http://www.kasiisiproject.org/playlists/AfricaJune2006.htm

1. Mamelang (South Africa) - Isikhathi - 4:04
"Isikhathi" is Zulu for "time". This mixed vocal group from South Africa includes two British instrumentalists. From the liner notes to their album 'Zulu Heartbeat' from which this song comes: "The voices of the Zulu people are calling to you. Songs of life and a new future uplift the spirits with the power and light of a new African dawn. With lyrics sung in the language of the homelands by some of it's leading vocalists and music by respected composer and musician Simon Zagorski-Thomas, together they create a heartbeat for a new Africa. The music they make carries more than a Zulu Heartbeat, if we listen; it carries a universal message of hope for us all."

2. Bola Abimbola (Nigeria) - Olowo - 5:39
The song title means "Rich People" and the theme is the dominance of rich over poor in the world (more). After a musical childhood and youth in Nigeria, Bola emigrated to the US. He now lives in Atlanta and Denver. His music, however, remains completely Nigerian. He has performed in the past with Ali Farka Toure and King Sunny Ade. Bola launched his excellent new website in June 2006.

3. Boubacar Traore (Mali) - Kar Kar, Vincent - 5:22
"Kar kar" comes from the Mali for "dribble, dribble" in soccer. Boubacar was an excellent footballer many years ago. He became a musical star in Mali in the 1960s. Here is a profile.

4. Idrissa Soumaoro (Mali) - Cherie - 5:15
Also known as Köte, Soumaoro has invented his own distinctive style of music, of which this cut is representative. More.

5. Alpha Yaya Diallo (Guinea) - Debo - 3:53
Like many African artists whose music can be found in the West, Diallo lives in North America, in Vancouver BC. Here is a detailed biography and discography.

6. Pierre Akendengué (Gabon) - Evo - 3:03
Pierre Akendengué was born in the 1940s. He has his PhD in psychology from a French university. He sings in his native Gabonian language Myéné. Detailed biography.

7. Rasha (Sudan) - Aquis Mahasnik Biman - 3:24
Here is Rasha's artist page. From this page: "Her fabulous debut 'Sudaniyat' took the singer and songwriter Rasha (from Sudan) right to the center of attention throughout the scene: Not only did the album march right up to the top positions of the European World Music Charts; subsequently her songs were much wanted for world- music-compilations everywhere in the world ... Rasha's music melds elements of arabian-african and afro-cuban origin with influences from Jazz, Soul, Funk, Blues and Reggae."

8. Zuba (Liberia, Uganda, Scotland) - Mes Fantômes - 5:07
Zuba's vocalists are mainly from Liberia and Uganda, while their instrumentalists are mainly from Scotland and France. They work out of Glasgow. Profile.

9. Dama Mahaleo (Madagascar) - Tambitamby - 3:25
Wonderful guitar playing from an artist who mostly sings. His early work with D'Gary on the album "The Long Way Home" is striking. Here is an excellent biography.

10. Henri Dikongue (Cameroon) - Ndol'asu - 5:48
This lively song differs from Henri's often quiet vocals. Here is an interview with him.

11. Tarika (Madagascar) - Taraina - 5:05
Tarika has been the pre-eminent internationally known popular group in Madagascar for 15 to 20 years. Their range is remarkable.

12. Ali Farka Toure (Mali) - Hawa Dolo - 5:46
Ali Farka Toure passed away in March 2006 aged about 67. He was a true giant in world music for most of his life. A fine Wikipedia article.