V.A. - The Rough Guide To North African Café (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For café music, the idea seems to be nothing too extreme. Certainly, this is a fairly gentle excursion through North African sounds -- the compilation even soft pedals the cut from a rock band like Les Boukakes, whose "Dorbiha Zina" barely displays it muscle. Things start out well, with a couple of Algerian cuts from the melodic youngster Akli D then the wonderful veteran Maurice El Medioni, whose "Rai Rock Rumba" offers a seamless, and surprisingly natural blend of Maghrebi and Latin sounds. While the rest is quite mellifluous and easygoing, it all seems a little lightweight; even the normally adventurous Smadj doesn't challenge the ears, and Akim El Sikameya seems closer to French chanson than anything North African. There's nothing wrong with this disc at all -- the choices are fine, and there's quality to the music -- and it does exactly what it says on the tin: it works as café music. But since the very nature of "café" is background, this can never be really satisfying. by Chris Nickson
Tracklist:
1 Akli D – Barman 4:36
2 Maurice El Médioni & Roberto Rodriguez – Rai Rock Rumba 3:37
3 Barrio Chino – El Salam 4:41
4 Madioko & Rafika – Ellelli 4:01
5 Smadj Presents S.O.S. Project – Hat 6:02
6 Sabahat Akkiraz & Orient Expressions – Ben Melamet Hirkasini Guydim 3:20
7 Les Orientales – Wayak 6:25
8 Cheb Balowski – El Dia 4:58
9 El Tanbura – Sar A Lay 3:57
10 Abdel Gadir Salim – Lemon Bara 5:02
11 Akim El Sikameya – A Chaque Instant, Oran 3:15
12 Les Boukakes – Dorbiha Zina 4:21
13 Mahmoud Fadl – Halawa Ya 2:53
14 Tarik – La Foule 3:19

V.A. - The Rough Guide To Congo Gold (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This definitely does what it promises: 12 tracks and none of them less than classic, with the artist list a who's who of Congolese rhumba. It starts off, as it has to, with Wendo Kolosoy and "Marie Louise," generally acknowledged as the first Congolese rhumba track, then runs rapidly through the music's development to "Azda" by the late Franco with T.P.O.K. Jazz, where the guitars get a workout on the instrumental sebene section. But you can hardly turn around for the star names here -- Papa Noel, Doctor Nico, Tabu Ley Rochereau (who rates three cuts to himself, high praise indeed). The music is uplifting, not just historically but also in the second half of the disc, where it really flexes its muscles, fully mature and happy to explore the form. Of course, with so much excellent material to pick from, it would be a crime to have anything second-rate, but compiler Martin Sinnock has done a first-rate job of illustrating the main components of Congolese rhumba as well as giving an object lesson in what made it so wonderful. Simply listen and learn. by Chris Nickson
Tracklist:
1 Wendo Kolosoy & Henry Bowane - Marie Louise 3:21
2 Grand Kalle & L'African Jazz – Parafifi 5:11
3 Tabu Ley Rochereau & L'African Jazz – Adios Tete 2:44
4 Dr Nico & African Fiesta – Mamu Wa Mpoy 3:18
5 Verckys & Orchestre Veve – Marcello Tozongana 5:28
6 Franco & Tpok Jazz – Azda 7:31
7 Tabu Ley Rochereau & L'Afrisa International – Nakweyi Carreau 4:46
8 Sam Mangwana – Tchimurenga Zimbabwe 7:26
9 Tabu Ley Rochereau & Mbilia Bel – Eswi Yo Wapi 9:01
10 Franco & Tpok Jazz – Mujinga 10:33
11 Papa Noel – Bon Samaritain 6:31
12 Madilu System – Biya 7:29

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of South Africa (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:
1 Busi Mhlongo – Yehlisan'Umoya Ma-Afrika 5:24
2 Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens – Umuntu Ngumuntu 5:35
3 Chicco – Umagubane 5:01
4 Yvonne Chaka Chaka – UmQombothi 4:55
5 Soweto String Quartet – St Agnes And The Burning Train 2:43
6 Shiyani Ngcobo – Yekanini 4:30
7 Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks – Ndidiwe Zintaba 2:34
8 Mtabhane Ndima – Thandabantu 2:47
9 Soul Brothers – Mama Ka S'Bongile 3:22
10 Lesego Rampolokeng & The Kalahari Surfers – Blue V's 3:27
11 Lucky Dube – Crying Games 4:31
12 Oom Hansie – Waar's My Pyp 3:35
13 Nothembi – Akanamandl' Usathana 4:47
14 Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds – Mbube 2:43
15 Big Voice Jack – Tsi Tsi No1 3:29
16 Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Wawukhona Yini E New York 3:29

