African Music

Dele Abiodun

It's Time for Ju Ju Music [1984, Earthworks], B+
Adawa Super Sound [1985, Shanachie], A–

King Sunny Ade (1946– )

The Best of the Classic Years [1967–74, Shanachie], A+
Gems From the Classic Years (1967–1974) [1967–74, Shanachie], A–
Juju Music [1982, Mango], A–
Synchro System [1983, Mango], A–
Synchro Series [1982–83, IndigeDisc], A–
Aura [1984, Mango], A
The Return of the Juju King [1987, Mercury], B+
Odù [1998, Mesa/Atlantic], B+

Africando [1994– ]

Volume 1: Trovador [1994, Stern's Africa], B
Volume 2: Tierra Tradicional [1995, Stern's Africa], B+

Eric Agyeman

Highlight Safari [1979, Sterns], A–

Mahmoud Ahmed

Éthiopiques, Vol. 6: Almaz [1973, Buda Musique], B+
Éthiopiques, Vol. 19: Alèmyé [1974, Buda Musique], A–
Éthiopiques, Vol. 7: Erè Mèla Mèla [1975–78, Buda Musique], A–

Amadou and Mariam

Tje Ni Mousso [1999, Circular Moves], B+
Dimanche à Bamako [2005, Nonesuch], A

Les Amazones de Guinée

Wamato [2008, Sterns Africa], A–

Les Ambassadeurs

Dance Music from West Africa [1984, Rounder], B+
w/Salif Keita: Les Ambassadeurs Internationales Featuring Salif Keita [1992, Rounder], B+

Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra

Who Is This America? [2004, Ropeadope], A–

Issa Bagayogo

Timbuktu [2002, Six Degrees], A–

Daby Balde (1969– )

Introducing Daby Balde [2005, World Music Network], A–

Waldemar Bastos (1954– )

Pretaluz [1998, Luaka Bop], A–

M'Bilia Bel (1959– )

Bameli Soy [1984, Shanachie], B+
Phénomene [1988, IMA], A–

Gaby Lita Bembo

w/Orchestra Stukas du Zaïre: Kita Mata ABC [1974–83, RetroAfric], A–

Bhundu Boys

Shabini [1986, Disque Afrique], B+
Tsvimbodzemoto [1986, Disque Afrique], A–
The Shed Sessions [1982–86, Sadza, 2 CD], A

Tony Bird (1945– )

Tony Bird [1976, Columbia], B

Alpha Blondy (1953– )

Apartheid Is Nazism [1987, Shanachie], B+
Jerusalem [1988, Shanachie], B
Revolution [1989, Shanachie], B+
The Best of Alpha Blondy [(1990), Shanachie], A
Elohim [2005, Shanachie], B+

Bole 2 Harlem

Volume 1 [2006, Sounds of the Mushroom], B+(***)

Henri Bowane

Double Take — Tala Kaka [1976, RetroAfric], A–

Sam Chege (1963– )

Kickin' Kikuyu-Style [1990, Original Music], B+

Stella Chiweshe

Ambuya? [1987, Shanachie], A–
Double Check [1987–2005, Piranha, 2 CD], B+(***)

Basil Coetzee (1919– )

Sabenza [1987, Kijima], A–

I.K. Dairo (1930–96)

I Remember [1991, Music of the World], B+

Ya Ntesa Dalienst and Le Maquisard

Belalo [1991, Sonodisc], A–

Dark City Sisters / Flying Jazz Queens

Dark City Sisters and Flying Jazz Queens [1994, Earthworks], A–

Maria De Barros

Dança Ma Mi [2005, Narada], B+

Sona Diabaté

w/M'Mah Sylla: Sahel [1988, Triple Earth], B

Toumani Diabaté (1965– )

Boulevard de l'Indépendence [2006, World Circuit/Nonesuch], A–
The Mandé Variations [2008, Nonesuch], B+(**)

Zani Diabate

Zani Diabate and the Super Djata Band [1988, Mango], A–

Alpha Yaya Diallo

The Message [1999, Wicklow], B+

Djeli Moussa Diawara (1961– )

