Madagascar – Sylvestre Randafison, a key figure in the development of Madagascar’s most famous instrument, the valiha, passed away July 12. Born Randafison Benjamin Sylvestre,…
Malagasy Valiha Master, Sylvestre Randafison Dies at 75
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.
Senegalese Kora Master Kaouding Cissoko Dies at 38
Senegal – Kaouding Cissoko, a master kora player and member of Baaba Maal’s band, passed away on July 17th. Cissoko was a diabetic and had…
Salif Keita Cancels North American Tour
Boston, USA – Malian star Salif Keita has cancelled his 2003 summer tour of the United States and Canada. There are few details as to…
Colombian Vallenato Legend Dies
Valedupar, Colombia – Francisco “Pacho” Rada Batista died of natural causes late in the evening on July 16. Surrounded by his large family and thousands…
Los Soneros del Barrio Follow the Tradition
New York, USA – Los Soneros del Barrio are back with their third and new album Siguiendo La Tradición (Following Tradition).” Under the Rumba Jams…
Cuban Multi-Instrumentalist Tito Duarte Dies in Spain
Madrid, Spain – The Spanish Performing Rights Society (Sociedad General de Autores y Editores – SGAE) reported today that Cuban composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Tito…
The Three Pickers: Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and Ricky Skaggs
Boston, USA – Rounder Records released this week The Three Pickers, on a CD and DVD. For one historic evening, American music legends Earl Scruggs,…
Cuban Music Legend Compay Segundo Dies at 95
Havana, Cuba – Legendary Cuban musician and composer Compay Segundo died on Sunday, July 13th in Havana, Cuba. Details about his death were not available,…
CD Review: Shanti by Abhijit Pohankar
Abhijit Pohankar Shanti (Times Music, 2000) Abhijit Pohankar is a brilliant Indian keyboardist and composer. On Shanti he creates electronic arrangements and rhythms that generate…
CD Review: Agua ‘e Coco by Huracán de Fuego
Huracán de Fuego Agua ‘e Coco (Nubenegra IN1121-2, 2003) Unfortunately, western audiences are exposed to very little music from Venezuela. Spanish label Nubenegra has produced…