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music of South Africa (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Rough Guide to Music of South Africa spotlights one of the richest of all global music cultures -- newcomers to the genre will find much to savor among these 16 tracks. Highlights include Lucky Dube's "House of Exile," Miriam Makeba's "Inkomo Zodwa," the African Jazz Pioneers' "Jive Township" and Ladysmith Black Mambazo's "Kangivumanga." by Raymond McKinney
Tracklist:
1 Izingqungqulu Zomhlaba – Nigizongena Kanjani 5:12
Written By – M. Khumalo
2 Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens – Nyamphemphe 4:17
Written-By – Marks Mankwane, Marubini Jagome
3 Noise khanyile & The Jo'Burg City Stars – Groovin' Jive No. 1 8:09
Written-By – Noise khanyile
4 Lucky Dube – House Of Exile 3:25
Written-By – Lucky Dube
5 Yvonne Chaka Chaka – Motherland 4:52
Written-By – Attie Van Wyk, Sello Twala
6 Tebogo – My Kind Of Jazz 4:00
Written-By – Tebogo Lerole
7 Spokes Mashiyane – Meva 2:52
Written-By – Spokes Mashiyane
8 African Jazz Pioneers – Jive Township 4:01
Written-By – Albert Khumalo
9 The Elite Swingsters – Yaze Yangala 4:40
Written-By – George Mangxola
10 Bheki Mseleku – Celebration 7:50
Written-By – Bheki Mseleku
11 West Nkosi – Ungithatha Kanjani 4:19
Written-By – Hansford Mthembu, West Nkosi
12 Soul Brothers – Udlame 4:07
13 Boyoyo Boys – Tsotsi 2:33
Written-By – Petrus Maneli
14    Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks – Inkomo Zodwa 2:20
Written-By – Gibson Kente
15    Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds–    Mbube 2:42
Written-By – Solomon Linda
16 Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Kangivumanga 5:08
Written-By – Joseph Shabalala 

V.A. - The Rough Guide To Highlife (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In Ghana and Nigeria, highlife was one of the main popular musics of the 20th century, made for dancing. While this collection doesn't reach back to the very early days of highlife, it does cover a fair number of classic artists, including the great E.T. Mensah, acknowledged as the King of Highlife. Joe Mensah (no relation), offers a jazzier take on highlife with the lengthy "Bosoe." While essentially guitar music, saxophone is often featured, as in Celestine Ukwu's "Igede." The incessant groove swirls all through these tracks, about the only common denominator between the pieces and the times. Unfortunately, no dates are given for the tracks, with the exception of George Darko's "Hilife Time" from the '80s, where the rigid drum machine and keyboard work against the flow of the music rather than with it; this needs a human touch to make it real. More than half the tracks here are unavailable on either vinyl or CD, making this a treasure trove for anyone remotely interested in the percolating music. And the excellent sleeve notes give a short history of the style. by Chris Nickson
Tracklist:
1 Celestine Ukwu – Igede 4:04
2 Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe – Ka-Anyi Jikota 5:05
3 Jerry Hansen & The Ramblers Dance Band – Ekombi 3:10
4 Joe Mensah – Bosoe 9:34
5 Sir Victor Uwaifo – Guitar Boy 5:18
6 Nana Ampadu & The African Brothers – Bone Biara So Wo Akatua 4:22
7 Alex Konadu – Asare 4:56
8 Inyang Henshaw – Esonta 3:09
9 E.T. Mensah – Medzi Medzi 2:52
10 Victor Olaiya – Omo Pupa 2:46
11 King Onyina – Ohia Asoma Wo 2:44
12 Rex Lawson – Bere Bote 2:54
13 TO Jazz – Agyeman Baidoo 4:12
14 Orlando Julius – Binu Binu 2:52
15 George Darko – Hilife Time 6:07 