Yasimika [1990, Hannibal], B+
Sobindo [1996, Celluloid], A–

Diblo Dibala (1954– )

w/Loketo: Super Soukous [1989, Shanachie], A–
Presente Matchatcha: Laissez Passer [1992, Sterns], B+

Manu Dibango (1934– )

Soul Makossa [1972, Unidisc], A–

Henri Dikongué (1968– )

C'est la Vie [1998, Tinder], A–
Biso Nawa [2004, Buda Musique], B+

Lucky Dube

Slave [1988, Shanachie], B
House of Exile [1992, Shanachie], B
The Rough Guide to Lucky Dube [1990–99, World Music Network], B

Alèmayèhu Eshèté (1941– )

Éthiopiques 22: More Vintage! [1972–74, Buda Musique], B+(**)

Etoile de Dakar

Xalis [1978, Popular African Music], B+
Volume 1: Absa Gueye [1979, Sterns], A–
Volume 2: Thiapathioly [(1994), Sterns], B
Volume 4: Khaley Etoile [1981–82, Stern's African Classics], A–

Etran Finatawa

Desert Crossroads [2008, Riverboat], B+(***)

Césaria Évora (1940– )

Cabo Verde [1997, Nonesuch], A–
Cafe Atlantico [1999, RCA], B+
The Very Best of Césaria Évora [1991–2002, Bluebird], A–
Voz D'Amor [2003, Bluebird], B+

Eyuphuro

Mama Mosambiki [1990, Real World], A

Majek Fashek

Prisoner of Conscience [1990, Mango], B–

Franco (1938–89)

Originalité [1956–59, RetroAfric], A–
1972 / 1973 / 1974 [1972–74, Sonodisc], A
Bomba Bomba, Mabe Mbongo (1977, 1978, 1979) [1977–79, Sonodisc], A–
1980–1981 [1980–81, Sonodisc], A–
w/Tabu Ley Rocherau: Omona Wapi [1984, Shanachie], A+
20e Anniversaire, Vol. 1 [1956–76, Sonodisc], B+
The Rough Guide to Franco [1956–87, World Music Network], A
Franco: The Very Best of the Rumba Giant of Zaire [1956–87, Manteca], A+

Ghorwal

Majurugenta [1993, Real World], B

Dobet Gnahoré

Na Afrika [2007, Cumbancha], B

The Green Arrows [1974–1979]

4-Track Recording Session [1974–79, Alula], A–

Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou (1923– )

Éthiopiques 21: Ethiopia Song [1963–96, Buda Musique], A–

Hallelujah Chicken Run Band

Take One [1974–79, Alula], A–

The Highlife Allstars

Sankofa [2001, Network], A

Solomon Ilori

African High Life [1963–64, Blue Note], B+(**)

Haruna Ishola

Apala Messenger [1967–71], B+

Grand Kalle et L'African Jazz [1958–1983]

Merveilles du Passe: Volume 1 [1958–60, Sonodisc], A–
Merveilles du Passe: Volume 2 [1961–62, Sonodisc], B+
Le Grand Kalle et l'African Jazz (1966–1967) [1966–67, Sonodisc], A–
Grand Kalle & l'African Team [1967–70, Sonodisc], B+

Pépé Kallé (1951– )

Gigantafrique [1990, Globestyle], B
Pépé Kallé [1990, Gefraco/Sterns Africa], B+

Kanda Bongo Man (1955– )

Amour Fou / Crazy Love [1987, Hannibal], A–
Kwassa Kwassa [1989, Hannibal], B+
Soukous in Central Park [1993, Hannibal], B

Mory Kanté (1950– )

Akwaba Beach [1987, Barclay], B+

Ndala Kasheba

Yellow Card [2002, Limitless Sky], A–

Salif Keita (1949– )

Soro [1987, Mango], B
Ko-Yan [1989, Mango], B
Papa [1999, Metro Blue], B
Moffou [2002, Decca], B+

Mamani Keita

w/Marc Minelli: Electro Bamako [2003, Palm], A–

Kékélé

Rumba Congo [2001, Stern's Africa], B+
Kinavana [2006, Stern's Africa], A–

Kenge Kenge

Introducing Kenge Kenge [2007, Riverboat], B+(**)

