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Classic Streams
on Afropop Worldwide
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Afropop Hip Deep Series
Modern-Day Griots, Pop Culture Scholars, and Ecstatic Music: Afropop Worldwide Wades Hip Deep into Profound History. Programs in this stream include a fascinating "The Musical Legacy of Al-Andalus, pt. 1: Europe" about the period from 711 to 1492 when Muslims, Christians and Jews built a cosmopolitan civilization in Spain; the Liberation of the Drum in Cuba sixty years ago; a Bembeya Jazz retrospective, and more.
Hip Deep taps into renewed public interest in history, an emerging wave of pop culture scholars, and the best production techniques available to radio. Now, Hip Deep shifts the focus to the often-untold histories behind the dance crazes, love songs, and myriad grooves that Africans have helped to create around the world.
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The Musical Legacy of Al Andalus, Part 1: Europe
The 700-year period of Muslim courts and conquerors in Medieval Spain (711-1492) leaves behind many mysteries. In the first of a three-part look at the musical legacy of Andalusia, this program presents period recreations of medieval Spanish music and considers the lasting influences the era would have on Europe. This program takes a provocative look at instruments--the lute and the violin--at the tradition of troubadours, European poetry and vocal styles, and much more, all informed by the insights of Al-Andalus scholar Dwight Reynolds (University of California, Santa Barbara). Many enigmas remain, but you may never hear European music in quite the same way after this venture into the heritage of Al-Andalus. This is part of Afropop Worldwide's "Hip Deep" series exploring the historical roots of musical cultures of the Afro-Atlantic world. Produced by Banning Eyre.
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The Liberation of the Drum (1937-1945)
Spotlights a crucial period in the formation of modern Cuban music. During this time the conga drum - which had previously been prohibited in public places where whites went - took its place in the popular Cuban dance band. It was the era that saw the emergence of Miguelito Valdés, possibly the most important Cuban vocalist of the century; Arsenio Rodríguez, the great Congo-descended innovator; and Arcaño y Sus Maravillas, with Cachao on bass, who began to play ritmo nuevo - new rhythm - and invented something they called "mambo". With guest co-hosting and produced by Ned Sublette, author of the critically acclaimed Cuba and Its Music: From the First Drums to the Mambo, with the participation of experts in the field, as part of Afropop Worldwide's "Hip Deep" series.
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The Story of Bembeya Jazz
Guinea's legendary dance band, Bembeya Jazz, are a pillar of modern West African history. Begun in 1961 in the flush of Guinea's independence and Sekou Toure's maverick presidency, the band played under the inspired leadership of guitar giant Sekou "Bembeya" Diabate. This program delves into Bembeya history with a focus on the band's 60s and 70s heyday, right up to recent solo work by Sekou Diabate. In the current age of hip hop and digital production that is helping to supplant dance bands across the continent, Bembeya's music stands the test of time for its rich mesh of tradition and swing band drive.
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Tarab, the Art of Ecstasy in Arab Music
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, the great Egyptian singer Uum Kalthoum, and many others. Produced by Banning Eyre.
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Carnival Reflections 2004
We make our annual trek to Port of Spain, Trinidad to enjoy highlights from the annual pre-Lenten extravaganza of music, street theater, social commentary, and scandal. This year's report is part of APWW's new "Hip Deep" series. Joining Georges Collinet as guest co-hosts out of Trinidad are writer Debbie Jacob and engineer/producer Robin Foster. Music and reflections from the new generation of composers/singers who took this year's carnival by storm--Machal Montono, Maximus Den--as well as veteran calypsonian Shadow, who at 62 is still going strong, commanding the respect of the youth and the older generation, as well as 63 year old Black Stalin whose collaboration, "Love Fire," with Machal Montono was a hit this year. Produced by Sean Barlow.
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