First things first. The gyil is a traditional West African xylophone with dried gourd resonators hung below most or all of its hardwood keys. (A similar instrument is called a […]
Tag: African music
Posted inBlogs
A new compilation uncovers soulful treasures from 70s and 80s Somalia
Sweet as Broken Dates reveals a dazzling world of Somali pop, much of which was stashed away nearly three decades ago to help it survive the country’s oncoming civil war.
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Listen to the mind-blowing Congolese rumba of Franco & L’OK Jazz
Franco was one of Africa’s greatest innovators, and his classic 60s and 70s tracks are still as powerful today as they ever were.
Posted inBlogs
Malian superstar Salif Keita reunites Les Ambassadeurs
Check out the opening track from the group’s recent EP Rebirth.
Posted inBlogs
Listen to irresistible funk from the Congo
“Cheka Sana,” a ripper from Congolese saxophonist and bandleader Verckys, is today’s 12 O’Clock Track.
Posted inBlogs
Awesome Tapes From Africa at Smart Bar Friday
Brian Shimkovitz plays tapes for dancers.
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African great Amadou ‘Balaké’ Traore dead at 70
The Burkina Faso singer leaves behind a dynamic, polystylistic legacy of work.
Posted inFilm
Artist on Artist: Chaka Khan talks to Jake Austen of the Goblins
Chaka Khan talks to Jake Austen of the Goblins and Chic-a-Go-Go.
Posted inBlogs
Mali’s Habib Koité returns to the Chicago area in support of a chill new album
The Malian star plays Evanston tonight.
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Exclusive song premiere: “Tchana” by the Niger guitar band Tal National
An exclusive premiere from the forthcoming album Kaani.
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12 O’Clock Track: “Beautiful Africa,” electrified Malian sounds of Rokia Traore
A driving, extroverted song from the forthcoming electric album by Malian singer Rokia Traore
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12 O’Clock Track: JuJu, “Nightwalk”
A heavy, hypnotic jam from the new album by British guitarist Justin Adams and Gambian griot Juldeh Camara
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Thursday: Beninese guitarist Lionel Loueke kicks off Jazz Showcase engagement
Beninese jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke plays a four-night stand at the Jazz Showcase in support of a strong new album
Posted inBlogs
12 O’Clock Track: Sory Kandia Kouyaté, “N’na”
Classic music from legendary Guinean singer Sory Kandia Kouyaté
Posted inBlogs
Malian singer Khaira Arby returns to Chicago
Despite the strife in Mali, Khaira Arby is on the road, and returns to Chicago with strong new music in tow