By the way, I'm hardly a world's expert on African music, and this list is kinda whatcha call a "work in progress," so please feel free to make suggestions and comments.
Baaba Maal "The Best Of The Early Years" (Wrasse Records, 2002)
A fine, representative collection of this Senegalese superstar's work from 1988-94. The opening tracks are gorgeous -- loping, sensuous jams with the classic West African guitar sound of the 1970s, and even a few dips into the Afro-Pop sound of Fela Kuti. The second half of this disc, though, lingers on lush, overwrought pop production styles that I personally find kind of a turn-off, but other world music fans may adore. For an even-handed look at his Maal's early career, this is a very good introduction. The liner notes are very good, too, and may help steer you towards individual albums that may be to your liking.
Baaba Maal "Palm World Voices: Baaba Maal -- Senegal" (Palm Pictures/Universal Records, 2005)
This deluxe package -- a best-of CD, a DVD and a really pretty booklet, along with an ornate map of Senegal -- is a fine introduction to Baaba Maal, one of the great African pop superstars of our time. The real heart of this collection is the video disc, which includes a nice documentary that introduces Maal in the flesh, as it were, presenting the mix of sincere humility and cold calculation that his celebrity requires. Maal takes a film crew to his hometown, and even into his family compound, a humble set of stone buildings inside a walled courtyard; he explains how the Senegalese griot class -- the keepers of West African musical tradition -- initially attacked him as an interloper. Maal's social background, coming from a family of fishers, should have prevented him from performing music... and would have, had he not pursued his career regardless of their wishes... Now, of course, he is a huge star and has been embraced by the griots as a keeper of the flame and a gift from the gods... The film also discusses how Maal and his partner, Mansour Seck, researched music from other cultures and tribes, and how he has sought to widen his status to that of an internationalist "African" performer, while still maintaining their connection to their local roots. It's a fascinating portrait of an artist who is both humble and driven: his charisma and inner power burst out of every frame, even as he appears to be the slightest and most demure of men. The music disc is less gratifying, though. It begins with several lovely acoustic tunes, than quickly shifts into a slick, fusion-y "pop" mode which holds less appeal for folks like me. Still, as an overview of his career and musical philosophy, this is a perfect introduction to Maal and his brand of Senegalese music. Recommended!
Mabulu "Soul Marrabenta" (Riverboat Records, 2001)
Rachel Magoola "Songs From The Source Of The Nile" (Arc Music, 2006)
One of Uganda's most popular modern singers, Rachel Magoola originally hails from the band Afrigo, where she shone as a solo singer throughout the 1990s. In 2001, she started her own group and has released several albums, where these twelve songs are drawn from. It's a nice, sleek blend of styles, generally falling into the mainstream of modern African pop, but with plenty of traditional Ugandan elements in the mix. Magoola's voice is nice, the rhythms are mellow, the melodies seductive and easy on the ears. Perhaps not as electrifying or ethereal as some other African music, but still quite nice and solidly performed. Worth checking out!
Rachel Magoola "Eisadha" (MHK Records, 2008)
Vusi Mahlasela "The Voice" (ATO Records, 2003)
ATO label owner, pop star Dave Matthews, is himself a native of South Africa although he regularly genuflects in the world-music direction of his fellow countryman, vocalist Vusi Mahlasela, who he refers to as "The Voice." This disc is a predictably slick, somewhat florid pop production -- too much so for my delicate sensibilities, but folks with a taste for more sugary, heavily-produced African music (ala Paul Simon's Graceland...) will probably like this best-of collection just fine.
Mahube "Music From Southern Africa" (Sheer Sound, 2002)
A Zimbabwean band featuring guitarist Oliver Mtukudzi...
Mahube "Qhubeka!" (Sheer Sound, 2005)
Miriam Makeba - see artist discography
Malika "Tarabu" (Shanachie Records, 1997)
Sinuous, Arabic-flavored "tarabu" music from the northern, Swahili-dominated coast of Kenya... The music has traces of Arabic, Indian and Latin influences, reflecting the polyglot culture of the region. Malika (nee, Asha Abdo Suleiman) was apparently one of the biggest stars of the genre, although I can't say I was particularly wowed by this album, which was originally recorded in 1993. Her voice doesn't do much for me, and the production mix seems a bit clumsy... Still, it's an appealing form, and it will certainly catch your ear, particularly the "snake charmer"-style organ that winds its way through all the songs. As tarabu is largely a format for poetry, the emphasis here is on the lyrics and vocals, and in that regard, the music coems through loud and clear. Not my cup of tea, ultimately, but certainly worth checking out.
