Malagasy Valiha Master, Sylvestre Randafison Dies at 75
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,…
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…
Abundant Latin Heat From Two New Rough Guides
Various Artists – The Rough Guide to Latin Jazz (RGNET 1089 CD, 2003) Various Artists – The Rough Guide to Salsa De Puerto Rico (RGNET…
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…
Mali’s Blind Couple- Great Match, Great Music
Amadou and Mariam Wati (Circular Moves CIM 7011, 2003) Known as “The Blind Couple of Mali” when they first began to make a splash in…
Ghana Government to Tax Commercialized Folklore
Ghana – A second version of the Ghanaian government’s copyright administration is seeking to place a tax on any commercialize use of folklore traditions. The…
Rubén Blades Pursues Law Career
Panama – Renaissance man Ruben Blades once again is surprising fans and admirers with his decision to return to his native Panama to serve the…
Cuba Mourns Death of Compay Segundo
(Prensa Latina) Havana, Cuba – The death of Francisco Repilado, known worldwide as Compay Segundo, covered Cuba in mourning when the news was learned by…
Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa Dies at 77
New Jersey, USA – Celia Cruz, the most popular salsa singer, died from cancer this afternoon at 5 p.m. EST at her home in New…