V.A. - The Rough Guide To African Disco (2013) 2xCD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Though the iconic imagery of the disco era feels distinctly tied to the United States, the style had a wide-reaching influence that made it all the way to Africa. While Africa was already no stranger to the pulsing rhythms of funk, Afro-beat, and highlife, the rise of disco added a slick sheen to the music, with musicians from all over the continent incorporating elements of the genre into their sounds. This era is the focus of The Rough Guide to African Disco. Delivering two discs of solid jams along with a liner-note essay that helps to contextualize the whole scene, the good people at World Music Network once again help to make the world a little bit smaller, and a whole lot funkier. by Gregory Heaney
Tracklist 1 :
1 Mixed Grill – A Brand New Wayo 4:59
2 Pat Thomas – Yesu San Bra 3:49
3 The Lijadu Sisters – Come On Home 5:14
4 Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens – Kazet 3:44
5 Yvonne Chaka Chaka – Kwedini 4:35
6 Sir Victor Uwaifo – Ohue (Frankie Francis & Simbad Edit) 5:35
Edited By – Frankie Francis, Simbad
7 Bibi Tanga & The Selenites – Be Africa 4:13
8 Manu Dibango – Yekey Tenge 5:55
9 Osibisa – Dance The Body Music 3:46
10 Mango Groove – Tsa-oo 4:13
11 Teaspoon & The Waves – Oh Yeh Soweto 4:12
12 Tony Allen & The Afro Messengers – Love Is A Natural Thing 9:06
13 Marumo – Toitoi 3:38
Tracklist 2 :
Bonus CD: Vincent Nguini And Maloko : Soul On FIre    
1 In The Midnight Hour (Medley I) 4:00
2 Stand By Me 3:20
3 Wonderful World 4:26
4 Words Of Love 2:37
5 In The Midnight Hour (Medley II) 4:22
6 Direct Me 5:49
7 Soul Man 3:43
8 Cold Sweat 5:02

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Ethiopia (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Taking something of a break from their usual tendency to take a wide range of music from an area, the folks at Rough Guide have this time around focused their attention in on only one major aspect of Ethiopian music: the 'swinging '60s''. Admittedly, this is by far the most important period in Ethiopian popular music, with everything since being shaped, in some part, by the stars of the day. The sound is entirely unique, much like the rest of the nation's identity. During this period of creative exploration, the sound of Addis Ababa's nightlife was cemented to some extent, making heavy use of atypical piano progressions by masters such as Alemayehu Eshete and Girma Bèyènè, and jumping, roving, off-balance but powerful horn arrangements (the brass section was just developed in the last century, after a gift from Russian tsars to the country's official bands around the turn of the century). Vocals cover the range from the same sort of roving aesthetic to the more popularized and somewhat more streamlined concepts of Mahmoud Ahmed. Somewhat more modern stars are also represented, hailing largely from the time of the 'Derg', under a Stalinist government -- Aster Aweke and Netsanet Mellesse both hail from this period, though their ultimate popularity has come afterward. Despite the lack of the more ancient sounds of Ethiopia (there is one piece played on the ancient begena here), it's an outstanding album, with an interesting focus on some of the slickest, jazziest, and yet most foreign-sounding music many Westerners are likely to hear. Give it a spin or two just for curiosity's sake, but keep listening to the hooks.by Adam Greenberg  
Tracklist:
1 Alèmayèhu Eshèté – Addis Ababa Bété 5:52
Written-By – Alèmayèhu Eshèté
2 Girma Bèyènè – Ené Nègn Bay Manèsh 4:02
Written-By – Gétatchèw Dègèfu
Written-By, Arranged By – Girma Bèyènè
3 Mogès Habté –    Altchalkum 6:17
Traditional
Arranged By – Mogès Habté
4 Netsanet Mèllèssè – Dodge 5:40
Arranged By – Yohannes Tèkolla
Written-By – Netsanet Mèllèssè
5 Wallias Band–    Muziqawi Silt 3:45
Written-By, Arranged By – Girma Bèyènè
6 Fanayé Tesfayé – Tchèwata 6:03
Lyrics By – Sosena Tadesse
Music By – Nega Addissu
7 Alèmu Aga – Selé Senè Seqlèt 3:58
Traditional
8 Aster Aweke – Y'Shebellu 7:27
Written-By – Aster Aweke
9 Yared Tèfèra – Antchi Hoyé Lèné 6:00
Traditional
Arranged By – Abegaz K. Shiota, Yared Tèfèra
10 Tlahoun Gèssèssè – Alegntayé 4:39
Arranged By – Mulatu Astatqé
Written-By – Ayaléw Abbèbè, Tesfaye Abbèbè
11 Mahmoud Ahmed – Bèmen Sèbèb Letlash 4:34
Written-By – Mahmoud Ahmed
12 Tèshomè Meteku – Hasabé 3:57
Arranged By – Mulatu Astatqé
Written-By – Mulatu Astatqé, Tèshomè Meteku
13 Mulatu Astatqé – Sabyé 5:27
Traditional
Arranged By – Mulatu Astatqé
14 Muluqèn Mèllèssè – Eté Endénèsh Gèdawo 4:15
Arranged By – The Equators
Written-By – Muluqèn Mèllèssè
15 Adanèh Tèka – Medley 2:41
Written-By – Adanèh Tèka

