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Southern Africa Sounds from South Africa and Zimbabwe, two of the leaders in Southern Africa's music scene. The diversity of this part of the continent is as incredible as you'd expect--in this audio stream, you'll hear everything from traditional mbira music to modern-day jazz and pop to politically charged tunes. For sounds from Madagascar, check out our Madagascar Audio Stream.

Singing the Situation: Zimbabwe 2001 As Zimbabwe teeters on the brink of disaster, the country's singers are more and more willing to give voice to peoples' pain and frustration. This program takes stock of the courage and limitations inherent in contemporary Zimbabwean political song.

Program Log: Rappers in Zimbabwe embrace the freedom provided by the up and coming record company, Shamiso Records. The music of Mad Flava. Oliver Mutikutsi.is interviewed. He discusses the difficulty of speaking freely in the context of today's political climate in Zimbabwe. Andy Brown and his wife Chiwoniso have also run into trouble for political content in their music and we here Andy's side of the story. Georges then talks with Tendai Gahamadze, leader of the Mbira group, Dzenharira. Hard times in Zimbabwe is the common theme uniting many young musicians in Zimbabwe. Leonard Zhakata is yet another artist who got in trouble for the political message in his work.

Southern Africa at the Crossroads A new generation is coming up in this dynamic, stressed region of the continent. International sounds are mixing with local music traditions. We sample the latest political pop from Zimbabwe, kwaito from urban South Africa, and rap marabenta from Mozambique.

Program Log: A brief portion of a Daddy Zemus song, followed by a brief summary of the current political situation in Southern Africa. Then, a song by Zambian artists Uweka Stars. A song by Chilu Lemba, followed by a song by Serious K. More background information on the Chilu Lemba song. Then, an introduction to and a song by the new group Mabulu, whose members span several generations. After that, songs by the popular group Kapa Dech. A summary of the political situation in Zimbabwae, including Thomas Mapfumo's views on the subject. We hear two songs by Mapfumo that have been banned by Zimbabwe's current government. A brief history of South African music and radio. Then, a song by Hilda Tloubatla from the recently released 10-CD set of apartheid-era South African music. Tloubatla then talks about her musical past and present, and we hear song by her band, the Mahotella Queens. Quotes by the CEO and A&R man at Primedia Records about kwaito music and the musical melting pot in South Africa. Then, a song by Kabelo, who incorporates American hip-hop influences into his kwaito sound.

The Soul Of Mbira Over 25 years ago the seminal recording "Soul of Mbira," turned many music lovers on to the beautiful sound of the mbira (thumb piano) from Zimbabwe. The principals from that project, including Paul Berliner, reunite for a live concert. Conversations with Berliner and his Zimbabawe compadres. Here's a highly selected list of recordings of mbira music. With the mbira community growing as it is, there are many more locally produced recordings. Feel free to tell us about your favorites.

Program Log: Ancient prophesies, war and peace, racial healing, cultural drift and communion with ancestors. In 1976, Zimbabwaeans were fighting for the liberation struggle. Paul Berliner's The Soul of Mbira, and its celebration of the Shona music's sacred traditions. Paul Berliner talks about organizing a Mbira tour, which would be a "bridge between music cultures." Shona tradition and ancestral spirits. Prophesies of peace between races, and its fulfillment by musicians. Spirit possession, and Moude's experiences as a child and his encounters with musicians. Kosmas became a star player and eventually taught Paul Berliner. Beuller Dyoko tells her story, and how she came to the mbira (with some help from the spirit world.) The spirits' prophesy, that foreigners would bring peace by coming and learning to play Mbira, works in strange ways. Chris Berry talks about how he came to Shona music. The various Mbira groups and the "epidemic" of Mbira. Thomas Mapfumo and his Mbira Pop Music. The various Mbira groups and the "epidemic" of Mbira. Thomas Mapfumo and his Mbira Pop Music.

South African Jazz Revival We examine the revival of South African Jazz after its thirty-year disappearance due to social and political forces. The returns of great artists such as Miriam Makeba and Dorothy Masuka from exile were major forces in igniting the revival. This stream features music of the past and present as we examine South African jazz before and after its return from obscurity.

