This is an amazing newsletter - I plan on writing about my own experiences of discovering and falling in love with African music, so it's great to see I'm not alone here. (Though, pressure is on to do the subject justice!)
Like a lot of Westerners, I first found my way in through Paul Simon's Graceland, and then the Indestructible Beat of Soweto compilation - so my tastes tend to the Bantu and Zulu traditions. That said, I've been exploring more of the North African griot traditions (the Toure and Diabate families) and pop from Mali and Senegal.
Like Michael Fell said, there is plenty written about the folks I've been into - but I'm also trying to bring my friends and readers into what, for them, it brand new territory.
I enjoy your page as you highlight contemporary African musicians rather than solely focusing on the obvious '70s Afrobeat, Highlife, and Zamrock musicians. There is already plenty written about the golden years of '70s African music, but it's much harder to find articles highlighting contemporary African music.
Well, you got me to read that story on the African metal bands. I'll be listening to some of them soon so thx for that. You're such a prolific poster I have trouble keeping up.
This is an amazing newsletter - I plan on writing about my own experiences of discovering and falling in love with African music, so it's great to see I'm not alone here. (Though, pressure is on to do the subject justice!)
Like a lot of Westerners, I first found my way in through Paul Simon's Graceland, and then the Indestructible Beat of Soweto compilation - so my tastes tend to the Bantu and Zulu traditions. That said, I've been exploring more of the North African griot traditions (the Toure and Diabate families) and pop from Mali and Senegal.
Like Michael Fell said, there is plenty written about the folks I've been into - but I'm also trying to bring my friends and readers into what, for them, it brand new territory.
Thanks for your comments. Good luck with your writing.
I enjoy your page as you highlight contemporary African musicians rather than solely focusing on the obvious '70s Afrobeat, Highlife, and Zamrock musicians. There is already plenty written about the golden years of '70s African music, but it's much harder to find articles highlighting contemporary African music.
Thank you for what you do.
Thank you…and you’re welcome. I guess I tried to find a niche I could inhabit.
It’s been revelatory and uplifting, reading your column! So many nuances and info on African music, thank you! Please keep rolling….
Thanks. I’m just fumbling along, but I appreciate your comments. :)
Well, you got me to read that story on the African metal bands. I'll be listening to some of them soon so thx for that. You're such a prolific poster I have trouble keeping up.
Thanks for the comment. I guess metal is universal. ☺