Angélique Kidjo (1960– )

Black Ivory Soul [2002, Columbia], B–

Habib Koité (1958– )

Baro [2001, Putumayo World Music], B+(*)
Afriki [2007, Cumbancha], B+(**)

Konono No. 1

Lubuaku [2003, Terp], A–
Congotronics [2004, Crammed Discs], A–
Live at Couleur Café [2007, Crammed Discs], A–

Ousmane Kouyate (1952– )

Domba [1990, Mango], B+

Fela Anikulapo Kuti (1938–97)

The '69 Los Angeles Sessions [1969, Sterns], B+
Koola Lobitos / The '69 L.A. Sessions [1964–69, MCA], B+
Shakara / London Scene [1970–71, MCA], A–
Open and Close / Afrodisiac [1971–73, MCA], B+
Roforofo Fight / Fela Singles [1972–73, MCA], A–
Black Man's Cry [1973–75, Eurobond], A–
Confusion / Gentleman [1973–75, MCA], A–
Expensive Shit / He Miss Road [1975, MCA], B+
Monkey Banana / Excuse O [1975, MCA], A–
Everything Scatter / Noise for Vendor Mouth [1975, MCA], B+
Yellow Fever / Na Poi [1975–76, MCA], A–
Ikoyi Blindness / Kalakuta Show [1976, MCA], A–
J.J.D. / Unnecessary Begging [1976–77, MCA], A–
Opposite People / Sorrow Tears and Blood [1977, MCA], A–
Shuffering and Shmiling / No Agreement [1977–78, MCA], A–
Stalemate / Fear Not for Man [1977, MCA], B
Zombie [1976–78, MCA], A–
Fela With Ginger Baker Live [1971–78, MCA], B+
V.I.P. / Authority Stealing [1979–80, MCA], B
Upside Down / Music of Many Colours [1976–80, MCA], B+
Coffin for Head of State / Unknown Soldier [1979–80, MCA], A–
Original Sufferhead / I.T.T. [1980–81, MCA], A
Live in Amsterdam [1984, MCA], B+
Army Arrangement [1984, Celluloid], B+
Army Arrangement [1985, MCA], B+
Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense [1986, Mercury], B+
Beasts of No Nation [1989, Shanachie], B
Odoo [1990, Shanachie], B+
Beasts of No Nation/O.D.O.O. [1989–90, MCA], B+
Underground System [1992, Sterns], B+
Underground System [1990–92, MCA], B+
The Best Best of Fela Kuti [1972–89, MCA, 2 CD], A
w/Chief X-Cel: The Underground Spiritual Game [2004, Quannum Projects], A–

Seun Anikulapo Kuti

Seun Kuti + Fela's Egypt 80 [2008, Disorient], A–

Ladysmith Black Mambazo [1984– ]

Induku Zethu [1984, Shanachie], B+
Ulwandle Oluncgwele [1985, Shanachie], B
Shaka Zulu [1987, Warner Brothers], B
Two Worlds One Heart [1990, Warner Brothers], B+
Classic Tracks [(1990), Shanachie], A
Live at the Royal Albert Hall [1999, Shanachie], B+
Raise Your Spirit Higher (Wenyukela) [2003, Heads Up], B+
w/English Chamber Orchestra: No Boundaries [2004, Heads Up], B–
Long Walk to Freedom [2006, Heads Up], B+(*)
Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu [2007, Heads Up], B+(**)

Ray Lema (1946– )

Mangadeef [1989, Mango], B

Cheikh Lô (1955– )

Né La Thiass [1996, World Circuit], A–
Bambay Gueej [2000, World Circuit/Nonesuch], B+
Lamp Fall [2005, World Circuit/Nonesuch], B+(**)

Ismaël Lo (1960– )

Jammu Africa [1997, Triloka], B+(*)
Sénégal [2006, Wrasse], B+(***)

Loketo

Soukous Trouble [1990, Shanachie], A–
Extra Ball [1991, Shanachie], B+

Pablo Lubadika

Okominiokolo [1993, Sterns], B+

Lulendo

Angola [2005, Buda Musique], B

Lura

M'bem Di Fora [2006, Times Square], B+(**)

