Rough Guide to Africa [Box set] [Enhanced]

Amazon.com
A continent in a box? Well, a vivid taste of one anyway. The Rough Guide to Africa--repackaging four of the company's previous compilations--will certainly reinforce this label's market dominance. So a big hand for the The Rough Guide to Congolese Soukous, and for those to Senegal & Gambia and South African Music. The fourth CD--The Rough Guide Collection--is a canny pointer to further guides elsewhere. Senegal & Gambia may now be a known quantity--Cheikh Lo, Baaba Maal, Orchestra Baobab, and Youssou N'Dour, for instance--but the tracks are no less beguiling because of it (and N'Dour's comes from his pre-Peter Gabriel days). But listen to Congolese Soukous and you'll find magical sounds that never made it to Western stages. Starting with the late, great Franco and moving on through a plethora of now-period bands specializing in tumbling guitar riffs, this disc is imbued with a gentle swing and discreet virtuosity unique to this part of Africa. Meanwhile South African Music reaches way back into the past--to Solomon Linda's megahit from the 1930s--and incorporates everyone from jazz diva Miriam Makeba and reggae king Lucky Dube to the chanting Boyoyo Boys and the Ladysmith Black Mambazo. It also points out how close South African jazz is to its American counterpart. And when you finally get around to listening to The Rough Guide Collection, you'll be pulled in a dozen directions more. --Michael Church

Product Description
Music is the integral part of African life, society and culture. This 4 CD collection (brick pack) covers a range of styles from the continent, displaying the variety and innovation of many artists who are now firmly established in the international music community. From the vibrant, complex, vocal-based music of South Africa, and the globally acclaimed superstars from Senegal and Gambia, to the irresistible dance music of Congolese soukous, this is the essential African collection. CD's included are (1) Rough Guide To The Music Of Senegal & Gambia, (2) Rough Guide to Congolese Soukous, (3) Rough Guide To The Music Of South Africa and (4) Rough Guides Collection. A 2001 Music Network release.

Rough Guide to Africa,Various Artists,World Music Network,Africa,African Collections,Afro-Pop,Int'l & World Music,Pop,Soukous,World Music,Worldbeat

Average customer rating: exceptional, the best of the rough guide series Sene-Gambian Pop! Wow!

The Rough Guide to the Music of Senegal and Gambia Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Senegal & Gambia | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rough Guide to Music of Mali and Guinea Lonely Planet the Gambia & Senegal (Lonely Planet Gambia and Senegal) The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria and Ghana Rough Guide to Congolese Soukous Rough Guide to Marrabenta Mozambique ASIN: B00004YNCR Release Date: 2001-10-08

Tracks:

1. Jeuness Senegal - Cheikh L
2. Nguisstal - Assane Ndiaye
3. Loodo - Baaba Maal, Mansour Seck
4. Mouhamadou Bamba - Orchestra Baobab
5. Bitillo - Tata Dinding Jobarteh
6. Salimata - Ifang Bondi
7. Letter - Youssou N'Dour
8. Wango Arti - Baaba Maal
9. Kairaba Jabi - Dembo Konte, Kausu Kuyateh
10. Diamano Bifoula/Ha Ma Ti Wouna - Malang Mane
11. Taar Doucey - IsmaL
12. Aminatta - Mass Lowe
13. Yelayo - Mansour Seck

Customer Reviews:

exceptional, the best of the rough guide series.......2003-08-11

This CD knocked me out from the first note. After listening to it on the bus 400 times I actually bought the Lonely Planet Senegal & Gambia (sorry Rough Guide...). The music of this region is jazzy, smooth, soulful, and completely unique. Highly recommended.

Sene-Gambian Pop! Wow!.......2002-03-06

West Africa is famous for its great musicians. Indeed, many styles of music, such as the Blues, Jazz and Reggae, are believed to have their origins in the hereditary musician traditions of west Africa (particuarly the kingdom of Mali). Whether or not this is true, the music on this CD is particularly moving and beautiful. Another compilation in the Rough Guides series, this CD explores the musical traditions of the west African countries of Senegal and Gambia.
Several big names, such as Baaba Maal, Youssou N'Dour, Ismael Lo and Cheikh Lo, all appear on this CD, with excellent contributions from each. However, there is more to this music than the big names, already familar to the west. The songs "Kairaba Jabi" and "Nguisstal" are both excellent examples of Sene-Gambian music, and the number done by Orchestra Baobab is wonderfully lively. Over all, this CD is an excellent compilation of Sene-Gambian pop music, showcasing a variety of styles and artists. Go with it!

