Deep Tracks 56 - The African Nation

1. Bembeya – Bembeya Jazz National

2. Pindurai Mambo – Oliver Mtukudzi

3. Take Your Soul – Sahara Allstars

4. Use Mcane – Letta Mbulu

5. Amo Sakesa – Hugh Masekela

6. Ziglibithiens - Ernesto Djédjé

7. Avi-Vo - The Lafayette Afro Rock Band

8. Who No Know Go Know – Fela Kuti & Africa 70

9. Colonial Man – Hugh Masakela

10. You Gotta Help Yourself - Bongos Ikwue & The Groovies

11. Quier Quiera Quer Nao Quier – Tim Maia

12. Madwuma Yi Nti - Canados International Band

13. Mbube – Miriam Makeba

14. Bassa Bassa - Osibisa

http://rapidshare.com/files/263440405/Deep_Tracks_56.zip

Without question the biggest recent 'discovery' for me has been African music. I do have an excuse for my ignorance, however. Obviously none of us heard Bongos Ikwue & The Groovies growing up. Mom and Pop never dropped a needle on Tim Maia, representing the African diaspora to Brazil. I'm pretty sure WKRP never promoted the latest single by Fela even though he is perhaps the most significant African musician of the 20th century. I remember thinking that Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masakela were on some Paul Simon video that somehow made MTV. Turns out they actually did some stuff besides harmonize with a fat little Jewish guy.

I guess the bigger question is who gives a shit? I'm not really sure I have an answer. Why would music created by people from such a completely different culture resonate so deeply with me? Here is the challenge to you my fellow wayfaring strangers: can you listen to Ernesto Djédjé and not tap your foot and want to sing along? Even though you can't understand a thing he is saying and you don't have the faintest idea where he is from? Let me know.

If you dig this too, check out afroslabs.blogspot.com. Worth a look just for the cover art.