Baaba Maal

w/Dande Lengl: Wango [1988, Syllart], B+
w/Mansour Seck: Djam Leelii [1989, Mango], A
Live at Royal Festival Hall [1999, Palm Pictures], A–
Missing You (Mi Yeewnii) [2001, Palm Pictures], A–

Vusi Mahlasela (1965– )

Guiding Star [2007, ATO], B+(**)

Mahlathini (1937–99)

The Lion of Soweto [1987, Earthworks], A–
w/Mahotella Queens: Thokozile [1988, Earthworks], A
w/Mahotella Queens: Paris-Soweto [1988, Polydor], A
King of the Groaners [1993, Earthworks], B+

Mahotella Queens

w/Mahlathini: Phezulu Eqhudeni [1975, Carthage], B+
Izibani Zomgqashiyo [1986, Shanachie], A–

Miriam Makeba (1934– )

Sangoma [1988, Warner Brothers], B
Reflections [2004, Heads Up], C+

Malombo

Malombo [1984, Kijima], B

Kanté Manfila (1947– )

Tradition [1988, Celluloid], B+

Sam Mangwana (1945– )

Maria Tebbo / Waka Waka [1978–79, Sterns Africa], B+
Aladji [(1987), Shanachie], B
Rumba Music [1994, Sterns Africa], B+

Samba Mapangala

w/Orchestra Virunga: Virunga Volcano [1990, Earthworks], A–
Ujumbe [2001, Earthworks], A–

Thomas Mapfumo (1945– )

Gwindingwi Rine Shumba [1980, Earthworks], B+
The Chimurenga Singles [1976–80, Shanachie], A–
Ndangariro [1984, Carthage], A
The Singles Collection [1977–86, Zimbob], A–
Spirits to Bite Our Ears: The Singles Collection 1977–1986 [1977–86, DBK], A–
Corruption [1989, Mango], A–
Vanhu Vatema [1994, Zimbob], B
Chimurenga: African Spirit Music [1997, Womad], B+
Chimurenga '98 [1998, Anonymous Web], A–

Dorothy Masuka

Pata Pata [1991, Mango], B

Prince Nico Mbarga (1950– )

Free Education [1982, Rounder], B+

Chérif Mbaw (1968– )

Kham Kham [2000, Detour], A–

Syran M'Benza

Symbiose [1993, Hysa], B+

Mzwakhe Mbuli

Change Is Pain [1988, Rounder], B+
Resistance Is Defence [1992, Earthworks], A

E.T. Mensah (1919– )

All for You [(1990), RetroAfric], B+
Day by Day [1991, RetroAfric], B+

Daniel Owino Misiani

Benga Blast! [1990, Earthworks], A–

Mohammed "Jimmy" Mohammed

Takkabel! [2005, Terp], A–

Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi (1952– )

The Oliver Mtukudzi Collection [1999–2002, Putumayo], B
Shanda [2004, Alula], B+
Tsoka Itsimba [2007, Heads Up], B+(**)

Tshala Muana (1959– )

Soukous Siren [1985, Shanachie], B+
Mutuashi [1996, Sterns], A–

Shiyani Ngcobo (1953– )

Introducing Shiyani Ngcobo [2004, World Music Network], A–

Youssou N'Dour (1959– )

The Rough Guide to Youssou N'Dour and Etoile de Dakar [1979–82, World Music Network], A
Birth of a Star: 11 Giant Dakar Hits [1979–85, Manteca], A–
Immigrés [1988, Virgin], B+
The Lion [1989, Virgin], B
Set [1990, Virgin], B+
Joko (The Link) [2000, Nonesuch], A–
7 Seconds: The Best of Youssou N'Dour [1992–2000, Columbia/Legacy], B+
Nothing's in Vain [2002, Nonesuch], A
Egypt [2004, Nonesuch], A–
Rokku Mi Rokka [2007, Nonesuch], A

Obed Ngobeni

My Wife Bought a Taxi [1987, Shanachie], A–

Dr. Nico (1939–85)

Nico, Kwamy, Rochereau et l'African Fiesta [1960–62, Sonodisc], A–
Nico, Rochereau, Roger: L'African Fiesta, Volume 1 [1962–63, Sonodisc], B+

