeles Announces 2016 Sunset Concerts
Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles has announced the lineup of the 2016 Sunset Concerts. The schedule includes Thao and the Get Down Stay Down…
World Music Festival Nuits d’Afrique Begins This Week in Montreal
Nuits d’Afrique, one of the largest world music festivals in North Africa, opens today in Montreal. The festival will run from July 12 to 24,…