In Passing
Kenyatta “Culture” Hill Pass the Torch (Tafari Records 1046, 2007) The sudden 2006 death of Joseph Hill, leader of roots reggae harmony trio Culture, robbed…
Rekindled Ska Fire
Blue Riddim Ska Inferno (Markosa Records 2010, 2009) The idea of a white reggae band is one that would raise no eyebrows nowadays, but such…
Garifuna Music Icon Aurelio Martinez Makes UK Debut at Rolex Mentors and Protégés
Aurelio Martinez from Honduras, the brightest star of the region’s celebrated garifuna musical tradition, will make his London debut at the Union Chapel, Islington on…
Dazzling Fula Musical Ride
Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba I Speak Fula (Sub Pop/Next Ambiance, 2010) Riding high on the success of 2007’s Segu Blue and his upcoming U.S.…
2009 World Music Central Gift Guide
Thinking of rewrapping that purple and green striped sweater, the one with the arms in two different sizes, that Aunt Martha knitted and gave you…
World Music Central’s Best World Music Releases of 2009
The editors at World Music Central, its Spanish language portal Músicas del Mundo and other friends, present their lists of Best World Music Recordings of…
Danny Thompson Releases Double Bass Samples for Loopmasters
Renowned British musician Danny Thompson has released a new collection of double bass samples. Danny Thompson is one of the world’s leading double bass players,…
Taking Tanzania’s Temperature
Various Artists Zanzibara, Vol. 5: Hot in Dar – Le Son de la Tanzanie 1978-1983 (Buda Musique 860184, 2009) During the late ‘70s and early…
Afro-Pop Queen ready for big things?
The excited whispers of Dobet Gnahoré’s growing fame certainly aren’t far-fetched; it has been an astonishing year for the promising African artist with shows all…
Tuareg Footsteps
Various Artists Footsteps in Africa: A Nomadic Journey (Kiahkeya, 2009) Footsteps in Africa: A Nomadic Journey is the soundtrack to a documentary film by director…