Afropop Worldwide

Nestled between Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria, Benin is a rich sliver of West Africa too often overlooked. This program puts Afropop's spotlight on Benin, starting with the country's favorite daughter. International star Angelique Kidjo looks back on her musical education in the Benin capital, Cotonou, as she walks us through the songs on her album Oyo, which spans covers of songs by James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Miriam Makeba, and Benin's own Bella Bellow. We meet the 70s "vodoun funk" band Orchestre Poly-Rythmo, who are still going strong, and recently made their belated US debut. We move forward to present a chat with Lionel Loueke, a Beninois guitarist who has moved on to become one of the most original voices in contemporary American jazz. The program ends with a remembrance of the brilliant Malian guitarist and singer Lobi Traore. APWW PGM #594 Originally aired in 2010

Brenda Berrien, a professor and scholar of French-Caribbean music, dives deep into the rich musical heritage of Martinique and Guadeloupe. She explores how traditional rhythms like gwo ka and bélé interact with European influences in the formation of the zouk genre. Brenda highlights the rise of influential artists like Malavoi and Kassav', and the role of women like Jocelyne Béroard in shaping Zouk. She also discusses the complexities of identity, urban vs. rural sounds, and how contemporary musicians embrace roots while critiquing colonial ties.

Ezra Koenig, lead singer of Vampire Weekend, shares insights into the band's eclectic sound and African influences. He discusses the intertwining of reggaeton and Afrobeat rhythms in their music, highlighting their roots in diverse cultures. The conversation reveals how the 2000s marked a transformative era in African diaspora music, with bold ideas sparking new genres. Koenig also touches on a remix that emphasizes these African elements, showcasing the vibrant connections between indie rock and global sounds.

Join Rabbi Jeffrey A. Summit, an ethnomusicologist from Tufts, and Gershom Sizomu, spiritual leader of the Abayudaya community, as they delve into the rich tapestry of sub-Saharan African Jewish history and music. They reveal the fascinating origins of the Abayudaya and their unique blend of local drumming with Jewish songs. The podcast also explores the resilience of these communities under colonialism, their revival post-Amin, and how contemporary music is reaching global audiences, including a Grammy nomination.

In hard times and boom times, people in Ghana know how to party. In this program, we hear regional pop and neo-traditional music at festivals, funerals and community celebrations across the county. We travel to the lush south-east Volta region to hear Ewe borborbor, agbadza and brass band music. In the northern city of Tamale, we hear Dagbani traditional music, hip-hop and pop, and visit the vibrant Damba chieftaincy festival in nearby Yendi. And back in the bustling metropolis, Accra, there’s new trend moving hips: classic highlife, with a new pop flavor. Produced by Morgan Greenstreet APWW #745

Tarab, the ecstatic feeling associated with listening to and playing great music, is a fundamental characteristic in many varieties of Arab music. In this program, we explore tarab with special guest UCLA ethnomusicology professor A.J. Racy. Racy draws on his lifelong study of music and musicians, and also his insights as a virtuoso performer on the nay flute and the buzuq. Racy guides us through the experiences of listeners and players, providing deep insight into many varieties of tarab. We hear works by A.J. Racy, Sabah Fakhri and Ensemble Al-Kindi of Syria.

Megwen Loveless, a scholarly researcher specializing in forró music, shares her insights about Luiz Gonzaga, the pioneering figure of baião. She discusses Gonzaga's early life and his rise to fame in Rio, showcasing his unique blend of regional sounds that resonated with audiences. The podcast highlights Gonzaga's relationship with folklore, his impactful songwriting with Humberto Teixeira, and the themes of longing and nostalgia present in his music. Loveless connects his legacy to the modern revival of forró, illustrating its significance in Brazilian culture today.

The massive Niger River Delta is a fantastically rich cultural region and ecosystem. Unfortunately, it has been laid low by the brutal Biafran War (1967-70) and by decades of destructive and mismanaged oil exploration. This program offers a portrait of the region in two stories. First, we chronicle the Biafran War through the timeless highlife music of Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, perhaps the most popular musician in Nigeria at the time. Then we spend time with contemporary musical activists in Port Harcourt’s waterfront communities and in oil-ravaged Ogoniland to hear how music is providing hope for these profoundly challenged communities. The program features new and classic music, the words of Nigerian scholars, musicians, activists and veterans of the Biafran War, concluding with an inspiring live highlife concert on the Port Harcourt waterfront in which rappers and highlife graybeards come together to imagine a better road ahead. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #754

Salegy may be the most popular dance music of Madagascar. It’s a churning, harmonious groove with spine-stiffening vocal harmonies that emerged from towns and cities of northern Madagascar in the mid-20th century. On a trip to Diego Suarez, we learn that salegy’s older origins are both fascinating and mysterious. We meet young salegy stars Ali Mourad and Jacs, and speak with the genre’s reigning legend, Jaojoby, on the roof of his nightclub in Antananarivo. Along the way we visit a music school in Diego and hear blazing guitar riffs and get a fingerpicking tour of the entire island from guitar maestro Hajazz. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #698

Stanley Jacobs, a Crucian flute player and leader of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, joins Dimitri (Pikey) Copeman, saxophonist and leader of the Renaissance Band. They explore the vibrant tradition of Quelbe music from St. Croix, discussing its energetic sound and cultural significance. Jacobs shares stories about preserving Quelbe's heritage, while Copeman details his work documenting songs and interviewing elders. They emphasize the importance of teaching Quelbe in schools, ensuring that future generations experience this rich, lively musical tradition.