Afropop Classic December 28, 2023
Randy Weston, a jazz icon, uniquely embraced and delved into the profound ties between American music roots and African heritage, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer who passionately bridged cultures and musical traditions.
Planet Afropop December 27, 2023
Planet Afropop closes out 2023, focusing on celebratory music from the Democratic Republic of Congo. First, Mukwae notes some of the year's trends in global African pop. Then we go to the streets of Kinshasa with live music from Kin’Gongolo Kinyata, recorded at WOMEX 2023 in Spain. We end at the 35th Anniversary Dance Party at SOB’s in New York City with Samba Mapangala and Soukous Stars. It's a rollicking finale to an eventful year in African music.
Hip Deep December 21, 2023
Explore the rich traditions of Tarab in Arab music, its emotional ecstasy, and cultural values, through the insights of A.J. Racy, a renowned ethnomusicologist, and the artistry of legendary Tarab singers like Umm Kulthum, set against the backdrop of Aleppo's Aleppian Tarab tradition and Syrian music culture.
Afropop Classic December 14, 2023
This program explores Shona mbira music from Zimbabwe through a historic 1999 U.S. tour by the Mbira Masters of Zimbabwe, organized by Paul Berliner.
Planet Afropop December 12, 2023
Planet Afropop November 28, 2023
Mr. Eazi stands out among today’s Nigerian pop stars in several ways. For starters, in a world of musical dreamers and schemers, he never set out to be a musician. Now, the 29-year-old is among the most innovative and respected artists in the Afrobeats universe.
Afropop Classic November 24, 2023
Afropop recalls the life and work of Tony Allen with author Michael Veal.
Afropop Classic November 16, 2023
Cameroonian musician and composer Manu Dibango passed away on March 24, 2020 at his home in France, an early victim of Covid 19. This episode is a tribute to the exceptional man who, by chance, as he says, gave us the famous Soul Makossa, a tune that opened the Disco era.
Planet Afropop November 14, 2023
Afropop Classic November 9, 2023
This program looks back on the life and music of Zimbabwe’s Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi, with interviews dating back to 1988.
Afropop Classic November 2, 2023
Contemporary Nigerian artists and others recall the man, the music and the legacy of Nigeria's greatest musician.
Planet Afropop October 31, 2023
In this edition of Planet Afropop we focus on Brazil - especially with regard the the challenges facing indigenous people within the country.
Afropop Classic October 26, 2023
In this episode, we go beyond these stars to explore the legacy of some lesser-known inspirations. We’ll learn how the fluid guitar playing of ’70s rock band Dire Straits became massively popular in the Sahel, influencing Tuareg rockers like Tinariwen and Tamikrest.
Closeup October 25, 2023
Africa Seven focuses on releasing curated remastered vinyl\n\nalbums and eclectic painstakingly researched compilations, mixing big and big\n\n“ish” hits with thoughtful deep cuts.
Afropop Classic October 19, 2023
In this episode, we explore Afrofuturism, African and diaspora boundless music from inner space and George Collinet is trans-connected to a futuristic nebula through a patchwork of stories, soundscapes, and various avant-garde music productions.
Planet Afropop October 17, 2023
In this episode of Planet Afropop, Banning, Georges, and Mukwae explore the role of African musicians in the midst of political turmoil.
Hip Deep October 12, 2023
The program samples a rich variety of Malian Tuareg music and includes conversations with Tuareg musicians and cultural authorities in the wake of Mali’s crisis, along with University of Houston anthropologist Susan Rasmussen.
Closeup October 10, 2023
Producer Zubeyda Ahmed unravels the fascinating link between Ethio Jazz and Brazilian rhythms such as bossa nova, samba, and touches on traditional Afro-Brazilian cultures; illuminating the remarkable journey of saudade's musical pilgrimage to Ethiopia.
Planet Afropop October 3, 2023
In the latest episode of Planet Afropop, hosts Georges, Mukwae, and Banning catch up with Lagos-based correspondent Fay Fay for the latest buzz in the Afrobeats scene. Mukwae also engages in an uplifting yet serious conversation with Las Hijas del Rap, a groundbreaking all-female hip-hop group from Yucatan, Mexico.
Closeup September 26, 2023
Celebrate the legacy of Beny Moré and Ismael Rivera, two of the greatest soneros of all time, in this special program featuring their iconic songs and musical journey.
Closeup September 26, 2023
Ghana's blossoming appeal to African Americans and Ghanaians in the UK is explored in a new episode by producer Yinka Rickford-Anguin, which also looks at how Ghanaians in the UK are promoting their home country.
Afropop Classic September 21, 2023
We honor the late Joe Cuba with this portrait of "Bugalú," produced for Afropop Worldwide by Ned Sublette.
Planet Afropop September 18, 2023
The first edition of the podcast Planet Afropop features an interview with Yemi Alade.
Afropop Classic September 14, 2023
Closeup September 12, 2023
Afropop producer Banning Eyre visits the Zawose family compound in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, to experience the magic of the hypnotic music of the Gogo people, the Wagogo.
Afropop Classic September 7, 2023
This program surveys the state of Congolese music in 2018.
Afropop Classic August 31, 2023
Closeup August 29, 2023
Meclit Hadero sepaks with Cuban-American percussionist Jesus Díaz for this Afropop Closeup.
Afropop Classic August 24, 2023
In 1989, the electrifying Congolese soukous group Loketo, led by Aurlus Mabele and Diblo Dibala, captured the essence of their magic at New York City's SOB's, marking their arrival in America's music scene.