Ze Manel "Tustumunhus Di Aonti" (Cobiana Records, 1982)
Ze Manel "Maron De Mar" (Cobiana Records, 2001)
A pleasant African pop album by a Guinea-Bissau bandleader who had recently emigrated to the United States for political reasons... Those political leanings are evident on several songs here, which touch on the widespread warfare and unrest that has engulfed Africa. This is a nice, pleasantly diverse album, with jazzy undertones and intricate musical arrangements. Worth checking out, although I have to confess it didn't really pull me in... (Also check out the stunning album of his earlier band, Super Mama Djombo, also released on the Cobiana label.)
Ze Manel "African Citizen" (Melodie Records, 2004)
Ze Manel "Povo Adormecido/My People Are Asleep" (2007)
Sam Mangwana "Maria Tebbo" (Stern's Africa, 1995)
A veteran player from the old, early 1960s OK Jazz lineup, Congolese vocalist Sam Mangwana eventually became a bandleader in his own right, emerging from his long association with Tabu Ley Rochereau to become one of Africa's biggest stars. This disc combines two albums he recorded in the late 1970s, Waka Waka, from 1978, and 1979's Maria Tebbo, from 1979. (These release dates are taken from the CD liner notes; different years are listed on various online discographies.) The music is pleasant, ebullient at its heart, although a little tame and slick-sounding, an early indication of the perils to be found in the 1980s, when much of African pop music was being recorded in Parisian studios. Although it isn't as lively or captivating as the best soukous music, this is still classic work, and definitely well worth checking out.
Sam Mangwana "Sings Dino Vangu" (Stern's Africa, 2000)
Although these days he's mostly pegged as one of the pioneers of modernized African pop fusion, it's much to his credit that Mangwana still has the smarts, sensibility, and talent to take time out and produce an album such as this. A beautiful tribute to the old-style rumba congolaise sound of the '50s and '60s, this is a collection of tunes written by his pal, Congolese guitarist Dino Vangu... and it's awesome. Everything that's best about the style is captured on this lovely, melodically driving album, full of intricate, captivating electric guitar work and ethereal vocals. This record won't let you down, from the first great track to the last.
The Manhattan Brothers "The Very Best Of The Manhattan Brothers: 1948-1959" (Stern's Records, 2000)
A stunning, joyous set of doo wop-like "jive" vocals from some of South Africa's greatest post-WWII musicians. The Manhattan Brothers were one of the first groups to benefit from the booming postwar economy that brought black South Africans into the cities in large numbers, making their sort of pop success possible. Singing in Shona, Xhosa, Zulu and English, the Manhattan Brothers mixed sleek swing vocals with proto-doo wop and jubilee gospel, and were the group that set the standard for the many vocal groups that came in their wake, including Miriam Makeba's late-'50s ensemble, The Skylarks. Makeba herself first came to prominence as a soloist in the Manhattan Brothers ensemble, and appears on several of these tracks. The feel is playful and glorious, with some of the lushest, most swinging vocals you're ever likely to hear on disc. This is a great record - a highly welcomed addition to the all-too-small pool of similar records that uncover this forgotten style of American-influenced South African pop. Highly recommended!
Dumisani Abraham Mariare "The African Mbira: Music Of The Shona People" (Nonesuch Records, 1971/2002)
Lovely, early recordings of delicate music played on the mbira, or Zimbabwean finger piano. With the rise of pop stars such as Stella Chiweshe, this style has since become much grander, more forceful and more tightly arranged, but on this album, originally released in 1971, the style is far looser and enchanting in a different way altogether. This was one of the first albums released in America to feature this style of music, an immensely influential release in terms of the growth of "world music" and interest in African styles. Nice stuff... definitely recommended!
Aurelio Martinez "Laru Beya" (SubPop Records/Next Ambiance, 2011)
(Produced by Ivan Duran)
A beautiful new set by Aurelio Martinez, one of the torchbearers of the Garifuna culture, a Central American enclave with deep African roots. Here, Martinez is backed by the legendary Senegalese band, Orchestra Baobab, who add an even deeper African groove to the music. The first time I listened to this album, I thought it sounded a little slick; the second time, I heard all sorts of new melodies and sounds I hadn't noticed before; the third time I listened I realized how multi-layered it truly was and now -- still hearing new things every time -- I've left it in permanent rotation in the old home jukebox. Solid West African dance music melds perfectly with a subtle blend of Latin American styles and pop motifs, with sometime-sweet, sometimes-keening vocals. An exemplary world music album that will reward listeners for years to come!
