#3456: The Guitar as an African Instrument

New Sounds | Apr 16, 2013

Maybe the guitar wasn’t originally an African instrument, but it certainly has become one. For this New Sounds, take a listen to music from the late Cameroonian guitarist Francis Bebey, along with music from Gabonese guitarist singer and musician Pierre Akendengué. There’s also guitar music from South Africa's Derek Gripper - who does arrangements of music from other parts of Africa, especially Mali. Plus, music from fellow South African Guy Buttery, in addition to selections from classical guitarist John Williams, and his versions of pieces of African works for guitar from the “Magic Box” record.

PROGRAM # 3456, African Guitar Music (First aired on 4/16/2013)

ARTIST(S)	RECORDING	CUT(S)	SOURCE
Various Artists: Unknown	Before Benga 1 Kenya Dry	Chemirocha (Jimmy Rodgers) [1:27]	Original Music OMCD 021 Out of print. Try online auction sites. Another recording of Chemirocha can be downloaded via Emusic.com from the compilation, "Kenyan Songs and Strings."
Various Artists: Willamu Osale	Before Benga 1 Kenya Dry	Vijana Niambie [2:43]	Original Music OMCD 021 Out of print. Try online auction sites.
Francis Bebey	Nandolo \| With Love: Works 1963-1994	Mitingidingi [5:09]	Original Music OMCD 027 Out of print. Try online auction sites.
Boubacar Traoré	The Best Of Boubacar Traoré	Soundiata [6:10]	Wrasse Records WRASS 082 www.wrasserecords.com www.gatewayofafrica.com
John Williams (Guitar) & Friends	The Magic Box	Malinke Guitars [6:05]	Sony Classical 89483 www.sonyclassical.com
Derek Gripper	One Night on Earth Music from the strings of Mali	Toumani Diabate: Konkoba (Earth) [4:42]	New Cape Records NC11 www.newcape.co.za www.derekgripper.com
Various Artists: Humphrey Eshitool	Before Benga 1 Kenya Dry	Jirani na Waganga [3:00]	Original Music OMCD 021 Out of print. Try online auction sites.
Pierre Akendengue	Passe Compose	OmaAyiya [3:56]	Encore ENC 140 Out of print. Try online auction sites.
Guy Buttery	Fox Hill Lane	Mama [3:04]	Peace of Eden Multimedia POEMS 170620091 www.guybuttery.co.za
John Williams	The Magic Box	The Magic Box [3:10]	See above.
Francis Bebey	Django Preface: World Music Guitar	A Letter From Sierra Leone [6:23]	Ozileka CD 13904 Out of print, try Amazon.com

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

The unlikely organizers: Even NYC luxury renters are starting tenant associations

Renters paying premium prices for New York City rentals are organizing with neighbors to get their money’s worth.

Gothamist |

Why New York Bagel and Pizza Recipes May Change

Julia Moskin talks about New York's proposed ban on potassium bromate, which is used in NY bagels and pizza.

The Brian Lehrer Show |

The U.F.C. President, Dana White, on Donald Trump: “He’s Not a Racist”

White discusses his relationship with the President, the upcoming match on the White House South Lawn, and why he thinks he’s above politics.

The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Episode 4 of American Emergency; The Movement to Kill FEMA

FEMA’s uncertain future. Plus, what happens when the next disaster strikes?

On the Media |