For many of these lists, I have heard of the artist but not their music. This is the first list where I had heard of neither the artist nor his music. But when I came across two pieces on Mulatu Astatke—the “Father of Ethiopian Jazz”—in the space of three days, I figured it was a sign from the universe that I should give him a list. One of the mentions was on World Is Africa, a thoughtful, informative blog that is to this one as Beethoven is to Alvin and the Chipmunks. Dedicated to Djibril.
African
King Sunny Ade
How cool is my jazz buddy Marcia? When we saw a poster for a highlife band coming to a local club, she said, “Let’s go. I used to dance to highlife in New York all the time.” Of course, she—my white, Dutch Catholic friend from New Jersey—did. That’s how cool she is. (I know technically King Sunny is juju. Work with me here.)
Fela Kuti
When the kids, the uncles, and I saw the musical Fela, I was completely blown away by the music—and hated the script. Based on the monologue, Kuti’s life was 90% weed, 5% women, and 5% music/politics/protest/ everything else. Then I found out that Will Smith and Jay-Z were the executive producers, and it all made sense.
Cesaria Evora
I didn’t know a note of Cesaria Evora’s music before I created this list. But, she is from Cape Verde, and my friend Lisa, who is the queen of awesome—as Richard says, “She puts the T in Trip”—is of Cape Verdean descent, so clearly Cesaria Evora is awesome by association. Plus: performing barefoot.
Playlist of the Day 