For several years I have been more and more interested in African music. I don't exactly remember when I first in my life came contact to it. Perhaps it was through Afroamerican music, blues, gospel and later reggae. In early 80's I heard some afropop in the radio.

There is something very special in African music, the complex and fascinating ryhms, the incredible colors of vocal sounds and the exotic instruments like kora, tama-drums and many others. And also the joy of life in the African music is exhilarating. It is so totally different from for example the Finnish folk music that I consider monotonic, mostly sad and very scarcely dynamic.

In Senegal I had an occasion to hear West-African music live. I didn't hear any famous artists but just ordinary church choirs and something from the radio. I bought there the CD "Casa di mansa" by Ucas Jazz Band de Sedhiou [link] . Very interesting to listen.

Salif Keita [link] originally from Mali is one of my favourite African singers. I have found his recordings in library and lately I ordered two of his CD:s from one net shop. Keita has an incredible colorful voice, his a master singer. Especially I like the piece "Mossolou" from CD named "Moffou" Here is a sample [link]

One my very recent discovery is the Senegalese Orchestra Baobab that is in fact quite old band establishet at 1970 and has a strong Cuban influence in his music. But apart from that they have genuine African melodies sung in Wolof language, for example "Werente Serigne" [link] . It is from the double CD "Pirate's Choice" from 1982 which I recently received. And not to forget Angelique Kidjo [link]