The Marxist Brothers "Greatest Hits Of Early Music" (Zimbabwe Music Corporation, 1997)
Zimbabwe has never had the best track record in terms of pop music -- civil wars, extreme poverty and political pandering often got in the way and made it difficult to indulge in music for its own sake, outside of its propaganda value. At any rate, the guitar pop that has come out of Zimbabwe never really rang my bells -- the country's performers are typically not on a par with their neighbors, and as a whole the Zimbabwean take on popular music strikes me as a bit rigid and less joyous than that of the Congo or Guinea, for example. This is a pretty good band by Zimbabwean standards, worth checking out if you want to get a feel for the music of the region. I can't tell from the liner notes when these tracks were made, but I'd guess early-to-late '80s. How about that band name, though, eh?
The Marxist Brothers "Mwana Wedangwe" (Gramma Records, 1983)
The Marxist Brothers "Dendere Resango" (Gramma Records, 1985)
The Marxist Brothers & Tryson Chimbetu "Marxist Revival" (Zimbabwe Music Corporation, 2011)
Hugh Masekela & Hedzolah Soundz "Masekela Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz" (Blue Thumb Records, 1973) (LP)
(Produced by Stewart Levine & Rik Pekkonen)
South African superstar Hugh Masekela hosted this Ghanaian funk/highlife ensemble, an all-star group assembled for studio work which took on a life of its own and recorded several albums of its own. A slick but soulful production with tight musicianship and some deep grooves. Several of these same songs also appear on Hedzolah Soundz's debut album, which was also released in 1973, although I'm not sure if they are the same versions or different recordings. Anyway, this disc is definitely worth a spin!
Spokes Mashiyane "King Kwela" (Gallo Records, 1991)
Bouncy South African pennywhistle, or kwela, music from the leader of the Solven Whistlers, and a frequent early collaborator with Miriam Makeba and the Skylarks. Mashiyane pretty much made the pennywhistle a popular sound, and few people could match him for the expressiveness he brought to such a seemingly limited instrument. Sadly, his star fell after his 1950s heyday, and Mashiyane died penniless and forgotten in the early '70s... Fortunately, he left behind some gorgeous music, as heard on this fine disc. For an all-instrumental album highlighting a fairly oddball sound, this disc is far more captivating than one might imagine. Recommended!
Abeti Masikini "The Best Of Abeti Masikini" (Blue Silver Records, 1997)
Souad Massi "Mesk Eli (Honeysuckle)" (Wrasse Records, 2005)
French-Algerian chanteuse Souad Massi returns with an elegant, ambitious album, full of soft songs cloaked in sleek, beautiful and multilayered arrangements. Working with members of Salif Keita's band, she stakes out a claim as a new-school, modern, pan-African artist, working with a variety of sounds, including West African pop, French chanson, flamenco, and a hefty dose of Arabic melodies... These influences are somewhat intangible, however, for she rarely works in just one mode at a time, preferring instead to mix diverse styles together in unexpected ways, constantly shifting from mode to mode... I'll confess, I'm not completely wild about her vocals -- she sounds nice, for some reason this just didn't move me -- but in terms of it's conception and technical execution, I'd say this is a seductive, innovative and pleasantly unpredictable album, just the thing to pique the interest of most "world music" fans. Definitely worth checking out.
Dorothy Masuka "Pata Pata" (Island/Mango Records, 1991)
A "comeback" album that features updated, modernized versions of many of her old hits... "Pata Pata" starts things off, in a slick rendition that's more in keeping with the '80s-ish production of the following songs than with Masuka's classic work of decades before... But deeper into the album, the old "jive" style comes more clearly to the fore. Although this album is mostly too glossy (even monotonous) for me, on the whole it still speaks well to Masuka's continuing musical strength, beginning her fifth decade as a performer. Worth checking out, though you shouldn't expect much.
Dorothy Masuka "Hamba Notsokolo" (Gallo Records, 1997)
Dorothy Masuka "Mzilikaki" (Gallo Records, 2001)
Dorothy Masuka "The Definitive Collection" (Wrasse Records, 2002)
An early contemporary of Miriam Makeba, Dorothy Masuka was part of the 1950s South African "jive" scene, mixing American-style group vocals and swing beats with local melodic and harmonic styles. She's best known as the author of the song, "Pata Pata," which was one of Makeba's earliest and biggest international hits. Like Makeba, Masuka found herself in exile in the early 1960s, as the campaign against apartheid intensified and artists seen as sympathetic to the African National Congress were proscribed and placed under threat of arrest. Unlike Makeba, she was unable to crack into the international market in Europe and the USA, performing (and for a while retiring from music, in order to keep a low profile) mainly in the other African countries that were able to shelter her. This collection gathers some of her rare early work on the Gallo label, off of stellar albums such as Hamba Notsokola, (her 1950s debut), and moves on to include later, glossier material from the early 1990s, when she made her comeback. It's the old stuff that I find irresistible: I just love the original "jive" sound. It's nice, though, to see Masuka finally getting her due, and this retrospective is a most welcome addition to any African pop library. Recommended!
