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De'Anza Marries Tradition, Funk on Spiritually Charged "Want" (premiere + interview)

De'Anza has been called the leading lady of Latin alternative. Her new video for "Want" and upcoming EP demonstrate why.

Jedd Beaudoin

Music

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 Bring the Funk and Activism to 'Black Times'

Like father, like son. On Black Times, Afrobeat bandleader Seun Kuti inherits his father's passionate combination of fiery activism and intoxicating funk.

Music

Femi Kuti Wants to Unite the World on 'One People One World'

Femi Kuti sings for peace, love, and understanding on the reggae-infused Afrobeat of One People One World.

Music

Sea Moya Approaches Music with Enthusiasm and Abandon on "New Past" (premiere)

Born in Germany, transplanted to Canada, this trio has roots in the past but is planted firmly in the future.

Music

Tal National - "Akokas" (audio/video) (premiere)

Niger's Tal National returns with its distinct brand of celebratory rock on "Akokas".

Music

Here Lies Man - 'Animal Noises' (EP stream) (premiere)

Here Lies Man blends rock with Afrobeat to thrilling results on new EP Animal Noises.

Music

Tony Allen: Film of Life

As Tony Allen and Afrobeat continue to influence the music world at large, the master drummer lets the music world at large continue to influence him.

Music

Zongo Junction: No Discount

It's not surprising to see free jazz credited alongside Fela Kuti as one of the group's inspirations.

Music

Fela Kuti: The Best of the Black President 2

Knitting Factory's second Fela Kuti retrospective is no less vital, gripping, or essential than the first.

Music

Elikeh: Between 2 Worlds

This Afropop band from DC keeps it lively and conscious on its third album release, but needs more of an edge.

Music

The Souljazz Orchestra: Solidarity

These ten songs draw from a huge variety of old music, but the Souljazz Orchestra always speaks (and grunts) with immediacy.

Music

Antibalas: Antibalas

The Afrobeat-fixated collective finally grows a few extra dimensions.

Music

Rocket Juice & the Moon: Rocket Juice & the Moon

This debut showing from the team-up of Damon Albarn, Flea, and Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen is surprisingly unambitious but solid and fun.

Music

Henry Cole and the Afrobeat Collective: Roots Before Branches

The Afrobeat on this album behaves like an omnivorous bag, willing to swallow anything.

Music

KG Omulo: Ayah Ye! Moving Train

Ideally the music and the singer should unite in some way but here they seem to be fighting.

Deanne Sole

Music

Jens Lekman: An Argument With Myself EP

This EP cements and solidifies Lekman’s status as one of the most dependable and vital songwriters at work today.

Music

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The 15 Best Soul/R&B Albums of 2017

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