V.A. - The Rough Guide To West African Music (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

How do you try to capture the music of such a large, rich area as West Africa on one disc? The answer, of course, is that you can't, although this compilation does glide over some of the high spots -- but only some. So there are classic performances by Mali's Super Rail Band and Ali Farka Toure, plus Orchestra Baobob, revealing the influence Cuban music had on the nascent homegrown scenes in both Senegal and Mali. Altogether, it offers some semblance of a picture, fleshed out by the thrilling kora work of Toumani Diabate on "Djelika" and the south Mali wassoulou vocals of the excellent Oumou Sangare, who brings a rougher dimension to the proceedings. There's no Youssou N'Dour or Baaba Maal to show their stuff as Senegal's brightest stars (West Africa's biggest names, in fact), but Maal's sidekick, griot Mansour Seck, is represented. Perhaps one of the oddest choices is the inclusion of Dimi Mint Abba from Mauritania. Granted, she's the country's most famous singer, but there are others artists of greater stature from the region not included. E.T. Mensah is an astute pick for Ghanaian highlife, and Kante Manfila is probably a fair nominee for mande music. The real problem with this album isn't the music, which is glorious throughout, but the fact that it suffers from the size of its ambition and the inability to full realize it. Within a small range -- Ghana, Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania -- it does a partial job, but to call it a summing up of West African music is neither fair to the geographic area nor the listener. by Chris Nickson 
Tracklist:
1 Super Rail Band – Foliba 7:46
2 Toumani Diabate – Djelika 7:11
3 Ali Farka Toure – Roucky 8:15
4 Moussa Poussy – Toro 4:41
5 Sona Diabate – M'Bore 6:43
6 Oumou Sangare – Djama Kaissoumou 6:43
7 Bajourou – I Ka Di Nye 5:17
8 E.T. Mensah – 205 3:02
9 Orchestra Baobab – Utru Horas 8:39
10 Mansour Seck – Almamy Bocoum 4:54
11 Khalifa Ould Eide & Dimi Mint Abba – Mauritania My Beloved Country 3:29
12 Kante Manfila – Agne Anko 4:38

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Nigeria & Ghana (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It might be more apt to call this a guide to some of the musical styles of Nigeria and Ghana. While both highlife and juju are well represented, with the less conspicuous, very percussive Fuji genre evident in the track by Adewale Ayuba, something's missing -- Afro-beat. One can only assume the label couldn't license any tracks by Fela Kuti or his son, Femi; instead, the closest they've come is a cut by Fela's former drummer, Tony Allen. It's fabulous stuff, very cutting edge in its approach -- but it's not Afro-beat, which is arguably the most successful music to come out of the area. That said, the rest of the album is great, tracing juju from its pioneer, I.K. Dairo, to the man who brought it to the international stage, King Sunny Ade (and having an early-'80s cut, rather than something more familiar, proves to be an inspired idea, as you can see the succession from Dairo). And the highlife content from Ghana, often difficult to find in the West, is exemplary. The "King of Highlife," E.T. Mensah, offers "Day By Day," a classic cut, followed by the wonderful guitar player Eric Agyeman, who brought a Congolese rhythmic feel to the music, and then Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, whose Nigerian take on this Ghanaian music is much more percussive. So, in what it does cover, this compilation does a generally excellent job, although you have to wonder why modern artists like Lagbaja weren't included. And if you understand from the beginning that this is far from being a complete exercise, you won't be disappointed. But if you want the whole story, well, this just isn't it. by Chris Nickson  
Tracklist:
1 I.K. Dairo – Okin Omo Ni (The King Of The Children) 6:40
2 King Sunny Ade & His African Beats – Maa Jo 3:22
3 C.K. Mann - Funky Hi-Life 3:50
4 Tony Allen - Asiko 7:55
5 Captain Yaba – Neribalankina 6:15
6 Adewale Ayuba – Fuji Shuffle 5:56
7 E. K. Nyame – Bra Ohoho 3:01
8 Sir Victor Uwaifo – Joromi/Monkey Yanga 6:16
9 E.T. Mensah - Day By Day 2:41
10 Eric Agyeman – Matutu Mirika 6:18
11 Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe – Oyolima 8:41
12 Sweet Talks Featuring A.B. Crentsil – Fakye Me 5:19
13 Amanzeba Nat Brew – Baawo 7:09

