The last of its kind!
Far and away the most comprehensive compilation of African music ever achieved, Africa - 50 Years of Music collects 185 classic recordings by 183 important artists from 39 countries in North, South, East and West Africa. The artists include universal stars such as Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Youssou N'Dour, Franco, Cheb Khaled, Cesaria Evora, Mulatu Astatke, Salif Keita, Manu Dibango and Oum Kalsoum.
The tracks, licensed from some of the world's most respected record companies, are all original studio recordings or, in a few cases, famous concert performances. Most of them were made in the 50 years from 1960 to 2010 - the era of African independence - but several date from the 1940s and '50s. Many of these songs are known and loved worldwide: Pata Pata, Soul Makossa, Yeke Yeke, Mario, Shakara, Jive Soweto. Others will be revelations to even the most dedicated record collectors.
The deluxe longbox set includes a 60-page book of photographs, record-cover reproductions, specially commissioned artwork and essays by experts on each of Africa's popular styles. Anyone with serious interest in African music will recognize this set's extraordinary value. It will be the essential collection of African popular music for the next 50 years.
