In 1972 black people rarely featured in the country’s white-owned official newspapers, unless, perhaps, they were a dead “terrorist”. However, Dr Footswitch’s performance prompted The Rhodesia Herald to print the picture of their guitar player, Manu Kambani, on the front page along with the screaming sentence “Jimi Hendrix is dead but Manu is alive”. With his ability to mimic the mesmerising antics of Jimi Hendrix Manu had impressed everybody and the editor of the paper couldn’t resist printing the story. Heavy criticism from conservative whites followed, accusing the Herald of “lowering the standards.” But the coverage turned Manu into an emblematic figure in Harare, one of Salisbury’s oldest townships, and would influence many youngsters to form their own musical groups. Those bands began fusing Rock music, Congolese Rumba, South African Mbaqanga, soul and traditional beats into an underground music movement that would shape the future of Zimbabwean sound and challenge the colonial establishment.

Femi Kuti’s 'Journey Through Life' marks a deeply personal chapter in the Afrobeat legend’s career. Known for his sharp critiques of political corruption and social injustice, Femi balances his signature “sweet music with a bitter message” with introspective reflections on family, life, and personal growth. Revisiting old tracks with fresh perspectives and producing entirely on his own for the first time, the album captures his journey as an artist, activist, and father.

"Mami Wata" - A Captivating Journey through West African Rhythms. Experience the mesmerizing fusion of traditional African sounds and modern Latin house in Brian Jackson's latest single package, "Mami Wata." Drawing inspiration from the depths of West African mythology, this track takes you on a captivating sonic adventure that spans vast regions of the continent.

On a quest for cosmic grooves of unity, Àbáse is the imagination of Hungarian producer and keyboardist Szabolcs Bognár. Creating an exquisite blend of jazz, West African, Brazilian, hip-hop and electronic music, he set to release his second album ‘Awakening’ in collaboration with Analogue Foundation in summer 2024.

Sing to emancipate the African woman. A unique encounter between the Bantu lullabies of the Congo, electronic music and hip-hop. A hybrid project which gives pride of place to dance and which highlights the daily life of Congolese women in a daring way and above all connected with the times. Gladys Samba, renowned singer and percussionist, had for years wanted to revive and popularize the lullabies of the Republic of Congo, considered as a true cultural heritage of his region. In 2018, with the help of the Institut Francais du Congo, she succeeded in doing this with the show "Les Mamans du Congo".

In the debut EP 'We Are The Ones/Fire/Forever', Chicago DJ legend Rahaan collaborates with an incredibly talented group of musicians, including Marcus J. Austin on lead vocals, Nancy Clayton on backing vocals, Carnell C. Newbill (also known as Spike Rebel) on keyboards and backing vocals, Todd Swope on guitar, and Lou Terry on bass.

Strut introduces a pioneering new compilation 'A Dancefloor In Ndola,' curated by revered East African DJ, Kampire. This release marks an evolution in Strut's approach to compilations, showcasing emerging DJ talent from across the world and embracing an innovative approach to musical discovery from the next wave of selectors.

Thunder into Our Hearts is the second album of South African group Jabula, released in 1976 on Caroline Records. Recorded in November and December 1975 at Chalk Farm Studios and Decibel Studios in London, it is a further expedition in African-tinged jazz. The album features the group and guest musicians: Frank Roberts (keyboards), Nick Evans (trombone), "Spartacus" (electric bass), Graeme Morgan (drums), Bob House (clarinet), Ken Ely, Jim Dvorak (trumpet), Mike Rose (flute).

Jabula's debut album. Recorded at The Manor September 1974. Jabula (isiZulu: "rejoice") was a musical ensemble made of South African musicians "exiled" in England during the Apartheid Era. Under Apartheid, traditional African music was largely banned from radio and even private play, and groups who performed it were often forced into exile. The four members that became Jabula met in London where they were living after leaving South Africa. The group was formed in 1974. In addition to their own albums, the group also performed with Mike Oldfield for his albums Amarok, Incantations, and Ommadawn.

Wah Wah 45s are proud to present the debut LP on the label from Ghanaian vocalist and djembe drummer Afla Sackey. With his band Afrik Bawantu, he has fulfilled the dream of blending traditional Ghanaian music with sizzling Afrobeat grooves, topping it off with an irresistibly funky twist! Their unique blend of vibrant African rhythms with brisk, animated horn sections and heavy bass-lines bring a fresh perspective to the Afrobeat genre.

Kinshasa’s KOKOKO! take up the junkyard Kongo-rock mantle from likes of Konono No.1 and ramp it for the 2020s with a virulent energy accelerated by electronic producer dÉbruit.

"Zouzou" is Dobet Gnahoré’s seventh studio album and a vibrant celebration of African culture and identity. Gnahoré is a virtuosic singer, dancer, percussionist, and songwriter who has taken the modern Afropop sounds of her country in exciting new directions. Known for her jaw-dropping dance moves, powerful stage presence and richly emotional vocal style, Gnahoré has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including a GRAMMY Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2010 for her collaboration with singer India.Arie.

Kankou Kouyate is the niece of the N’Goni genius Bassekou Kouyate and was born into one of the most respected Griot families in Mali; growing up surrounded with music, descendent from generations of the finest N’goni players in the country, she became the music student of her uncle Cheick Oumar Diabaté at the age of ten.

Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton's guest-stuffed new album, Cape Town to Cairo, is built on an attention-grabbing conceit. He wrote and recorded it within a 30-day span, while journeying the African continent, visiting Johannesburg, Lagos, Accra, up to Cairo, back down to South Africa.

Following the great success of BBE’s 2023 reissue of Remi Kabaka’s 1976 lost masterpiece 'Son of Africa' comes yet another neglected and hitherto-hidden slice of pure Kabaka goodness: 1980’s 'Roots Funkadelia'.