Pierre Kwenders Blends Rumba, Rock, and R&B on ‘José Louis and the Paradox of Love’
Pierre Kwenders’ José Louis and the Paradox of Love is inventive and heartfelt. Kwenders isn’t simply blazing a narrow trail but opening up a cosmos.
afropop
Jeremy Loops Teams with Ladysmith Black Mambazo for “This Town” (premiere)
South Africa’s Jeremy Loops and legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo combine for “This Town”, a powerful new Afropop song full of hope and a killer melody.
Brandon Markell Holmes and Rogue Vogue Make a Stunning “Garden” (premiere)
Chicago’s Brandon Markell Holmes and Rogue Vogue create gorgeous, moving, forward-looking electrosoul on “Garden”.
Angélique Kidjo Continues to Shine with Timely ‘Mother Nature’
The common thread on Mother Nature is Angélique Kidjo’s energy, shining through in a voice that never seems to lose strength or agility.
Orchestra Baobab Celebrate 50 Years with Vinyl of ‘Specialist in All Styles’
As Orchestra Baobab turn 50, their comeback album Specialist in All Styles gets a vinyl reissue.
Masma Dream World Go Global and Trippy on “Sundown Forest” (premiere)
Dancer, healer, musician Devi Mambouka shares the trippy "Sundown Forest", which takes listeners deep into the subconscious and onto a healing path.
Thaba’s “Warrior” Is Electropop Rooted in South African Pop Traditions
On their single "Warrior", Thaba blend beautiful melodies and gentle electronics and beats to create a new form of electronically-based South African electropop based on mbaqanga and kwaito.
Yves Jarvis’ “Semula” Features Afropop-Influenced Electro-Folk
Montreal's Yves Jarvis blends folk with minimalist electronics and Afropop textures on his new single, "Semula".
South African Folk Master Vusi Mahlasela Honors Home on ‘Shebeen Queen’
South African folk master Vusi Mahlasela pays tribute to his home and family with township music on live album, Shebeen Queen.
Hip-Hop’s Raashan Ahmad Talks About His Place in ‘The Sun’
In his latest work The Sun, rapper Raashan Ahmad brings his irrepressible charisma to this set of Afrobeat-influenced hip-hop.
Bridget Kearney and Benjamin Lazar Davis Are “Still Flying” (premiere)
Bridget Kearney and Benjamin Lazar Davis share a new video for "Still Flying" featuring Stevo Atambire. The record features music the pair created in Ghana during 2019 and includes performances from Ghanaian musicians.
Malian Legend Oumou Sangaré Glows in Stripped-down Arrangements on ‘Acoustic’
On Acoustic, Oumou Sangaré's inner world shines through with particular clarity as the Songbird of Wassoulou performs stripped-down arrangements of some of the most powerful tracks she's recorded over the last 30 years.
