Habib Koite

To most people who have, at some time or other in their lives, been students of geography Africa is a continent; a rather large one, no doubt, but also unfortunately still viewed through white colonial eyes and so a “dark continent”. But to the African she is not only an animate being, but Mother Africa. Many European and American musicians, despite having been suckled by her don’t always see her as the source of everything living and therefore the music they play.

The islands of the Caribbean are famous for their rhythmic latin music. This excellent Putumayo's album incorporates songs from many caribbean islands like biguine from Martinique, timba and sca from Cuba and more. There are also some interesting pan-Caribbean works included, fusing soca with zouk and African rhythms with calypso. "The Caribbean" delves into the roots of the music, its present and its future. Enjoy vivid and happy dancing latin music with the well known quality of Putumayo.

Africa is home to a myriad of styles, and it remains one of the most creative places for music on the planet. Jazz, blues, rock and roll, gospel, salsa, samba, funk, hip-hop, reggae, zydeco, zouk, are just a few of the genres that have their roots in African music. Putumayo goes the pop route on Africa, which spans 1990-1998 and contains a variety of modern sounds from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Guinea as well as the Congo, Cameroon, Mali, and the small country of Togo. Detailed info on artists and songs are contained in the nice booklet included. Enjoy an album of amazing beauty.