Program Log: A look at South African jazz from classic recordings to modern day musicians. We start with the Elite Swingsters Mirabi is a fusion of indigenous music and American big band jazz. One of its founders, tenor saxophonist and composer Ntemi Piliso is interviewed by Georges. We hear from his group, the Alexandra All-Stars, from a fifties recording. Two versions of one of Endemi's most famous tunes; one played thirty years ago, and one played with his current band Dolly Rathebe was the first of the South African jazz divas. She talks about her influences. We hear a recording from her prime. More comments and music by Dolly Rathebe. Dorothy Masuka, another diva from the 50s was forced out of South Africa due to the political nature of her music. We get the story behind one of her biggest hits. Dorothy Masuka talks about how important music is to her. Miriam Makeba is the most famous singer from South Africa. We hear an early recording of Miriam with the Manhattan Brothers. Makeba like Masuka were exiled from South Africa for three decades. We hear a track from Makeba's latest album. Peter Makonotela, famous saxophonist, composer and bandleader, talks about one of his famous compositions. Makonotela's current band is the Elite Swingsters. Makonotela talks about the ambiance of live jazz music in South Africa. We hear a live recording of the Elite Swingsters.

South African Update 1995 Georges Collinet brings us the latest from South Africa including some world premiers! This stream presents a wide variety of South Africa's best; from jazz to pop to reggae and beyond.

Program Log: We start off this segment with The Jazz Pioneers with guest stars Nico Carstens and Ntemi Piliso. Music from Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens. Chico, one of South Africa's biggest pop stars and one of his newest songs. An interview with Lucky Dube who has recently come out with his first album since the end of Apartheid. He talks about the political situation in South Africa. Music from the popular group, Urban Creek The Elite Swingsters with Dolly Rathebe perform a medley from some of their greatest hits.

Music and Culture in the New South Africa (1994) May 10, 1994 was a landmark day in South Africa, as Nelson Mandela's government took over rule of the country after decades of apartheid. We speak with important musicians about what has and has not changed in the new South Africa.

Program Log: We begin with the sounds of praise-singers as Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as president of South Africa. We hear from, and speak with, Mzwakhe Mbuli. Mzwakhe also has been critical of some of the new government's policies concerning local musicians and the lack of local content on South African radio. We speak with another musical star, Ray Phiri, who addresses other issues pertaining to music and society in general. Ray expresses hope that people will take on the "responsibility of democracy". Some whites' apprehension to the new government has been fodder for political cartoons, social commentary, humor, and of course music. Johhny Clegg, famous for his work with the band Jujuka, has always been outspoken about issues in his country. We speak to Johnny about the current situation. He talks about the dual feelings of relief and anxiety among the people, and of the movement in music and other cultural aspects to move back in the direction of "traditional" things. For many migrant workers around the country, traditional music styles provide a reassuring link to their homes. We speak to Chabu Kanile from the group Bayete, who stresses the importance of retaining one's roots and identity. Reggae, dancehall, and dub are just some of the styles popular in South African dance clubs. Brenda Fassie is a popular South African artist incorporating some of these styles into her music. Reggae, dancehall, and dub are just some of the styles popular in South African dance clubs. Brenda Fassie is a popular South African artist incorporating some of these styles into her music.

What's the word from Johannesburg? Georges Collinet, even with a pinched nerve due to excessive dancing, takes us inside the music scene in Johannesburg, South Africa. Now that South African radio stations are required to present at least 20% National music, a door has finally creaked open for local talent. Georges brings us some of the most recent gems from the Johannesburg scene.

Program Log: Georges, with herniated disks, greets us from his bed. We start off with the Elite Swingsters and Dolly Rathebe. South Africa is finally starting to play its own music on the radio giving local musicians the chance for more exposure. We hear from the Soul Brothers in their latest release Kanda Bongo Man followed by a collaborative effort from Sipho Gumede, Moses Molelekwa and Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira. Multi-talented Nothembi Mkhwebane and her traditional South African music. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has opened up South African a cappella music to an international audience. The Kingstar Brothers sing in the same style, here is an example of their work