Prince Nico Mbarga "Aki Special" (Rounder Records, 1987)
Prince Nico Mbarga "Cool Money" (LP)
With Rocafil Jazz International...
Prince Nico Mbarga "Sweet Mother" (Rounder Records, 1990)
Prince Nico Mbarga "Free Education" (Rounder Records, 1990) (LP)
Prince Nico Mbarga "The Best Of..." (Rogers All Stars, 2003)
Prince Nico Mbarga "Na Mi Choice: The Best Of Prince Nico Mbarga & Rocafil Jazz, v.2" (Rogers All Stars, 2010)
Boy Ge Mendes "Lagoa" (Lusafrica/Tinder Records, 1997)
One of the fortunate few Cape Verdean artists to break through internationally in the wake of Cesaria Evora's' global success. Boy Ge Mendes (ne Gerard Mendes) was born in Senegal, but delved deep into his Cape Verdean cultural heritage, co-founding the group Cabo Verde Show after moving to France in the 1970s. He has recored numerous albums, both with Cabo Verde Show and as a solo artist, though this is perhaps his best-known record, due to licensing deals in several different countries, including on Tinder Records in the US.
Nicolas Menheim & Le Super Sabador "Commandante Che Guevara" (Popular African Music, 2002)
Senegalese bandleader Nicolas Menheim is one of his country's most accomplished salseros, mining deeply into the cross-connections of African pop and Afro-Cuban dance music. This album, drawing from two cassette-only releases that came out in 1999 and 2000, is an impressive set of smooth, hypnotic, classic '70s-style salsa grooves, a bit slack-sounding at times, but basically performances that could stand side by side with the best that Havana, Miami or New York has to offer. Menheim is an old-timer, having apprenticed in the 1980s with mbalax stars Papa Seck and Nico, and was a founding member, along with Seck, of the highly regarded Africando band. This is material that's pretty similar to the Africando sound, but which hews more closely to the Cuban/Carribean side of the equation, with most of the vocals sung in Spanish. For fans of modern African pop, this disc will be a bit of a revelation!
E.T. Mensah "All For You: Classic Highlife Recordings From The 1950s" (RetroAfric Records, 1990)
Essential early recordings from one of the greatest African pop musicians. Ghanaian bandleader E.T. Mensah was one of the key innovators of the style, taking it from its society danceband and calypsonian roots into a more modern mix of jazz, pop and Cuban-flavored rhythms. These '50s recordings have a delicious antiquity to them, but also an Afropop style that is easily recognized from its modern echoes. Highly recommended!!
E.T. Mensah "Day By Day" (RetroAfric Records, 1991)
Ruy Mingas "Angola Cancoes Por Rui Mingas" (Zip Zip Records, 1970) (LP)
(Produced by Thilo Krasmann, Moreno Pinto & Hellodoro Pires)
The debut album from this Angolan musical icon, a cultural activist who went on to become a political figure in the newly-independent nation, after Angola broke away from Portugal in 1975. Ruy Mingas (1939-2024) served for a while as ambassador to Lisbon, and recorded two highly regarded (and quite lovely) albums -- this one was more or less reissued in 1976, with a slight change in the track listing (see below). [Note: his birth name was Rui Mingas, though he eventually adopted the "Ruy" spelling as his professional name.]
Ruy Mingas "Temas Angolanos" (Zip Zip Records, 1974) (LP)
(Produced by Joao Viegas)
A very pretty, uptempo album with a strong flavor of Brazilian samba not too far under the surface, and a bouncy African vibe as well. Quite nice!
Ruy Mingas "Monangombe... E Outras Cancoes Angolanas" (Zip Zip Records, 1976) (LP)
A beautiful, and intensely political album by one of Angola's most prominent musicians (who has also served as the country's Minister Of Culture...) Nice acoustic balladry, with ornate but tasteful arrangements... A lovely album by an overlooked but very lyrical artist. Apparently this is (mostly) a reissue of his 1970 debut album, Angolas Cancoes, with 1974 song, "Monangombe" inserted in place of one of the original older tracks. Either way, great record.