Average customer rating:

Rough Guide to Salsa: Second Edition Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music Afro-Cuban | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Salsa | Latin Music | Styles | Music Mambo | Latin Music | Styles | Music Salsa & Merengue | Compilations | Latin Music | Styles | Music Rhumba | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: United We Swing Rough Guide to Salsa Dura NYC The Rough Guide to Salsa Dance: Second Edition The Greatest Salsa Ever, Vol. 1 The Rough Guide to the Music of Vietnam ASIN: B000PHW2JK Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. MACOLLA - Homenaje a la Música Latina
2. JIMMY BOSCH - Que Bonito Es Soñar
3. WAYNE GORBEA - Prakatun!
4. CUBANOSON - Recordando a Cuba
5. SONORA CARRUSELES - El Gato Boogaloo
6. KEKELE - Consequence
7. RICARDO LEMVO & MAKINA LOCA - Papa Na Bana
8. ANGEL MELENDEZ & THE 911 MAMBO ORCHESTRA - Ven Pa' Que Goze
9. ALEX WILSON R&B - Latino
10. GRUPO CARIBE - Sombre Una Tumba Una Rumba
11. YUMURI Y SUS HERMANOS - Mi Salsa Tiene Candela
12. BIO RITMO - Atrevete
13. FRUKO Y SUS TESOS - La Máquina Del Sabor

Album Description

Salsa is the smouldering, up tempo Latin dance style that has taken the world by storm. Rooted in Africa and honed in South America, salsa has become an institution - danced everywhere from Havana to Helsinki and from New York to New Zealand. In The Rough Guide To Salsa (Second Edition) compiler Pablo Yglesias has selected tracks guaranteed to get your feet spiralling round the dance floor and especially sequenced to simulate an evening at a salsa club, with the pace ranging from beginner's lessons to strictly professional, all in one incredible flow.

Artists include - Macolla, Jimmy Bosch, Wayne Gorbea, Cubanoson, Sonora Carruseles, Kekele, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, Angel Melendez & The 911 Mambo Orchestra, Alex Wilson, Grupo Caribe, Yumurí Y Sus Hermanos, Bio Ritmo, Fruko y Sus Tesos

Average customer rating: Soukous are fun, intricate, and happy music Spectacular! Big Al's review Soukous from the Heart of Darkness! Great Soukous Music but the ECD problem with Winamp

Rough Guide to Congolese Soukous Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Rough Guide to Franco: Africa's Legendary Guitar Maestro The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria and Ghana The Rough Guide to the Music of Senegal and Gambia Super Soukous Rough Guide to Marrabenta Mozambique ASIN: B00004U1GL Release Date: 2001-10-08

Tracks:

1. Cooperation - Franco & Sam Mangwana
2. Amie Mamibo - Zaiko Langa Langa
3. Loi - Koffi Olomide
4. Sai - Kanda Bongo Man
5. Sarah - Tabu Ley 'Rochereau'
6. Marie Jose - Ry-Co Jazz
7. La Vie - Deyess Mukangi
8. Naji - Pepe Kalle & Rigo Star
9. Sanga Mbele Mbele - Thu Zahina
10. Overdose - Papa Wemba
11. M Cherie - Nouvelle Generation De La Republique Democratique
12. Bilanga - Yondo Sister Et Le Groupe Planete

Album Description

Congolese music - rumba or soukous - has been at the core of African dance music for almost half a century, surpassing just about every other African pop style in existence. The Rough Guide To Congolese Soukous profiles the sweet guitar sound and hip-swinging rhythms of this superb dance rhythm, featuring tracks from some of Africa's greatest stars.

Artists include: Franco & Sam Mangwana, Pepe Kalle & Rigo Star, Kanda Bongo Man, Nouvelle Generation, Koffi Olomide, Rocherau and Zaiko Langa Langa

Customer Reviews:

Soukous are fun, intricate, and happy music.......2007-05-08

Our world of music can be so homoginized in the USA. It seems that the FM radio stations push on us all this stuff that comes mainly from very few locations around the globe. We hear the music basically that the major record promoters want us to buy on the commercial FM dial. There is great music all over the world and we can get to hear and experience only a small fraction of it, unless we make the effort to look elsewhere.

