August 23, 2006

Afropop Woldwide’s program Zambia: Rumba Roots to R&B Renaissance is our first full hour show on the music of the southern African nation.  As such we’ve put together a rich selection of web offerings for those keen to learn more about Zambia and its music.  First, we’ve added Zambia to our database with a new background essay and an extensive discography. 

We also have two extensive new interviews:

Chisha Folotiya is the founder of Mondo Music, the record label that has revitalized Zambia’s music industry since 1999.  He offers frank impressions on the history and state of music in Zambia.

Michael Baird is the founder of Sharp Wood Productions, the source of an amazing, 21-CD compilation of recordings from the archives of Hugh Tracey’s ILAM (International Library of African Music) in South Africa.  Michael has also compiled excellent CDs of Zambian classic hits, and released his own field recordings from the country.  He reflects on all this and more.

Buying Zambian Music

For starters, you can buy Zambian music MP3 downloads from the Afropop Shop.  Search on "Zambia."

You can find additional Zambian downloads at Mondo Music’s CD store, www.shop.mondomusic.co.zm and CDs at Sternsmusic.com, and CDbaby.com. 

Also visit the sites of Mondo Music, and Sharp Wood Productions (SWP Records). and Zammo Records.   

Enjoy the Zambian beats, and let us know what you think!