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Zimbabwe (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Rough Guide to Music of Zimbabwe is an excellent introduction to the African nation's rich musical culture, assembling performances from its most notable artists. Highlights include Thomas Mapfumo's "Buka Tiende," the Bhundu Boys' "Pombi," Biggie Tembo's "Punza" and the Real Sounds' "Tornados vs. Dynamos." by Raymond McKinney
Tracklist:
1 Thomas Mapfumo And The Blacks Unlimited – Buka Tiende 5:04
Written-By – Thomas Mapfumo
2 Bhundu Boys – Pombi 5:08
Written By – Kangona
3 The Four Brothers – Vimbayi 8:46
Written-By – Marshall Munhumumwe
4 Stella Rambisai Chiweshe – Chigamba  7:58
Music By, Lyrics By – Stella Rambisai Chiweshe Nekati
5 Oliver Mtukudzi & The Black Spirits – Dai Ndiine Mukoma 6:44
Music, Lyrics By – Oliver Mtukudzi
6 Machanic Manyeruke & The Puritans – Kana Vatsvene Vopinda 3:48
Written-By – Machanic Manyeruke
7 Black Umfolosi – Ingoma Yakwethu (Catch Our Song) 5:04
Written By – Bornface Mlilo, Morgen Moyo
8 Biggie Tembo – Punza 5:34
Composed By, Arranged By – Biggie Tembo
9 The Mbira Masters Of Zimbabwe - Mhuri Yekwa Rwizi– Taireva 7:42
Composed By – B. Dyoko, C. Magaya, Hakurotwi Mude, T. Chawasarira
10 The Real Sounds – Tornados Vs. Dynamos (3-3) 13:25
Written-By – Ghaby Mutombo Suza

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Senegal & Gambia (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Like most of the Rough Guide series, this CD takes a well-rounded, all-encompassing look at the music of a particular region, but The Rough Guide to the Music of Senegal & Gambia stands out due in large part to the rich musical traditions of the region it covers. Even casual world music fans are familiar with the buoyant sounds of Senegalese singing sensations like Youssou N'Dour and Baaba Maal, while others like Cheikh Lo and Mansour Deck have achieved only slightly lesser international recognition. All those stars, and a few future ones, are covered on this 13-song compilation, which proves why the music of Senegal and Gambia has emerged as a worldwide favorite. by Bret Love
Tracklist:
1 Cheikh Lô – Jeuness Senegal 5:42
2 Assane Ndiaye & Le Raam Daan – Nguisstal 5:43
3 Baaba Maal & Mansour Seck– Loodo 6:08
4 Orchestra Baobab – Mouhamadou Bamba 6:32
5 Tata Dinding Jobarteh – Bitillo 5:21
6 Ifang Bondi – Salimata 4:08
7 Youssou N'Dour – Letter 4:13
8 Baaba Maal – Wango Arti 8:10
9 Dembo Konte & Kausu Kuyateh – Kairaba Jabi 4:23
10 Malang Mané – Diamano Bifoula/Hal Ma Ti Wouna 4:31
11 Ismaël Lô – Taar Doucey 5:40
12 Mass Lowe – Aminatta 4:19
13 Mansour Seck – Yelayo 5:12

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Kenya (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

No one's going to deny that the music of Kenya can be complex, drawing from many sources, but this compilation successfully and credibly reduces it to four main elements -- the home-grown, guitar and bass-driven benga sound, East African rhumba, which takes its inspiration from Congolese rhumba (which in turn is rooted in Cuban rhumba), the coastal Islamic taarab music, and some newer material which offers ideas ranging from updates of traditions to hip-hop. For Western listeners, the benga pieces are possibly the easiest on the ear, pulsing and rhythmic, with elastic basslines that curiously recall South Africa. It's infectious and very danceable, from the pioneering work of D.O. Misiani (who still presides over the genre), to singer Queen Jane. There's only one example of the rhumba style, which has mainly been the province of older musicians like the no longer extant Golden Sounds Band, whose "Hasidi Hana Sababu" is a prime example of the laid-back style. Rhumba does still exist in Kenya, but it's very much a dying art. That's not true for taarab, which is far more hypnotic, inflected with Arab and even Indian modes. Uniquely Swahili, it's most evident on the coast and in Zanzibar, and although it's most often heard at weddings, it's become a popular recorded music. Thankfully, a good portion of this CD is reserved for younger artists who are leading the way into the future. Nyota Ndogo, for instance, updates the taarab sound gorgeously, while Suzzana Owiyo proves to be a wonderful singer with a strong acoustic and traditional base to her music while still sounding contemporary. Gidi Gidi Maji Maji opt for hip-hop, and have become very popular in Kenya. However, the track included here seems to be nothing special, drawing more from America than anything at home. The excellent liner notes are succinct and straightforward, while still offering full explanations and background. by Chris Nickson  
Tracklist:
1 Queen Jane – Nduraga Ngwetereire 5:07
2 GidiGidi MajiMaji – Ting' Badi Malo 4:24
3 Nyota Ndogo – Chereko 3:14
4 Kakai Kilonzo – Mama Sofi, Pt. 2 3:58
5 Miraj Juma & Jauhar Orchestra – Muhogo 4:00
6 Suzzana Owíyo – Kisumu 100 6:31
7 Golden Sounds Band – Hasidi Hana Sababu 7:48
8 Yunasi – Yamala (Responsibility) 4:29
9 Daniel Owino Misiani & Shirati Jazz – Beatrice #4 7:19
10 Zuhura Swaleh & Mombasa Party – Tweta 4:41
11 Kakai Kilonzo – Mama Sofi, Pt. 1 5:09
12 Kenge Kenge Orutu Systems – Obura Jabilo 8:20 