West Nkosi (1919– )

Rhythm of Healing [1992, Earthworks], A

Papa Noel

w/Papi Oviedo: Bana Congo [2002, Tumi], A–
Café Noir [2007, Tumi], A–

Ebenezer Obey (1942– )

Juju Jubilee [1985, Shanachie], B+

Sonny Okosun (1947– )

Liberation [1984, Shanachie], B

Koffi Olomide

Best of Koffi Olomide [(2002), Next Music, 2 CD], A–

Remmy Ongala (1947– )

Songs for the Poor Man [1989, Real World], A
Mambo [1992, Real World], B+

Orchestra Baobab

On Verra Ça [1978, World Circuit], A–
Pirates Choice [1982, World Circuit/Nonesuch, 2 CD], A
Bamba [1993, Sterns], B+
N'Wolof [1998, Dakar Sound], A–
Specialist in All Styles [2002, Nonesuch], A
Made in Dakar [2007, Nonesuch], A–

Orchestra Marrabenta Star of Mocambique

Independence [1992, Pirahna], B

Orchestra Super Mazembe

Giants of East Africa [1977–86, Earthworks], A–

Orchèstre Vévé

Vintage Verckys [(2001), RetroAfric], A–

Oriental Brothers International

Dr. Sir Warrior and the Oriental Brothers International: Heavy on the Highlife! [1990, Original Music], A+
Godwin Kabaka Opara's Oriental Brothers International: Do Better If You Can / Onye Ikekwere Mekeya [1995, Original Music], A–

Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe (1936– )

Sound Time [1970–85, IndigeDisc], A–
Kedu America [1994, Xenophile], B+

Tabu Ley Rochereau (1940– )

The Voice of Lightness: Congo Classics 1961–1977 [1961–77, Stern's Africa, 2 CD], A–
Tabu Ley [1984, Shanachie], B
Babeti Soukous [1989, Real World], B+
Man from Kinshasa [1991, Shanachie], B+
Africa Worldwide: 35th Anniversary Album [1996, Rounder], B+

Rossy

Island of Ghosts [1991, Real World], B–

Julia Sarr

w/Patrice Larose: Set Luna [2005, Sunnyside/No Format], B

Oumou Sangare (1968– )

Moussolou [1991, World Circuit], B+
Ko Sira [1993, World Circuit], B+
Worotan [1996, World Circuit], B+
Oumou [1989–2003, World Circuit/Nonesuch, 2 CD], A

Shirati Jazz

Benga Beat [1987, Hannibal], B+

Gino Sitson

Bamisphere [2007, 18th & Vine], B

Somi

Red Soil in My Eyes [2005–6, World Village], B–

Soul Brothers [1988– ]

Jive Explosion [1988, Earthworks], B+
The Rough Guide to the Soul Brothers [(2001), World Music Network], A–

Foday Musa Soso

Mandingo Griot Society: Mandingo Griot Society [1979, Flying Fish], B

Soweto Gospel Choir

Voices From Heaven [2005, Shanachie], B
Blessed [2005, Shanachie], B+

Sweet Talks

w/A.B. Crentsil: Hollywood Highlife Party + Moses [1992, PAM], A–
Super Sweet Talks International: The Lord's Prayer [1995, Sterns], B+

Talking Drums

Some Day Catch Some Day Down [1987, Shanachie], A–

Tarika [1995– ]

D [1999, Xenophile], B+
10: Beasts, Ghosts and Dancing With History [1994–2002, Triloka/Artemis], A–

Tarika Sammy [1992– ]

Fanafody [1992, Green Linnet], B–

Les Têtes Brulées [1986– ]

Hot Heads [1990, Shanachie], B–

Sam Fan Thomas

Sam Fan Thomas [1986, Kanibal/Sonodisc], B

Tidiane et Les Dieuf Dieul

Salimita [1999, Justin Time], A–

Tinariwen [2002– ]

Aman Iman: Water Is Life [2006, World Village], A–

Ali Farka Touré (1939–2006)

