Afropop Classic October 9, 2025
Alex Wolfe, director of the film "Santo Domingo Blues: The Story of Bachata" brings us live ambience and stories of bachata stars Luis Vargas, Antony Santos, Luis Segura, Adridia Ventura.
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.
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.
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.

Afropop After 37 Years, We’re Charting a New Course