I got exposed to the music of Africa and Soukous through a public (listener sponsored) FM radio staion here in the San Francisco Bay Area. And have experienced some of this wonderful music live tool. That radio staion is KKUP. The music of Africa, in particular Soukous is a joyous and rich musical form. Currently I have a small collection of this music. This CD, Rough Guide to Congolese Soukous, is a great starting point. This music should put a smile on your face if you are open to multi-cultural music, and music that comes from places elsewhere around the world.

I was looking particularly for this music and this CD is a bulls-eye.

Spectacular!.......2003-05-15

I love soukous and this is one of my favorite soukous albums. It has great songs from all the best-known soukous artists. Soukous shares the same shuffling, stacato backbeat as Cuban rhumba, but also features glittering, cascading guitars that are very impressive. In addition to this, the horns and the vibrant vocals (which are usually sung in Portuguese, French, Lingala, English or all of the above!), make soukous irresistable! This album not only has great songs, from great artist, but the sound quality is great and the liner notes are very informative! Truly beautiful music! Worth every penny; Buy it!

Big Al's review.......2003-04-17

This cd definately offers a very nice variaty of songs of the Democratic Republic Congo, the former Zaïre. All artists are well known and very succesful for years. Some of them performed in Africa, Europe, U.S. and even Japan.

There is only one little downside though: half the songs kan be found on other cd's with various artists. So .... check before you buy!

Soukous from the Heart of Darkness!.......2002-03-06

Explaining Soukous is hard. Soukous are a style of African music, based off Rumba, that originated in the Congo and spread out across the rest of the continent. After hearing this CD, a wonderful compilation from the Rough Guides, you will definately understand why Soukous were popular enough to spread across Africa! This CD gives a great overview of Soukous, focusing on selections from the Congo.
All the music on this CD is dancey and upbeat, like Soukous should be. Several big names, including Franco, Sam Mangwana, Koffi Olomide and Papa Wemba appear on this CD, giving classical performances. Indeed, I'd say that "Cooperation" is easily one of the most popular Soukous of all time. Old and new appear side by side on this CD. If you are unfamilar with Soukous, or even the music of the Congo in general, you should consider buying this CD. Its a magnificent introduction to Soukous. And even if you don't speak Lingala, you will find yourself addicted to this music.

Great Soukous Music but the ECD problem with Winamp.......2001-01-24

The music on this CD is great selection of Congo Soukous Music. There are songs of the older stars (Franco and Tabu Ley) and current stars (Papa Wemba, Yondo Sister and Koffi Olomide) too. My preference is for the older stars.

Cooperation by Franco and Sam Mangwana is one my top 10 Soukous or Rumba songs of all time. This is classic Rumba at its best. Franco and Sam always seem to work so well together, I hope the record companies re-release all the CDs they made together.

Sai by sweet singing and trend setting Kando Bongo Man is another one of the great Soukous tunes of all time.

I also really liked Marie Jose by RY-CO Jazz. I really liked the raw sound of reverb guitar work and power sax on this cut. A great dance tune.

The only reason I took a star off was the problem I had with the ECD (Enhanced CD). The CD wouldn't work with Winamp. This is the only CD I have that doesn't work with Winamp. The CD does work with every other player.

Average customer rating: The Rebel Soul of Algeria EVEN MY CATS LIKE IT! Excellent introduction to rai

Rough Guide to Rai Cheb Khaled , Cheb Mami , Abdou , Malik , Cheb Zahouani , Cheb Anouar , Cheikha Remitti , Bellemou , Cheba Nouria , Cheba Zahouania , Cheb Hasni , and Fadela & Sahraoui Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Algeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rough Guide to Arabesque The Rough Guide to the Music of Turkey The Rough Guide to the Music of Egypt The Rough Guide to the Music of Morocco Dellali ASIN: B00006IIXP Release Date: 2002-10-14

Tracks:

1. Ana aachki bahloul - Abdou
2. Lazrag saani - Cheb Mami
3. N'touma - Malik
4. Moul el bar - Cheb Zahouani
5. Moulay Ibrahim - Cheb Anouar
6. Guendouzi mama - Cheikha Remitti
7. Nediha gaouria - Bellemou
8. Consulat - Cheba Nouria
9. Shab el baroud - Cheba Zahouania
10. Menghirek entia fi dounia - Cheb Hasni
11. Ya loualid - Cheb Khaled
12. La verite - Fadela & Sahraoui

