Looking Into Bandcamp Africa

Finding African music treasure at the "American online audio distribution platform founded in 2007."

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If I were looking for a collection of guitar music of western Kenya fron the Fifties and Sixties, I think I'd be hard pressed to find it. If it weren't for Bandcamp. Which is where you can find Guitar Music of Western Kenya, a release that we highlighted here.

In addition to providing a low barrier to entry for musicians looking to release their own work, Bandcamp is pretty good as a platform for reissuing music - digitally and in physical formats - that's often quite hard to find.

Including African music. I've rounded a few labels below, labels whose output is composed - all or partially - of reissues of great African music. Enjoy.

Analog Africa - "The Future of Music Happened Decades Ago"

Africa Seven - "We are a record label. We may be based in Paris and London but our hearts firmly rooted in the universal motherland. We love African music, we want everyone to hear it and we want to spread the love. We are a collective of crate diggers, afro music-heads, label spotters and vinyl buying obsessives. We don't have any particular musical release agenda apart from, 'is it of African origin, does it have a beat? do we like it?'."

Global Press Music - "Global Press Music Amplifying the Essence of African Rhythms. We curate an electrifying collection of African music, from Afrobeat to Highlife, celebrating the diverse melodies that define the continent's soul. Join us as we unlock the rhythmic tapestry of Africa, captivating listeners with the mesmerizing beats and heartfelt stories that make African music a universal language of joy and unity."

SWP - "SWP Records was founded by Zambian-born drummer, composer, producer, field recordist Michael Baird in 1987. The label releases his own music, music from central, southern, and eastern Africa, and any other beautiful music that has been forgotten. SWP Records opted out of all streaming platforms and other digital services to join Bandcamp and we are very happy to be here! Enjoy the music!"

Soundway Records - "Since its inception in 2002, independent label Soundway Records has unearthed coveted musical gems from far-flung corners of the world, with foundations that are rooted in meticulously sourced reissues. No matter where each Soundway release touches down, the imprint’s passion for carefully shining a light on culturally significant genres and scenes remains unwavering."