traditional music of Africa

March 19, 2007 5:05 AM

Spend a blissful 59 minutes and 7 seconds traversing the continent of Africa through her traditional music. This excellent stream (featuring just the right amount of background info) from the folks at Afropop Worldwide [previously] features plenty of the kind of effortlessly rolling, lilting rhythmic vibes that make African traditional music some of the most sublime in the world. "So don't expect over-the-top ethnography, just relax and enjoy acoustic Africa."
posted by flapjax at midnite (11 comments total)

Far out. Yes! What a treat flapjax, thanks!
posted by nickyskye at 5:24 AM on March 19, 2007

Just checked out their podcast - sounds amazing. Just a shame the podcasts all so short - a mere 4 to 12mins of wonderful Afropop.

There is so much great music in the world!

[boogies at desk with extra large headphones]
posted by algreer at 5:36 AM on March 19, 2007

Very nice flapjax--thanks!
posted by Turtles all the way down at 6:28 AM on March 19, 2007

sweet. thanks.
posted by pwedza at 7:12 AM on March 19, 2007

This is great. thanks
posted by caddis at 7:15 AM on March 19, 2007

over-the-top ethnography? Great musical selections, but that phrase seems a bit loaded...
posted by LMGM at 8:32 AM on March 19, 2007

Loaded? That phrase comes from the introductory statement, in which the host describes that the purpose of the show is mainly entertainment, not academic description. Given this aim, extensive ethnography would be over the top.

Sounds great so far, flapjax. Thanks!
posted by Miko at 11:01 AM on March 19, 2007

Lovely.

They mention in there somewhere that this type of music is Mbira, which is associated with the religious life of the Shona in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Mbira is also the name of the instrument making the sweet buzzing bell-like sounds.
posted by zennie at 12:09 PM on March 19, 2007

love this! thanks!
posted by amberglow at 1:16 PM on March 19, 2007

people still use Real Audio.?.. is there any other option?
posted by jmnugent at 1:31 PM on March 19, 2007

This is fantastic, with the exception that they seem to be using RealPlayer for all their streams. I didn't catch it the first time it was posted here. Thanks!
posted by wander at 9:38 AM on March 20, 2007