Afropop Classic
Biafra at 50: A Wound That Does Not Heal
Closeup December 12, 2017
Biafra at 50: A Wound That Does Not Heal
We examine how the unresolved issues that triggered the devastating Biafran War in the 1960s still resonate and persist in the Niger Delta today on this Afropop Closeup.
Kizito Mihigo and the Politics of Music in Post-Genocide Rwanda
Closeup November 28, 2017
Kizito Mihigo and the Politics of Music in Post-Genocide Rwanda
Kizito Mihigo is one of Rwanda’s most beloved singers, yet he is currently imprisoned, serving a 10-year sentence for treason. In 2014, Mihigo released a song which criticized the wartime actions of Rwanda’s governing political party. The song went viral, sparking a nationwide dialogue around the genocide, and weeks later, Mihigo was arrested on charges of conspiracy to assassinate the president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame.
Afropop Live! 2017
Afropop Classic November 16, 2017
Afropop Live! 2017
Here’s Afropop’s annual roundup of great live recordings we’ve captured over the past year but haven't found time to air.
Night at the Clash
Closeup November 14, 2017
Night at the Clash
Sound clashes have been a mainstay of reggae culture for decades. Mobile sound system teams face off to see who can best move the crowd with their selections of records and exclusive "dub plate" jingles. On a recent late night in Queens, seven sounds competed for the U.S. champion title, and many were surprised by the winner. We meet the sound-system operators and talk to fans about why they love the clash scene. Produced by Noah Schaffer.
Hip Deep Angola 2: Kuduro and Beyond
Hip Deep November 9, 2017
Hip Deep Angola 2: Kuduro and Beyond
In this Hip Deep program, join producer Ned Sublette on the streets of Angola’s big, smoggy, oil-booming capital city of Luanda. Peace came to Angola in 2002 after forty-two years of war, and now everything is different, with construction under way everywhere.
Hip Deep Angola1: Music and Nation in Luanda
Hip Deep November 2, 2017
Hip Deep Angola1: Music and Nation in Luanda
​This Hip Deep program explores the role music played in the creation of a uniquely Angolan consciousness as the country struggled toward independence in the 1960s and ‘70s after centuries of colonialism.
Riqueza del Barrio: Puerto Rican Music in the United States
Hip Deep October 19, 2017
Riqueza del Barrio: Puerto Rican Music in the United States
“Riqueza del Barrio,” produced by Ned Sublette explores Puerto Rico’s distinctive cultural identity as expressed through flavorful music.
Black, Greek and Proud: Negros Tou Moria
Closeup October 17, 2017
Black, Greek and Proud: Negros Tou Moria
Ghanaian-Greek rapper Negros Tou Moria is carving out new territory and challenging stereotypes with rap music that is deeply rooted in Greek language and culture.
"Making Farming Cool!" with Dr. Dara Akala, PIND's Executive Director
Afropop Classic October 11, 2017
"Making Farming Cool!" with Dr. Dara Akala, PIND's Executive Director
"Making Farming Cool!" with Dr. Dara Akala, PIND's Executive Director.
Afro-Symphonic Folk: From the Coasts of Africa to the San Francisco Bay
Closeup October 3, 2017
Afro-Symphonic Folk: From the Coasts of Africa to the San Francisco Bay
Two very different Bay Area artists, Meklit Hadero and Zena Carlota, use their music to explore what it means to live on two sides of a hyphen: African-American, black-artist, Ethiopian-American, female-musician, to name a few.
Soundin' Like Weself: The Trinidadian Rapso Tradition
Closeup August 15, 2017
Soundin' Like Weself: The Trinidadian Rapso Tradition
Here we encounter the musical and philosophical movement called rapso–an infectiously danceable rhythmic oration style that comes with a philosophy championing a Trinidadian identity in the face of a colonial history and a globalized present.
Salaam, Amani, Peace: Festivals in Goma, DR Congo
Closeup July 25, 2017
Salaam, Amani, Peace: Festivals in Goma, DR Congo
In a context of ongoing violence and N.G.O. intervention in Eastern Congo, a festival culture is emerging based on the concept of “peace-building” through the arts.
A Beginner’s Guide to Lusophone Atlantic Music
Closeup June 19, 2017
A Beginner’s Guide to Lusophone Atlantic Music
A lightning tour of some of the most important groups that helped pull together the often-overlooked Afro-Lusophone sonic universe.
Mali: Politics Behind the Music
Closeup May 30, 2017
Mali: Politics Behind the Music
Gregory Mann co hosts a program on politics and music in Mali.
Grimewave
Closeup March 28, 2017
Grimewave

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