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Table of Contents
Music of the World, Vol. 1: African
There is no denying that the African continent is home to some of the most vibrant and diverse musical traditions in the world. From the traditional music of the indigenous peoples to the more modern sounds of the urban centers, Africa has something to offer everyone. The Music of the World, Vol. 1: African is a collection of some of the best music from this vast and varied continent.
The album begins with a bang, with the high-energy track “Mangala” by Malian group Super Rail Band. This is followed by the more laid-back “Wassoulou” by Salif Keita, also from Mali. Other standout tracks include “Yekete” by Ethiopian singer Mahmoud Ahmed, “Toubab” by Senegalese group Africando, and “Ladysmith Black Mambazo” by South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Whether you are a fan of African music or simply looking to broaden your musical horizons, The Music of the World, Vol. 1: African is a great place to start.
The Rough Guide to African Blues
The Rough Guide to African Blues is the perfect introduction to the music of the continent. Featuring a wide range of artists from across Africa, the guide covers everything from the classic sounds of Mali and Senegal to the more contemporary styles of South Africa and Congo. With so many different styles on offer, there’s something for everyone in this essential guide.
The Rough Guide to African Blues kicks off with a look at the history of the music, tracing its roots back to the griots of West Africa and the bluesmen of the American south. From there, we move on to explore the different regions of Africa, starting with the iconic sound of Mali. We then head to Senegal, where we discover the work of legendary artists such as Baaba Maal and Youssou N’Dour.
Next stop is South Africa, where we check out the township jive of Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela and the mbaqanga of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. We also take a detour to Zimbabwe to check out the country’s unique brand of chimurenga music. Continuing our journey north, we explore the desert blues of Mauritania and Mali before arriving in Niger, home to some of the most innovative and exciting music in Africa today.
The Rough Guide to African Blues culminates with a look at the Congo, where we discover the work of pioneers such as Franco and Tabu Ley Rochereau. With its mix of traditional and contemporary styles, the Congo is a hotbed of musical activity, and this guide captures its energy and dynamism perfectly.
So whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, The Rough Guide to African Blues has everything you need to get started on your journey into this thrilling and diverse musical world.
The Rough Guide to the Music of Mali
The Rough Guide to the Music of Mali is essential listening for anyone interested in the vibrant and varied music of this West African country. Mali is renowned for its traditional griot music, as well as for the contemporary sounds of artists like Ali Farka Touré and Salif Keita. This Rough Guide includes both traditional and modern recordings, covering a wide range of styles including Malian blues, desert rock, and urban pop. With detailed liner notes and a free CD, this is the perfect introduction to the extraordinary musical heritage of Mali.
The Rough Guide to the Music of Senegal
The Rough Guide to the Music of Senegal is the perfect introduction to this vibrant and varied music scene. Senegal is a country with a rich musical heritage, and this guide covers everything from traditional griot music to the contemporary sounds of mbalax and hip hop.
The book starts with a history of Senegalese music, tracing its roots back to the griots of the medieval era. It then looks at the different genres that have emerged over the centuries, including mbalax, rap, and reggae. The guide also features interviews with some of Senegal’s top musicians, including Youssou N’Dour, Baaba Maal, and Cheikh Lo.
With comprehensive coverage of both traditional and contemporary music, The Rough Guide to the Music of Senegal is an essential guide for anyone interested in this fascinating country’s music.
The Rough Guide to the Music of Gambia
If you want to learn about the music of Gambia, then The Rough Guide to the Music of Gambia is the book for you. This guide provides an in-depth look at the music of this west African country, including its history, cultural influences, and current scene. You’ll also find a helpful glossary of musical terms and a discography of recommended recordings.
Gambia’s music is a unique blend of African, Arabic, and European influences. The country has a long history of musical traditions, dating back to the days when it was part of the Mali Empire. Over the centuries, Gambian musicians have been influenced by a variety of cultures, including the Mandinka, Wolof, Fulani, and Hausa.
Today, Gambian music is enjoyed both within the country and around the world. The country’s most popular genres include mbalax (a type of dance music), griot (a storytelling tradition), and sabar (a drum-based style). In recent years, Gambian musicians have begun experimenting with new sounds and styles, incorporating elements of hip hop, R&B, and reggae into their music.
If you’re interested in learning more about the music of Gambia, The Rough Guide to the Music of Gambia is the perfect resource. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the country’s rich musical heritage and vibrant contemporary scene.
The Rough Guide to the Music of Mauritania
The Rough Guide to the Music of Mauritania is an excellent introduction to the music of this West African country. The book starts with a brief history of Mauritania and its music, before going into a more detailed exploration of the various genres and styles that can be found there. There is a good selection of photos and illustrations throughout, and the writing is clear and informative.
The section on traditional music is particularly interesting, explains the origins of various instruments and styles, and includes a number of traditional songs. The section on contemporary music is also very good, providing an overview of the different genres that have emerged in recent years. Overall, this is an excellent guide to the music of Mauritania, and would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating country and its music.
The Rough Guide to the Music of Morocco
The Rough Guide to the Music of Morocco is a great introduction to the wide variety of music that can be found in this North African country. The CD features both traditional and modern performers, and includes a nice mix of vocal and instrumental tracks. There are also a few bonus tracks, including an interview with one of the artists.
The booklet that comes with the CD is very informative, providing background information on the music and the performers. This is a great CD for anyone interested in learning more about the music of Morocco.
The Rough Guide to the Music of Algeria
The Rough Guide to the Music of Algeria is an excellent guide to the wide range of Algerian music. It covers a variety of genres, including chaabi, raï, and Algerian classical music. The book includes a CD with a nice selection of tracks.
The authors do a great job of providing background information on the music and the musicians. They also include a helpful glossary of terms. This is an essential guide for anyone interested in Algerian music.
The Rough Guide to the Music of Tunisia
The Rough Guide to the Music of Tunisia is a comprehensive guide to the music of this North African country. It covers a wide range of styles, from traditional Arabic music to modern pop and rock. The book includes a history of Tunisian music, an overview of the different musical genres, and profiles of some of the country’s most popular musicians. There are also interviews with many of the leading figures in Tunisian music, including singer-songwriter Anouar Brahem and oud player Dhafer Youssef. The Rough Guide to the Music of Tunisia is an essential guide for anyone interested in this rich and varied musical tradition.
The Rough Guide to the Music of Libya
The Rough Guide to the Music of Libya is a great starting point for anyone interested in exploring the music of this fascinating country. The book provides an overview of the history and culture of Libya, as well as a detailed look at the various musical genres and styles that have developed there over the years.
The book starts with a brief history of Libya, tracing its roots back to the ancient Phoenician civilization. It then looks at the Roman and Ottoman periods, before moving on to the modern era. The second half of the book is devoted to a survey of the different musical styles that can be found in Libya today, including traditional Arabic music, Bedouin music, Sufi music, and more.
With its mix of history, cultural insights, and musical analysis, The Rough Guide to the Music of Libya is an essential guide for anyone wanting to learn more about this fascinating country and its music.