Ali Farka Touré [1988, Mango], B
The River [1990, Mango], A–
w/Ry Cooder: Talking Timbuktu [1994, World Circuit], B
Radio Mali [1999, World Circuit/Nonesuch], B
Niafunké [1999, Hannibal], A–
w/Toumani Diabaté: In the Heart of the Moon [2004, Nonesuch], A–
Savane [2006, World Circuit/Nonesuch], B+(***)

Vieux Farka Toure

Vieux Farka Toure [2006, World Village], B+(***)

Djelimady Tounkara

Sigui [2002, Indigo], A–

T.P. OK Jazz

Somo! [1992, Sonodisc], A–

Boubacar Traoré

Mariama [1991, Sterns], B+

Rokia Traoré

Wanita [2000, Indigo], B+
Bowmboï [2004, Nonesuch], A–

Vakoka

Introducing Vakoka [2004, World Music Network], B+

Papa Wemba (1953– )

L'Esclave [1986, Gitta], A
Ekumani [1987, Sonodisc], B+
Emotion [1995, Real World], B+
1977–1997 [1977–97, Stern's Africa, 2 CD], A
Viva la Musica: Nouvelle Écriture [1998, Sonodisc], B

Asnaqètch Wèrqu (1933– )

Éthiopiques, Vol. 16: The Lady With the Krar [1974–76, Buda Musique], B+

Various Artists

Adventures in Afropea 3: Telling Stories to the Sea [1995, Luaka Bop], A–
Africa Dances [(1972), Original], A
Africa Remix: Ah Freak Iya [1998–2004, Milan], A–
African Ambience: The Ultimate African Dance Party [(1998), Shanachie], A–
African Connection, Vol. 1: Zaire Choc! [(1988), Celluloid], A+
African Connection, Vol. 2: West Africa [(1988), Celluloid], A–
African Music [1971–82, Vertigo], A
African Pearls 1: Congo: Rumba on the River [1954–69, Syllart, 2 CD], A
African Salsa [(1999), Stern's/Earthworks], A–
African Typic Collection [1989, Earthworks], A–
African Underground Vol. 1: Hip-Hop Senegal [2001–3, Nomadic Wax], A–
Authenticité: The Syliphone Years [1965–80, Sterns, 2 CD], A
Azagas and Archibogs [1991, Original Music], B+
Before Benga 2: The Nairobi Sound [(1993), Original], B+
Black Star Liner: Reggae from Africa [(1983), Heartbeat], B+
Bokoor Beats: Vintage Afro-Beat, Afro-Rock and Electric Highlife From Ghana [1971–79, Otrabanda], A–
Booniay!! A Compilation of West African Funk [(2002), Afrodisiac], B+
Bush Taxi Mali: Field Recordings From Mali [1998, Sublime Frequencies], B
Cape Verde [(1999), Putumayo], A–
Congotronics 2: Buzz'n'Rumble From the Urb'n'Jungle [2006, Crammed Discs, CD+DVD], B+(***)
Edition Pierre Verger: Africa: From Dakar to Johannesburg [(2006), Playasound], B
Electric Highlife: Sessions From the Bokoor Studios [1978–89, Naxos World], A
Éthiopiques, Vol. 15: Jump to Addis [2001, Buda Musique], B+
Éthiopiques, Vol. 18: Asguèbba! [2001–3, Buda Musique], B+
Éthiopiques, Vol. 23: Orchestra Ethiopia [1963–75, Buda Musique], B+(*)
Festival in the Desert [2003, World Village], B+
Ghana Soundz: Afro-Beat, Funk and Fusion in the 70's [1966–77, Soundway], A–
Golden Afrique Vol. 1 [1971–83, Network, 2 CD], A
Golden Afrique Vol. 2 [1956–82, Network, 2 CD], A
Golden Afrique Vol. 3 [1939–88, Network, 2 CD], A–
The Guitar and Gun: Highlife Music From Ghana [1981–84, Stern's/Earthworks], A
Guitar Paradise of East Africa [(1991), Earthworks], A
The Heartbeat of Soweto [1988, Shanachie], A
Heartbeat Soukous [1988, Earthworks], A–
The History of Township Music [1944–81, Wrasse], A–
In Griot Time: String Music from Mali [2000, Stern's Africa], A–
The Indestructible Beat of Soweto [1986, Shanachie], A
The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Vol. 2: Thunder before Dawn [1987, Earthworks], A–
The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Vol. 3: Freedom Fire [1990, Earthworks], B+