Amazon.com

Born out of the cabarets, brothels, and bars in the seaside district of Oran in Algeria, raï is an Arabic musical reaction to rock & roll and disco. The differences are evident in the beat and lyrics, which are less polite and more sexual. While this collection culls 12 tracks from a time when the grassroots music was sold on cheap--and cheaply produced--cassettes, there are bright spots. Cheikha Remitti's more traditional sound is a welcome respite from the cheesier productions. Malik's "N Touma" uses samples to create a pleasantly edgy collage. The funkiest track comes from Cheba Nouria, whose "Consulat" boasts electro groove and a bit of reggae syncopation. Cheb Mami and Cheb Khaled tracks sound dated, but they provide enlightening and entertaining comparisons with both artists' more recent works. Though this is a fine overview of the music's early years, curious fans should explore more sophisticated recent efforts by the two gents. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

The Rebel Soul of Algeria.......2006-10-03

Few things are as quintessentially Maghrebi as Rai music. This compilation showcases the incredible variety of the modern Algerian sound, stretching back to the earliest pioneers of Rai music like Cheikha Remitti and going up to modern day legends like Khaled, Cheb Mami and the late Cheb Hasni (who was a hit across North Africa, despite not being as well known in the west as Khaled or Cheb Mami). All the big names are featured here. Theres the driving rhythms of Fadela and Sahraoui on "La Verite". The cross dressing pop star Abdou contributes a track, "Ana Aachki Bahloul". And even "Shab el Baroud," a song by Cheba Zahouania praising the Algerian mujahideen freedom fighters. This CD is an essential guide for understanding Rai music, the very heart and soul of Algeria. Anyone interested in Arabic music should definately go out and buy this CD. It's definately a different side of Algeria than that frequently featured on the news.

EVEN MY CATS LIKE IT!.......2003-08-26

yeah, ok, my cats like everything, this is a very musical household, but seriously, they were getting a little bored of the same old arabesque cd's and were ready for something a little edgy and bold. this cd certainly fit the bill. the music is hard, biting, and yet retains it's uniqueness and rhthym. it reflects it's moroccan and arabic influences, but has a slight central asian feel to it that really makes it interesting. if you've ever considered stepping just outside the box, then the music of algeria is certainly worth a listen. my cats would definitely agree.

Excellent introduction to rai.......2002-11-30

The Rough Guide to Rai is the music of modern Algeria: politically-charge lyrics layered amongst Arabic instruments and beat-driven pop. You can think of it as the north African equivalent to reggae, unencumbered by the need to stick to 4:4 rhythms.

The music ranges in sound from dancey pop to sweeping Egyptian orchestrals to breathy, intricate taqsims. The rhythms always take over, though.

Once again, the Rough Guide series has put together an excellent compilation. This is a perfect introduction to the genre, although I can't help but notice the absence of Rachid Taha.

Average customer rating: Franco's Greatest Hits disappointed riding with a master Congo's best Superb introduction to Franco

The Rough Guide to Franco: Africa's Legendary Guitar Maestro Franco Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rough Guide to Congolese Soukous Originalite 1956/1957 Congo Life Omona Wapi Rumba Congo ASIN: B00005B9RH Release Date: 2001-06-12

Tracks:

1. Merengue
2. Motindo Na Yo Te
3. Aya La' Mode
4. Finga Mama Munu
5. Infidelite Mado
6. Likambo Ya Ngana
7. Ou Est Le Serieux?
8. Tailleur
9. Kinshasa Mboka Ya Makambo
10. Mario
11. Chacun Pour Soi
12. Attention Na Sida

Amazon.com

They called him the "Sorcerer of the Guitar," and with his band, O.K. Jazz, he helped shaped not only the history of Congolese rumba, but also soukous. Franco was a giant, not just physically, but also in reputation, a guitar god every bit the equal of Hendrix or Clapton, but unknown in the West. This first U.S. compilation devoted to his work begins in the mid-1950s, when he was still a teenager, with "Merengue," and runs through 1987, and "Attention Na Sida," his final recording before dying of AIDS two years later. In between you get to understand his genius, not just as an instrumentalist, but also as a singer and writer, his band shading and filling out the music beautifully, while Franco himself produces flurries of notes and fluid runs that call to mind both Wes Montgomery and Ali Farka Toure. Compiled by biographer Graeme Ewens, these songs capture all the facets, from the brief catchy singles, the sizzling live magic, and the extended album tracks--and every one is vital. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Franco's Greatest Hits.......2007-01-09

