This playlist was inspired by a London exhibit of Malick Sidibé photos which was curated by Tristan Hoare at Lichfield Studios. Sidibé, a portrait photographer in Bamako, Mali, captured iconic images of the residents of the newly independent Bamako in the 60’s and 70’s. This period of newly found freedom saw the flourishing of music across many West African countries. Many of these bands were state sponsored and formed an important part of the new nations’ cultural identity and pride, such Balla et Ses Balladins and Bembeya Jazz National of Guinea.
Much of this music combined native West African music traditions with Cuban and American influences, creating an upbeat style that is still as infectious today as it was back then. Orchestra Baobab is a good example (track 3), a 13 piece Senegalese band and one of the few groups to resurface after their success in the 70’s.
The pervasive sound is celebratory, with entrancing Afro-Cuban rhythms and beautiful vocal harmonies. In this mix, we combine both contemporary and past treasures that capture this spirit.
Selected tracks include some of the best contemporary African bands such as Bonga from Angola, Cheikh Lo from Senegal and Salif Keita from Mali and from bygone dance orchestra’s such as Super Mama Djombo from Guinea-Bissau and Franco & OK Jazz Orchestra from the Congo.
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1. Nguenda – BONGA
2. Paulette – BALLA ET SES BALLADINS
3. Werente Serigne – ORCHESTRA BAOBAB
4. Wassiye – HABIB KOITÉ
5. Moussolou – SALIF KEITA
6. Dissan Na M’bera – SUPER MAMA DJOMBO
7. Sabor De Guajira – BEMBEYA JAZZ NATIONAL
8. Nha Fe – TEOFILO CHANTRE
9. Kayini Wura – OUMOU SANGARÉ
10. Siluwangi Wapi Accordeon – FRANCO & O.K. JAZZ
11. Né La Thiass – CHEIKH LÔ
12. Mhondoro – THOMAS MAPFUMO
13. Deme - TIKEN JAH FAKOLY