Mlimani Park Orchestra "Sikinde" (Africassette Records, 1994)
Gorgeous 1990s guitar pop from Tanzania, with sleek, sensual vocals and funky rhythms that seem to stretch back to the James Brown idolization of the late '60s Afropop scene, but with a softer modern edge. Mostly, it's the super-duper, super-pretty electric guitar work that's the wow-factor here -- really nice stuff that's the perfect update of the best West African pop of the '70s. Beautiful music; this band may not be very well-known outside of their home, but don't let that stop you from picking this record up. You'll be happy you did.
Pamelo Mounk'a "L'Essential" (Syllart Records, 2008)
A sweet set of classic, gentle West African soukous, highlighting vocalist Pamelo Mounk'a, who worked with Les Bantous De Capitale and several other groups... Included on this particular set are bandleader Tabu Ley Rochereau and singer M'Bilia Bel... Really lovely material, a little bit on the more mellow side of the style. Highly recommended.
Pamelo Mounk'a "L'Incontournable" (Syllart Records, 2008)
Pamelo Mounk'a "L'Indispensable" (Syllart Records, 2008)
Pamelo Mounk'a "Merveilles Du Passe, v.1: Pamelo Mounk'a & Les Bantous De La Capitale" (Cyriaque Bassoka, 1995)
Pamelo Mounk'a "Volume One: Deogratias" (Cyriaque Bassoka Productions, 2007)
Mtendeni Maulid Ensemble "Zanzibara, v6: The Moon Has Risen - A Sufi Performance From Zanzibar" (Buda Musique, 2012)
Volume Six of the Zanzibara series, focussing in this case on one band, the Mtendeni Maulid Ensemble.
Oliver Mtukudzi "Vhunze Moto" (Putumayo Records, 2002)
Mellow guitar music from Zimbabwe -- more nuanced, relaxed and varied than Zimbabwean music tends to be. A pleasant surprise!
Oliver Mtukudzi "The Oliver Mtukudzi Collection" (Putumayo Records, 2003)
More lovely stuff from this Zimbabwean bandleader... This best-of draws on several recent albums, and is mostly pretty listenable, with lots of sleek, melodic guitar work and soulful vocal choruses. A couple of songs which close the album out are sung in English, and are a bit less captivating, but on the whole, this is a nice record. Certainly a good introduction to his work.
Oliver Mtukudzi "Nhava" (Heads Up Records, 2005)
Outstanding! An album of simple and surpassing beauty, quite lovely from start to finish. Zimbabwe's Mtukudzi has created his own style of music, called "tuku," in which he slows the typically manic pace of Zimbabwean pop down to a relaxed, introspective crawl. Content to have the guitar play a support role, acting as part of the rhythm section, Mtukudzi repeats short, alluring riffs that settle in your mind and softly echo with each repetition, gradually building your affection for the tune, as the vocals drop in and lead the melody into a sublime sweetness. Mtukudzi's method plays against the expectations of most modern pop: he's in no hurry to go anywhere, and simply lets the songs luxuriate and resonate, sounding pretty without driving the listener along into some frantic musical climax. It's a welcome change of pace, and made this disc one of the most listened to records in my household this year. While to some folks that may sound like a prescription for saccharine easy listening, the vocals by Mtukudzi and his chorus add passion to the songs, adding gentle urgency to the songs... I haven't the slightest idea what he's singing about, but the simple musical framework highlights the rhythms of his language, and makes you want to learn. This album may be too soft for some listeners, but if you're in the right frame of mind, you'll find it very, very rewarding. Highly recommended.
Oliver Mtukudzi "Tsimba Itsoka" (Heads Up, 2007)
A smooth, super-mellow African pop set from this Zimbabwean pop star... Mtukudzi has a wide stylistic range, and this album sits pretty firmly on the softer side of his spectrum. It's a little too sedate for me, but it isn't gooey or maudlin... Nice, but very gentle and relaxed.
George Mukabi "Sengula Nakupenda" (Music World, 1993) (CD-R)
Old-school acoustic guitar from Kenya... Repetitive, but very sweet when taken in small doses...
Jean-Bosco Mwenda "Mwenda Wa Bayeke" (Rounder Records, 1995)
An absolute delight. Acoustic guitarist Jean-Bosco Mwenda was one of the key pioneers of the Congolese acoustic guitar style, and this disc gathers some of the best of his all-too-rare recorded work... This music is a singular pleasure; once you hear it, you'll be hooked, and you'll be glad it came into your life. Gentle, fluid acoustic music, with equally appealing vocals. Highly recommended! (Note: for more of Mwenda's work, you might also contact folklorist Elijah Wald, who has put out some collections of Mwenda's old, hard-to-find singles, as well as some material recorded over the years for Congolese radio. There's more info at Wald's website, which also includes info on some other, similar artists.
African Artists... Letter "N"
African Music Index
World Music Index