The songs are good and cover a good stretch of his career. I also appreciated the very useful liner notes, giving a background on all of the songs, which are mostly sung in Lingala or French. However, I also have a number of his other recordings, and some great songs were left off of this collection--how about a Vol. II and Vol. III and Vol. IV from the Rough Guide?

disappointed.......2006-01-18

Altho I like some of Franco's music, I was diasappointed. Maybe I would have liked him live. I bet he had a lot of charisma. I just did not enjoy this CD. The songs were too long and somewhat repetitive for my taste. I love the Mali sound and Salif and Babaa Maal and Rough guide to Mali and Guinea and Tuku but this one for me did not ring any bells for very long.

riding with a master.......2003-11-15

This album helps you capture the spirit of a master of african music (franco).From early recordings until the end of a triumphant career, you feel the vibration of the soul of africa at its best.Franco's guitar and voice brings a flashback of history when that continent was a land of strong men and happy go lucky people.This album is really the sound of being genuine...

Congo's best.......2003-07-09

The country that is best known within Africa for its music is Congo, and the musician who is best loved within Congo is Franco. And here is Franco at his best--highlights from early on in his career (starting with "Merengue," clearly showing the Latin influence in what became soukous, Africa's dance music) to late (ending with "Attention na SIDA"--watch out for AIDS--the artist's plea for others to avoid his own fate). My favorite sample of the harmonious vocals and soaring guitar solos (a soukous trademark) is track 7: "Où Est le Sérieux." Great music from a monumental African singer and guitarist.

Superb introduction to Franco.......2002-08-06

While it is possible to obtain many various CDs of the music of Franco and the OK Jazz (also called the TPOK Jazz) in larger stores, there are two very good reasons to recommend this compilation. First, it contains very good liner notes, which provide a wealth of information about Franco, the recordings, the musicians, and the development of Congolese pop music. The notes were written by Graeme Ewens (author of "Congo Colossus: The Life and Legacy of Franco & OK Jazz") who helped select the recordings. [It should be pointed out that informative liner notes are generally not a feature of the African music CDs that have been issued up until now; the Rough Guide series has raised the bar in this regard.] Second, this is a great overview of Franco's career, with recordings from the 1950s through the 1980s. Some of his most popular, as well as most important, songs are showcased here. The recordings are arranged chronologically, guiding the listener through the growth of the OK Jazz from what was basically a band doing Caribbean rumba-style songs into an institution in African music with a distinctive Central African style.

Highly recommended. Good as it is, this should not be your only Franco CD, but it's by far the best selection for a first Franco CD.

Average customer rating:

Rough Guide to World Music: Africa & Middle East Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Rough Guide to African Blues Rough Guide to World Party Rough Guide to Bollywood Gold The Rough Guide to World Music 3: Volume 1 (Rough Guide Music Guides) The Rough Guide to the Music of Vietnam ASIN: B000N3STMK Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. Enoralehu - Gigi
2. Leroy - Tweak & Tony Allen
3. Otage Ya Botingo - Kekele
4. Lam Tooro - Mansour Seck
5. Synchro Series:Synchro System - King Sunny Ade
6. Mama - Mory Kante
7. Neria - Oliver Mtukudzi
8. Amarain - Amr Diab
9. Wa Muluendu - Kasai Allstars
10. Im Nin' Alu - Ofra Haza
11. We Daret El Ayam - Mahmoud Fadl
12. Un Mot De Toi - Rhany
13. Surbajo - Etran Finatawa
14. Magat Milkitna Dulaa - Mariem Hassan
15. Aiwa - Malik

Album Description

The Rough Guide To World Music: Africa & Middle East highlights the dynamic and ever-changing world music scene, and is released in conjunction with the latest edition of the book that has become known as the `World Music Bible'. From Afro-beat to Congolese Soukous, and from Tuareg music to Arabesque, this release introduces some of the key African and Middle Eastern artists and styles; popular and classical, new and traditional.

