Have been on a binge recently of listening to contemporary African music….as mentioned in my post on seeing Angélique Kidjo in concert, African music is really fun because it’s completely accessible, and yet constantly challenges your ear because it moves in unexpected directions. Spurred on by a few recent conversations I thought I would use this post to share some of my recent favorites, plus try out the Yahoo Media Player javascript tool, which works really well.

A number of the tracks are from the Festival in the Desert (http://www.festival-au-desert.org/), which is on my list of trips to take before I die – it’s a festival held out in the desert in Mali. Mostly the performers are African musicians but Robert Plant did a cameo there once (track below). I also included a track from Toubab Krewe, who are, strictly speaking, from North Carolina! – but spent a significant amount of time in Mali. Enjoy!

I Ka Barra by Habib Koité & Bamada
Aldachan Manin by Tinariwen
Fafa by Vieux Farka Touré
Soweto Daal by Wasis Diop
Teme by Alpha Yaya Diallo
Politique by Adama Yalomba
Win My Train Fare Home (If I Ever Get Lucky) – by Robert Plant & Justin Adams
Devil Woman by Toubab Krewe