RADIO AFRODICIA'S TOP TEN FOR 2011
2011 was a great year for African music. There were many hot new albums released as well as some great classics re-released. It's always a challenge to narrow down the best of the best, but with much determination and tenacity we've chosen our favorite albums, concerts, and labels for 2011.
Best Albums
1. Asa - Beautiful Imperfection -Nigeria - Naive Music France
2. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 - From Africa Rise with Fury - Nigeria - Knitting Factory Music
3. Papa Wemba - Notre Pere Rumba - Congo Drc - Universal France
4.Cheik Lo - Jamm - Senegal - Nonesuch Records
5. Blitz The Ambassador - Native Sun - Ghana - Embassy MVMT
6. Chief Boima Presents : Lone Stars Hipco & Gbema - Liberia - Akwaaba Music Ghana
7. Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga - Maisha Ni Matamu - CongoDrc/East Africa - Virunga Music
8. Tinariwen - Tassili - Mali - Atco Music
9. Kanda Bongoman - Non Stop Feeling - Congo Drc - Tabilulu Productions
10. Andre Manga - Voyages - Cameroon - Jazz d ' Afrik Productions.
2. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 - From Africa Rise with Fury - Nigeria - Knitting Factory Music
3. Papa Wemba - Notre Pere Rumba - Congo Drc - Universal France
4.Cheik Lo - Jamm - Senegal - Nonesuch Records
5. Blitz The Ambassador - Native Sun - Ghana - Embassy MVMT
6. Chief Boima Presents : Lone Stars Hipco & Gbema - Liberia - Akwaaba Music Ghana
7. Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga - Maisha Ni Matamu - CongoDrc/East Africa - Virunga Music
8. Tinariwen - Tassili - Mali - Atco Music
9. Kanda Bongoman - Non Stop Feeling - Congo Drc - Tabilulu Productions
10. Andre Manga - Voyages - Cameroon - Jazz d ' Afrik Productions.
Best Reissues
Some say it's always sweeter the second time. We find that to be true for this year's reissues of some beautifully- seasoned classics.
1. Joni Haastrup- Dawn of Awareness, Give A Beggar A Chance, Wake up your mind. - Soundway ,Tommy Touch Music.
2. Lijadu Sisters -Danger - Knitting Factory Records.
3. Vijana Jazz Band - The Koka Best Some Koka Sex Battalion - Sterns Records.
4. Bambara Mystic Soul - The Raw Sound of Bukina Faso 19 74 - 1979 - Analog Africa Germany.
1. Joni Haastrup- Dawn of Awareness, Give A Beggar A Chance, Wake up your mind. - Soundway ,Tommy Touch Music.
2. Lijadu Sisters -Danger - Knitting Factory Records.
3. Vijana Jazz Band - The Koka Best Some Koka Sex Battalion - Sterns Records.
4. Bambara Mystic Soul - The Raw Sound of Bukina Faso 19 74 - 1979 - Analog Africa Germany.
Best Record Labels
Always uncovering the best of African music, we tip our hats to some of the finest record labels that really out did themselves this year.
1. Akwaaba Music Ghana
2. Sterns Records
3. Cumbancha Music
4. Nonesuch Music
1. Akwaaba Music Ghana
2. Sterns Records
3. Cumbancha Music
4. Nonesuch Music
Best Shows
This was by far the most difficult category to narrow down. Los Angeles exploded with some awesome shows this year. It was a memorable year for the African music scene thanks to great event producers and performers!
1. Fela! - Ahmanson Theater - Los Angeles.
2. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 - Grand Performances - Los Angeles.
3. Salif Keita - Conga Room - Los Angeles.
4. Blitz The Ambassador - Grand Performances - Los Angeles
5. Vieux Farka Toure - The Satellite - Echo Park.
6. Baloji & Orchestra De la Katuba - Grand Performances - Los Angeles.
1. Fela! - Ahmanson Theater - Los Angeles.
2. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 - Grand Performances - Los Angeles.
3. Salif Keita - Conga Room - Los Angeles.
4. Blitz The Ambassador - Grand Performances - Los Angeles
5. Vieux Farka Toure - The Satellite - Echo Park.
6. Baloji & Orchestra De la Katuba - Grand Performances - Los Angeles.