Afropop Worldwide

Dear Afropop Fans,

Season’s greetings, and warm thanks to you this holiday season.

As we look back on 2025, it has been a year defined by both challenge and innovation for Afropop Worldwide. I want to begin by thanking everyone who has contributed to our critical Year-End Appeal. To date, we have raised $80,000 toward our $100,000 goal. With just four days remaining, we ask for your help in closing the gap. Your tax-deductible contribution will directly fuel our programming in 2026.

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Despite the loss of Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) funding in 2025, we were fortunate that our public radio partners stood by us. Afropop Worldwide continues to air on more than 110 stations nationwide, including outlets in Mississippi, Vermont, Montana, upstate New York, and New Mexico. This continued support is a powerful testament to the value the public radio system places in our work.

Among the 2025 Afropop Worldwide programs, some personal favorites include Tarab: The Art of Ecstasy in Arab Music, Luiz Gonzaga: The King of Baião, and Quelbe: Hidden Treasure of the Caribbean.

Innovation was also a major focus this year, particularly with the expansion of our Instagram presence. Popular features included posts spotlighting Wassoulou women singers in Mali and a deep dive into the donkey jawbone percussion instrument used in Afro-Peruvian music. Who would have guessed that the mesmerizing rattle of a donkey jawbone would so completely captivate our audience?

Later in the year, we launched our Afropop Living Room Sessions, filmed in our home studio in Middletown, Connecticut. Featured artists so far include the superb Senegalese percussionist Aba Diop with the Yermande Family, as well as a newly recorded session with the Ghana-rooted Kotoko Brass, joined by special guest Mohamed Alidu from Tamale on vocals and talking drum. Look for Kotoko video highlights in January.

Our Afropop New Tracks playlist, curated by Senior Producer Banning Eyre, also received an enthusiastic response. Expect many more playlists spotlighting the coolest new sounds in 2026.

Coming in 2026

Looking ahead, 2026 will bring more Instagram features, more Afropop Living Room Sessions, and, of course, more Afropop Worldwide radio programs. As always, we will honor Black History Month with African American–focused programming. Our upcoming lineup includes:

• The Harlem Renaissance, a vibrant exploration of jazz and blues from Harlem’s creative explosion of the 1920s
• Escaping the Delta, featuring acclaimed author Elijah Wald and lesser-known Delta blues artists
• Gospel Live: From South Africa to Alabama, with joyful live recordings from Ladysmith Black Mambazo and leading gospel groups recorded in Bessemer, Alabama
• Midwest Electric: The Story of Chicago House and Detroit Techno, a deep dive for dance music historians into a frequently overlooked legacy

Senegal: A Major Focus

Senegal will be a major focus for Afropop Worldwide in 2026. It is one of our favorite African countries, and Dakar stands among the world’s most exciting musical cities, as well as a cultural and intellectual powerhouse in West Africa. Over the years, we have featured many of Senegal’s world-class artists, including Youssou N’Dour, Baaba Maal, Cheikh Lô, and Thione Seck.

In February 2026, Senior Producer Banning Eyre and I will travel to Senegal to research the current music scene, where as many as 25 concerts can take place on a single Saturday night. This trip will help prepare us for our Afropop Music and Culture Tour, scheduled for January 25–February 10, 2027. Participants will connect with leading artists, experience Dakar’s exceptional nightlife, and explore traditional music in the countryside. Interest is already strong, and space will be limited.

Introducing Afropop Ambassadors

Finally, in 2026 we will launch a new initiative called Afropop Ambassadors. Ambassadors will be grassroots supporters who actively help spread the word about Afropop Worldwide. They will share our work on social media, attend African music concerts in their communities, sign up fellow fans for our e-newsletters, and organize Afropop-focused gatherings such as listening parties, bar meetups, or festival outings. Other ideas are welcome. Benefits may include access to free concert tickets.

Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year, and thank you for your continued support.

All the best,
Sean