Artists include- Gigi, Tweak & Tony Allen, Kekele, Baaba Maal & Mansour Seck, King Sunny Ade, Mory Kanté, Oliver Mtukudzi, Amr Diab, Masanka Sankayi & Kasai Allstars Feat. Mutumilayi, Mahmoud Fadl with Salwa Abou Greisha, Rhany, Etran Finatawa, King Sunny Ade, Tweak & Tony Allen, Mariem Hassan and Ofra Haza

Average customer rating:

Rough Guide to Lucky Dube Lucky Dube Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Reggae | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Africa's Reggae King Serious Reggae Captured Live Prisoner Soul Taker ASIN: B00005NBTM Release Date: 2001-10-08

Tracks:

1. Reggae Man
2. Slave
3. Together As one
4. Truth In The World
5. Prisoner (live)
6. War And Crime
7. House Of Exile
8. Crazy World
9. It's Not Easy
10. Keep On Knocking
11. Victims
12. Feel Irie
13. We Love It
14. Crime And Corruption
15. The Way It Is

Amazon.com

Perhaps reflecting Lucky Dube's own studiousness, The Rough Guide to Lucky Dube comes with exemplarily informative liner notes. Born in Transvaal in 1964, Lucky Dube, Africa's reggae king, was passionate about history before he was bitten by the reggae bug. He spent his early manhood working as a librarian while chasing up Peter Tosh records in Zimbabwe. His first musical incarnation was as a singer of mbaqanga--the pop style that was sweeping the townships--but after Bob Marley's appearance at Zimbabwe's independence celebrations, Lucky chose the reggae route. His first reggae album was censored, but his second passed through and immediately established him as a top-selling African star. Since then he has collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sting, and Michael Jackson, starred at the Reggae Sunsplash festival and Womad, and taken the rest of the world by storm. What's most striking about this retrospective collection is the consistency of both his style and message: this is unashamedly commercial music, with super-slick backing and studio effects, but its spirit is that of a political crusade for decency between races and nations. And Lucky Dube's voice comes from the heart, to the heart. --Michael Church

Average customer rating: A lot of variety Excellent album for kids--3-year-old's favorite

Rough Guide to African Music for Children Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jazz for Kids: Sing, Clap, Wiggle and Shake The Rough Guide to Latin Music for Children Latin Playground African Playground Putumayo Kids Presents: Sing Along With Putumayo ASIN: B000AR9Z90 Release Date: 2005-09-19

Tracks:

1. Tounga - Issa Bagatogo (Mali)
2. Nono Femineh - Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca (Congo/USA)
3. Mama - Mory Kante (Guinea)
4. Leroy - Tony Allen & Tweak (Nigeria)
5. Tashamanaletch - Alemayehu Eshete & Shebele's Band (Ethiopia)
6. Baba Mkwe Pt 1 - Kaki Kilonzo (Kenya)
7. Kutesa Kwa Zamu - X Plastaz
8. Tornados Vs Dynamos - Real Sounds
9. Atide (We R Here) - JJC & 419 Squad
10. Mbube (The Lion) - Mahotella Queens
11. Bula Bula - Mabulu
12. Inkanyezi Nezazi (A Star And The Wiseman) - Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Album Description

The Rough Guide To African Music For Children features some of the best-known artists from across the continent, with tracks chosen by children, for children. World Music Network, with the help of the music charity Music For Change, spoke to more than a thousand children, who selected their favourite African music tracks. Presenting the rich acoustic kora (African harp) and balafon (African xylophone) sounds of Guinean superstar Mory Kanté, the driving Afro-beat of Tony Allen and the Maasai rap of Tanzania's X Plastaz, this album showcases some of the best foot-stomping and hair-raising African music around.

Customer Reviews:

A lot of variety.......2007-04-15

This is a beautiful CD, and it has something for everybody's taste.
There are some very "danceable energetic" songs, some "lounge chill-out" ones, a rap, some which flert with electronic music, and even a narration of a soccer match (13 minutes, very boring!).
There's a touch of traditional African music in every one of them.
In general I think it's a great CD.
I don't know if kids will like it (I bought this CD to take with me on a volunteer trip to Kenya. I hope the children at the orphanage will like it), but adults can be sure to enjoy it.
It's only 12 tracks and the playing time is 62 minutes.
I really love at least 3 of those (the first one from Mali MAKES you move).

Excellent album for kids--3-year-old's favorite.......2006-09-22

This is one of our favorite albums, along with Jazz for Kids and Nikky's Jazz for Kids. Very few of the lyrics are in English, which keeps your child from learning inappropriate language. The tunes are energetic and will make your kids dance around.

