Tunes that Take You There

Did you know that in every issue of the magazine, we publish a playlist of tunes tied to a different destination? This month, we take you to East Africa. Our own music critic Tom Pryor comes up with a list of must-downloads. "East Africa's musical diversity rivals that of its flora and fauna," he says, choosing a mix that includes Kenya's Yunasi, Somali-born rapper K'naan, Ethiopian chanteuse Gigi, and Zanzibar's legendary Bi Kidude. We'd like to hear what tunes you'd add (or subtract).

Check out November/December's Playlist for East Africa and find playlists for other destinations, including Paris, Southern California, Italy, and Canada can be found here. See the complete list of songs after the jump.

Jambo Jambo - Safari Sound Band
Safari Ya Tanzania - Daniel Owino Misiani and Shirati Band
Kuna Kunguni - Zawose & Brook
Bomwanzani Wa Mahaba - Bi Kidude
Dhikrayat - Culture Musical Club
Asmarina (My Asmara) - Mulatu Astatke
Guramayle - Gigi
Manyanga - Yunasi
Dodoma - Remmy Ongala
Kisumu 100 - Suzzana Owiyo
Mambo Bado - Orchestra Makassy
Kassongo - Orchestra Super Mazembe
Sukari - Juma Tetu Abdalla
The Dusty Foot Philsopher - K'naan
Msimu KwA Misimu - X Plastaz
Ten Years Remembering - Jean Paul Samputu
Bula Bula - Mabulu
Nhimba Ya Dota - Orchestra Marrabenta Star de Mocambique & Wazimbo

Let us know what you think of our list. Did we miss any songs? Tell us in the comments below.

1 Comments

Sherry Minor said:

Hello. Am new to your column on playlists so hope you will advise how I listen to a 30 sec. (or so) sample. Would definitely like to have some African music to accompany pictures. In searching on the internet, I came across Ayub Ogada and his song "Kothbiro." Not sure if it's the type of music you've included, but it is really beautiful.
Thanks for your help.

February 16, 2009 8:28 PM