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Kenya & Tanzania (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A strong sampling of the popular and traditional music of these East African coastal neighbors, this covers most of the waterfront, although at least three omissions are worth noting -- the great Hukwe Zawose from Tanzania, probably the country's greatest living traditional musician, singer Remmy Ongala, and Kenya's Ayub Ogada, who's gone on to become quite a name on the European world music circuit. Get past that, however, and there's plenty to go at. The Victoria Kings provide some driving benga music, perfectly typical of Kenya's most popular sound, while Simba Wanyika offers his personal take on the Swahili rumba he played for more than two decades. Singer Samba Mapangala has the title cut to his 1996 album Vunja Mifupa, with some fabulous guitar work and horns behind Kenya's greatest modern voice. From their own country, Mlimani Park Orchestra offer a quintessential Tanzanian dance music experience, with three guitars, horns, and some exquisite vocal harmonies propelling traditional melodies for an irresistible fusion. There's a strong Swahili culture (Taarab) across the countries, and stretching into Zanzibar, and this compilation does achieve balance by having that represented from the Culture Music Club (who do actually hail from Zanzibar) and Mombasa's Zein Musical Party. So while it may not be the all-inclusive album to do full justice to the region, it remains an excellent introduction, which was always the aim. by Chris Nickson  
Tracklist:
1 Simba Wanyika – Mwongele 5:28
2 Victoria Kings – V.B. Pod Wamol 4:55
3 Samba Mapangala – Vunja Mifupa 5:31
4 D.O. Misiani & Shirati Jazz – Piny Ose Mer 5:49
5 Abana Ba Nasery – Esiesi Siolle 5:19
6 Henry Makobi – Likuta Bibi 3:52
7 Ogwang Lelo Okoth With Paddy J. Onono – Jacob Omolo 3:53
8 The Master Musicians Of Tanzania – Tanzania Yetu 8:35
9 'Moheme' Dance Tanzania – Wagogo Initiation Dance 6:44
10 Milimani Park Orchestra – Edita 5:31
11 Juwata Jazz Band – Usia Kwa Watoto 6:30
12 Zein Musical Party – Mtindo Wa Mombasa 5:06
13 Culture Musical Club – Sibadili 4:51 

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Tanzania (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On the East African coast, Tanzania has recently emerged from State control of its music to much greater independence. These days, instead of one mainstream -- muziki wa dansi -- there are three, including the Arabic-sounding taarab and the younger bongo flava that includes singers like Saida Karoli. On Rough Guide to the Music of Tanzania, Karoli performs in a spare, acoustic setting. The disc includes the R&B (with local influence) of Dataz and the hip-hop of X Plastaz. What sticks in the mind for than anything else, however, are the bands like Ottu Jazz Band or the late Ndala Kasheba, whose 12-string guitar powered his band on music influenced by Congolese soukous. The taarab really stands alone, a style utterly apart, and quite beautiful in its ornamentation. Compiler Werner Graebner has included a pair of more traditional tracks, one from the Master Musicians of Tanzania, founded by the late, great Hukwe Zawose. by Chris Nickson
Tracklist:
1 Vijana Jazz Band – Tambiko 5:59
2 X Plastaz – Dunia Dudumizi 4:25
3 Saida Karoli–    Omukaile Kilinjwi 5:45
4 Ikhwani Safaa Musical Club – Vingaravyo 6:15
5 Mlimani Park Orchestra – Rehema 5:47
6 The Master Musicians Of Tanzania – Lukunzi 4:44
7 Mohammed Issa Matona – Msumeno 6:46
8 Ndala Kasheba – Nimlilie Nani? 5:27
9 Dataz – Mume Wa Mtu 4:33
10 Nia Safi & Imani Ngoma Group – Kibati 6:35
11 Ottu Jazz Band – Piga Ua 8:35

