Traditional songs and dances from various regions in Kenya. 13 tracks, UK.

2002 CD

A collection of songs by the veteran Kenyan singer who in his long career has been exiled for his outspoken music. Includes the songs Rehema and Amolo Piny Pako Te. 7 tracks, 64:34 mins, USA. EQUATOR HERITAGE SOUNDS

Based in Nairobi, Les Mangalepa are sovereigns in their own musical kingdom 'Le Royaume Mangalepa' - which extends far beyond Kenya to encompass Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Zambia and the DRC. The story of Les Mangalepa starts in the 1960s when, as members of Baba Gastons band in Lubumbashi, they led the migration of musicians out of Zaïre and into Eastern Africa, via Tanzania and on to Nairobi. Striking out on their own, they played their first gig as Les Mangalepa at the Park Inn, Nairobi, in July 1976. 7 joyous tracks, UK. RETRO AFRIC.

They dominated Kenyan and East African music from the mid 70s to the early 80s, and are captured here in their prime. Shades of rumba and soukous. 11 tracks, GERMANY.

2001 CD

Kenyan band, guardians and masters of Luo musical traditions, using traditional hand-made instruments through the popular guitar-based benga sound. 8 tracks, 68:36 mins, UK. WORLD MUSIC NETWORK (UK) LTD.

The exuberant sounds of Nairobi in the 70s and 80s. Originally issued in 1991. 10 tracks, UK.

2002 CD

A selection comprised of a capella choirs and songs accompanied by string instruments. Except for two guitar tracks and one oud track, the string instruments are all lyres - chepkongo, kipukandet, thum, litungu. The strummed lyres sound very guitar-like, at times positively post-punk, and then the wonderful buzzing bass sound of the plucked thum, with strings made of cow tendons. And an array of beautiful traditional vocal styles. NETHERLANDS. SWP RECORDS.

A compilation of Kenyan music highlighting the diversity of styles across the country from Hip Hop to Taarab and rhumba based Swahili and Lingala music. Includes the artists Gidi Gidi Maji Maji, Queen Jane, Kenge Kenge Orutu Systems and Suzzana Owiyo. 12 tracks, 65:30 mins, UK. WORLD MUSIC NETWORK (UK) LTD,

A hip hop album from the Eastlands district of Nairobi, featuring Kalamashaka and Rha Goddess. 22 tracks, 66:56 mins, KENYA. UPTOYOUTOO.

A unique hip hop album by a Tanzanian sextet from Arusha. Lyrics in Kiswahili. Includes liner notes. 13 tracks, 55:54 mins, GERMANY. OUT HERE RECORDS

A collection of love songs and tributes by the Nairobi based band. 7 tracks, 69:43 mins, USA. EQUATOR HERITAGE SOUNDS,