The Zawose Queens - Maisha - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Stargazery - Carnival Puppeteers [VINYL LP] date 11/21/2025

Les Amazones D'Afrique is a creative force that embraces international voices; sweet, strong harmonies that summon the rights of women and girls; and a meltdown of heritage and new gen talent. They were formed in Bamako, Mali, in 2014 by three renowned Malian music stars and social change activists, Mamani Keïta, Oumou Sangaré and Mariam Doumbia, and the collective has since expanded to involve many female artists from across Africa and the diaspora. While their cause - campaigning for gender equality and eradicating ancestral violence - is worthy enough in itself, their musical creative expression is equally powerful. Richly melodic and far-ranging, it blends pan-African styles and collaborative harmonies with gritty, contemporary pop. Following two successful albums produced by Congotronix innovator Doctor L, the band have worked with renowned pop producer Jacknife Lee (U2, Taylor Swift, Modest Mouse) to present a totally fresh new sound on their third album Musow Danse, which draws inspiration from hip-hop, trap, and electronic music.

Released in 1981, Traditional Women's Music from Ghana features songs and dances attributed to women of the Ewe, Fanti, Ashanti, and Dagomba societies. In these societies, participation in music is restricted by both age and gender, and only women perform these songs using instruments and techniques that have been designated appropriate for them. Each song serves a specific purpose, whether it is purely for recreation, like the gabada of the Ewe, or for a rite such as marriage, as in InchOoi yaada Inch of the Dagomba. Liner notes include introductions to age and gender-specific Ghanaian music, and detailed track notes.