V.A. - The Rough Guide To African Music For Children (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Hallelujah! Finally an album for children that doesn't talk down to them. That could just be because the music here was selected by kids, who obviously have better taste than most adults -- and certainly more adventurous. A disc that ranges from the electro roots of Mali's Issa Bagoyogo, through JJC & 419 Squad's rap, to the glorious Zulu harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, is definitely doing something right. The disc also spans the continent very well, with some great sounds from Ethiopia, Nigeria (a smoking track from drummer Tony Allen), South African, and even the all too often ignored Mozambique. To anyone interested in music, every track is a killer, too, often pushing at envelopes, like the hip-hop of Tanzania's X Plastaz with "Kutesa Kwa Zamu" or the mix of Congolese soukous with Zimbabwean chimurenga that earmarks "Tornadoes vs Dynamos (3-3)" by Real Sounds, which also brings in the pan-African passion for soccer. This disc serves as a very strong reminder that kids don't need things simplified. They can enjoy good music every bit as much as adults, and with just as much variety -- certainly without the twee quality that characterizes so much children's music. Listen by yourself or with your kids; either way you'll love it. by Chris Nickson  
Tracklist:
1 Issa Bagayogo – Tounga 3:22
Written-By – I. Bagayogo, M. Kone, Y. Wernert
2 Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca – Nono Femineh 5:40
Written-By – Ricardo Lemvo
3 Mory Kanté – Mama 5:03
Written-By – Mory Kanté
4 Tony Allen & Tweak – Leroy 5:47
Written-By – Cyril Boehler, Tony Allen
5 Alèmayèhu Eshèté & Shèbèlé's Band – Tashamanalètch 4:06
Written-By – Alèmayèhu Eshèté
6 Kakai Kilonzo – Baba Mkwe Pt 1 4:54
Written-By – Kakai Kilonzo
7 X Plastaz – Kutesa Kwa Zamu 4:14
Music By – P. Mathijse
Words By – X Plastaz
8 Real Sounds – Tornados Vs Dynamos (3-3) 13:24
9 JJC & 419 Squad Feat. Cherise – Atide (We R Here) 3:50
Written-By – A. Bello
10 Mahotella Queens – Mbube (The Lion) 3:30
11 Mabulu – Bula Bula 3:40
Written-By – Joaquim Diamande
12 Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Inkanyezi Nezazi (A Star And The Wiseman)    4:48

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Morocco (2004) Mp3

Given the diversity and relative success of Moroccan music in recent years, it's something of a surprise that it took the folks at Rough Guide this long to put together a compilation. That said, this one was probably worth the wait. The single-disc compilation makes a run through the majority of the major forms of Moroccan music in vogue currently, with some omissions and some extra attention here and there as needed. It opens up with a contemporary version of the classic Gnawa forms that will play a prominent role in the album (as they do in Moroccan music in general). Quickly following is a track from the classic Jil Jilala troupe, fusing Gnawa with the poetic melhoun tradition and some contemporary chaabi pop from Najm el Fara Essafi. The girls of Bnet Marrakech contribute a heavy-duty thumping Berber groove, followed immediately by the more relaxed (and far more sophisticated) melhoun singing of Mohamed Amenzou. After a lengthy spoken word introduction, the "Rolling Stones of North Africa" Nass el Ghiwane provide one of their classic 1970s politically infused Gnawa tracks to center the album between the old and new rather symbolically. Expatriate Emil Zrihan follows with a moving song from the Andalusian traditions prior to the reconquista of Spain and the much later return of Jews to the Middle East after WWII, and Dar Gnawa show off the latest and greatest in their own looping style of Moroccan rap, a fusionary, multilingual form of the youth that's been gaining ground very quickly in recent years. Fatna Bent el Houcine is added in here as a display of the powerful female al aita singers, and the contemporary Gnawa fusionist Hassan Hakmoun makes the most obvious bridge between old and new, with a use of minors that almost makes the track sound like rai for short periods. Finally, the album completes with another chaabi star in Mustapha Bourgogne, who combines his violin with his somewhat thin vocals to create a sturdy dance beat for the masses. Given the diversity of Moroccan music, this compilation does an admirable job of including all of the major forms, and perhaps even more importantly, the interweaving of the various traditional forms, as al aita and chaabi intermingle a bit, and Gnawa ideas infuse seemingly everything else. Moroccan music deserves the acclaim it's been receiving in the past few decades, and this album pays a fine tribute to its power and emotion. by Adam Greenberg  
Tracklist:
1 Nass Marrakech – Zeye Meyel 6:03
2 Jil Jilala – Baba Aadi 6:56
3 Najm El Farah Essafi – Bay-Bay 6:18
4 BNet Marrakech – Leilaa Lill 6:56
5 Mohamed Amenzou – Touria 6:45
6 Nass El Ghiwane – Mahmouna 8:49
7 Emil Zrihan – Yedidim Hiou Zehirim 5:43
8 U-Cef feat. Dar Gnawa – Hijra (Trad. Mix) 5:29
9 Fatna Bent El Houcine with Ouled Ben Aguida – Taala Fine Ghadi 4:45
10 Hassan Hakmoun – Lela Aisha 6:05
11 Mustapha Bourgogne – Khaliou Loudid Lamimtou 6:59