The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Vol. 4: Jive Soweto [1992, Earthworks], A–
The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Vol. 5: Jive Nation [1995, Earthworks], B+
The Indestrucbible Beat of Soweto Vol. 6: South African Rhythm Riot [1999, Sterns/Earthworks], A–
The Kampala Sound: 1960s Ugandan Dance Music [(1989), Original Music], A–
Kenya Dance Mania [1991, Earthworks], B+
The Kings and Queens of Township Jive: Modern Roots of the Indestructible Beat of Soweto [1991, Earthworks], A+
Kings of African Music [(1997), Music Club], A–
The Kings of Highlife: The Vibrant Music of West Africa [(2003), Wrasse], A
Kwaito: South African Hip Hop [(2000), Stern's/Earthworks], A–
Lightning Over the River: The Congolese Soukous Guitar Sound [(1999), Music Club], A–
Mali Music [2002, Astralwerks], A–
Mbube Roots: Zulu Choral Music from South Africa, 1930s-1960s [(1987), Rounder], B+
Mbuki Mvuki [1957–84, Original Music], A–
Mbuti Pygmies of the Ituri Rain Forest [1992, Smithsonian/Folkways], B
The Music in My Head [(1998), Sterns], A
The Music in My Head 2 [1975–92, Stern's Africa], A–
Musiki Wa Dansi [1982–91, Africasette], A–
Nigeria 70: The Definitive Story of 1970's Funky Lagos [1964–80, Afrostrut, 3CD], A–
Nigeria 70: Lagos Jump: Original Heavyweight Afrobeat Highlife & Afro-Funk [1968–81, Strut], A–
Only the Poorman Feel It [1995, Hemisphere], B+
Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Africa [1994–2006, Putumayo World Music], B
Putumayo Presents: Mali [1999–2005, Putumayo World Music], B
Putumayo Presents: Women of Africa [(2004), Putumayo World Music], B–
Red Hot + Riot: The Music and Spirit of Fela Kuti [2002, MCA], A–
Roots of Rumba Rock: Congo Classics 1953–1955 [1953–55, Crammed Discs, 2 CD], A–
The Rough Guide to Congo Gold [1949–93, World Music Network], A
The Rough Guide to Highlife [(2003), World Music Network], A–
The Rough Guide to the Music of Ethiopia [(2004), World Music Network], A–
The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria and Ghana [(2002), World Music Network], A
The Rough Guide to the Music of Senegal and Gambia [1980–2000, World Music Network], B+
The Rough Guide to the Music of South Africa [(1999), World Music Network], A–
The Rough Guide to the Music of the Sahara [1998–2004, World Music Network], A–
The Rough Guide to West African Gold [1950, World Music Network], A–
The Rough Guide to South African Gospel [(2003), World Music Network], B+
The Rough Guide to South African Jazz [1958–98, World Music Network], A–
The Sound of Dub: Rare and Soundful Pearls From South Africa in Dub [2005, Echo Beach], B+
South African Legends [1981–2000, Putumayo World Music], B+
Soweto Never Sleeps [1986, Shanachie], A
Township Jazz 'n' Jive [1939–65, Music Club], A
Urban Africa Club: Hip Hop Dancehall and Kwaito [(2007), Out Here], A–
World Psychedelic Classics 3: Love's a Real Thing: The Funky Fuzzy Sounds of West Africa [1972–78, Luaka Bop], A–
Zanzibara 1: Ikhwani Safaa Musical Club [2004–5, Buda Musique], B+(***)
Zanzibara 2: L'Âge d'Or du Taraab de Mombasa [1965–75, Buda Musique], B+(***)
Zimbabwe Frontline [1988, Earthworks], B+
Zimbabwe Frontline Vol. 2: Spirit of the Eagle [1990, Earthworks], A–
Zimbabwe Frontline Vol. 3: Roots Rock Guitar Party [1999, Earthworks], A–
Zulu Jive / Umbaqanga [1983, Hannibal], A–

Introduction