Average customer rating:

Rough Guide to the Music of South Africa Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Jive Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Long Walk to Freedom Rough Guide to Latin Arabia The Rough Guide to South African Gospel Rough Guide to the Music of Madagascar The Rough Guide to the Music of Mexico ASIN: B000IJ7GNC Release Date: 2006-10-20

Tracks:

1. BUSI MHLONGO - Yehlisan'Umoya Ma-Afrika
2. MAHLATHINI & THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS - Umuntu Ngumuntu
3. CHICCO - Umagubane
4. YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA - UmQombothi
5. SOWETO STRING QUARTET - St Agnes And The Burning Train
6. SHIYANI NGCOBO - Yekanini
7. MIRIAM MAKEBA & THE SKYLARKS - Ndidliwe Zintaba
8. MTABHANE NDIMA - Thandabantu
9. SOUL BROTHERS - Mama Ka S'Bongile
10. LESEGO RAMPOLOKENG & THE KALAHARI SURFERS - Blue V's
11. LUCKY DUBE - Crying Games
12. OOM HANSIE - Waar's My Pyp?
13. NOTHEMBI - Akanamandl' Usathana
14. SOLOMON LINDA'S ORIGINAL EVENING BIRDS - Mbube
15. BIG VOICE JACK - Tsi Tsi No1
16. LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO - Wawukhona Yini E New York

Album Description

South Africa is one of the great powerhouses of African music with a recording industry that stretches back to the early 20 th century. From the lilting violins of the Soweto String Quartet to the African reggae of Lucky Dube, this all-new second edition of The Rough Guide To The Music of South Africa is a perfect introduction to the sounds of the rainbow nation.

Artists include - Busi Mhlongo, Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens, Chicco, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Soweto String Quartet, Shiyani Ngcobo, Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks, Mtabhane Ndima, Soul Brothers, Lesego Rampolokeng & The Kalahari Surfers, Lucky Dube, Oom Hansie, Nothembi, Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds, Big Voice Jack, Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Average customer rating: Excellent introduction to Marrabenta music!

Rough Guide to Marrabenta Mozambique Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria and Ghana Rough Guide to Music of Mali and Guinea The Rough Guide to the Music of Senegal and Gambia Rough Guide to Congolese Soukous The Rough Guide to the Music of Central Asia ASIN: B00005A8JX Release Date: 2001-10-08

Tracks:

1. Maria Teresa - Dilon Djindji
2. Matilde - Orchestra Marrabenta Star De Mocambique
3. Mahanhela - Mabulu
4. U Yo Mussiya Kwini - Ghorwane
5. Othiawene - Eyuphuro
6. Anghena Bava Mula - Alberto Mula
7. Rosa - Francisco Mahecuane
8. Tchela Kuwomile - Mario Ntimane
9. Xigevengu - Wazimbo
10. Shywelele - Antonio Marcos
11. Sumbhulany - Arakas Band
12. Africa - Nene
13. Marrabenta - Gito Baloi
14. Elisa Gomara Saia - Orchestra Marrabenta Star De Mocambique
15. Hlamalane - Lisboa Matavel

Customer Reviews:

Excellent introduction to Marrabenta music!.......2001-08-18

Every song is a gem! This compilation has contagious melodies coming from the earlypioneers of marrabenta to the more comtemporary artists. Ialready have CD's of Ghorwane,Eyuphuro,and Orchestra MarrabentaStar which the Rough Guide pickedfine examples of their music.Of all the songs present, I especially loved the soulfulvoice of Wazimbo's "Xigevengu".This CD is a "must have" in appreciating the music of Mozambique.

Rock Music:

1. Rough Guide to Latin America [Box set] [Enhanced]
2. Sarod
3. Sieben Schwarze Rosen [Import]
4. Sleepytown
5. Sonado a Melodias
6. Songs from the City of Roses
7. Sono Io: L'uomo Della Storia Accanto [Import]
8. Sortir Ce Soir: Best of Live [Enhanced] [Live] [Import]
9. Spike [Import]
10. Springbok Rugby Hits [Import]

Rock Music

rock music

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No Come Down

Jungle Lady [Import]

Leading Man

Magicians of the Swing Piano

Irrepetible

Los Grandes Temas de Arsenio Rodriguez [Import]

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Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em