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Morocco (2012) 2xCD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist 1 :
1 Fnaïre Feat. Salah Edin – Sah Raoui 4:17
2 Compagnies Musicales Du Tafilalet – Compagnie El Hamri/Ya Rijal L'bled 8:26
3 Amira Saqati – El Aloua 5:19
4 Les Imazighen – Iberdane 6:48
5 U-Cef – Boolandrix 5:17
6 Lemchaheb – Moulana (Notre Chant) 5:21
7 Maalem Said Damir & Gnawa Allstars – Bania Bambara 7:20
8 H-Kayne – Jil Jdid 4:34
9 Samy Elmaghribi – Mal Hbibi Malou 6:06
10 Mazagan – Ya Labess 3:55
11 Master Musicians Of Joujouka – Mali Mal Hal M'Halmaz 5:47
Tracklist 2 :
Bonus CD: Tajine Electrik    
1 Groupe Mazagan– Abdelillah 3:55
Written-By – Mazagan
2 Groupe Mazagan Feat. Outlandish – Ayli Ayli 4:24
Traditional
Arranged By – Mazagan, Outlandish
3 Groupe Mazagan – La Vignette 4:19
Written-By – Mazagan
4 Groupe Mazagan – Atay 3:48
Written-By – Mazagan
5 Groupe Mazagan And Hamid El Kasri – Yah Sidi Chafi (Duo) 4:08
Written-By – Mazagan, Hamid El Kasri
6 Groupe Mazagan – Allah Allah 3:07
Written-By – Mazagan
7 Groupe Mazagan – Sogui Belati 4:12
Written-By – Talbi One
8 Groupe Mazagan – Salamo Salam 3:36
Written-By – Mazagan
9 Groupe Mazagan – Asmae Allah 2:15
Written-By – Mazagan
10 Groupe Mazagan – Instrumental 3:06
Written-By – Mazagan
11 Groupe Mazagan – Ayli Ayli (Solo) 4:14
Traditional
Arranged By – Mazagan

SECKOU KEITA - 22 Strings (2015) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The sixth album from acclaimed Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita follows his 2013 collaboration with Welsh harpist Catrin Finch. As lovely as the classical concert harp is, its more rustic African cousin, the kora, is capable of producing a surprisingly large range of notes, tones, and timbres, and Keita shows his mastery of it here on this beautifully meditative, almost entirely solo recording. The album's liner notes describe the introduction of the 22-string kora to the griot Jali Mady 'Wulung' by the African bush spirits many centuries ago. So beloved was Jali Mady that upon his death, his fellow griots removed one string from the kora, and in most parts of Africa, the instrument is now played with only 21 strings. However, in southern Senegal and Guinea Bissau where the kora originates, the 22-string kora is still in use and that is the instrument heard on this enchanting and complex album. A mix of instrumental and vocal pieces, tracks like "Mandé," with its crystalline arpeggios and rich harmonies, show Keita's impressive ability to both thrill and sooth, often within moments of each other. "N'doké" effuses a warm joyfulness, while another highlight, the mysterious "If I Only Knew," walks a darker, more thoughtful path. An utterly graceful collection, 22 Strings is Seckou Keita at his unadorned best. by Timothy Monger  

CATRIN FINCH / SECKOU KEITA - Clychau Dibon (2014) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless