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World Music: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
How did Bob Marley die?
Bob Marley died of cancer at age 36. Some controversy surrounds his death, though, as it seems that his cancer may have been curable. So why did Bob Marley die?
Music Festival Packing List
New to music festivals? Been going to them for awhile, but still think your stay could be more comfortable? Use this handy checklist to remind yourself of things you need to make your music festival experience the best it can be.
Bob Marley
Bob Marley was undoubtedly the most influential Jamaican musician of all time. His popularity was widespread, and continues to be so, 25 years after his death. Learn more about this legend of reggae music.
Edith Piaf
Edith Piaf is considered by many to be the greatest French singer of all time. Her tragic life is shrouded in mystery and legend -- learn more about it here!
Why Did Bob Marley Smoke Marijuana?
: Why Did Bob Marley Smoke Marijuana? The iconic image of Bob Marley is a photograph of him smoking a
Reggae Music 101
Reggae music is perhaps one of the best-known genres of world music. Reggae music was created and popularized in the United States in the 1960s by artists such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
Have Fun at a Music Fest
There are few better ways to experience live music than through a music festival. Here are some tips to make your music festival experience the best it can be.
Bob Marley CDs
Every ska, rocksteady and reggae fan has at least one Bob Marley CD on their shelf, but if you're new to the genre, you might be confused as to where to start. These essential albums will help you build your Bob Marley library.
Bob Marley's Best Love Songs
Bob Marley is best-known for his songs about social issues, peace, justice, and revolution, but Bob Marley also wrote and performed dozens of beautiful love songs. Read on for some of the best love songs that Bob Marley ever wrote.
African Reggae CDs
Though reggae initiated in Jamaica, its sound is decidedly rooted in African rhythms. Thus, it's no surprise that reggae is wildly popular in Africa, and that dozens of African reggae artists have contributed to the development of the genre. Here are some great CDs to get your African reggae collection started.
Ska Music 101
Ska music is by far one of the most popular genres of world music. Ska music has been through several incarnations, from traditional Jamaican ska to second-wave two-tone ska and finally American third-wave ska, which fused ska and punk music.
Irish Music Starter CDs
The musical traditions of Ireland are among the world's most beloved. If you're a beginner to the genre, check out these wonderful Irish music starter CDs!
Au Clair de la Lune
Au Clair de la Lune is an early French folksong, which dates back to at least the mid-18th century. The earliest known recording of the human voice is of an unknown woman singing Au Clair de la Lune.
Kenyan Music Playlist
Kenyan music is very diverse, much like the country of Kenya. This Kenyan music playlist highlights some of the different sounds that make up Kenya's musical soundscape.
Funeral Bagpipes
Why are bagpipes customarily played at funerals of police officers, firefighters, soldiers and other state figures? What is the history of funeral bagpipes?
Jamaican Music
Jamaican music is some of the most popular music in the world. Trailblazers like Bob Marley put the music of Jamaica on the map, but the history of Jamaican music is peppered with hundreds of amazing artists and dozens of amazing genres. Learn more about Jamaican music!
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Basic Facts: Israel "Bruddah IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole was born on May 20, 1959, on
If You Like Enya
If you like Irish New Age Singer Enya, you might also like Loreena McKennitt, Sissel, Enigma and Maire Brennan, as well as some of these other New Age artists.
Bob Marley's 10 Best Protest Songs
Bob Marley was well-known for his songs of protest and social change. Here are ten of his best.
Music for Relaxation and Meditation
In this hectic world, relaxation can be hard to come by. If you need some music to help you relax or to help you center your body and mind while meditating, these ten great CDs from around the world should help you do just that!
Top Ten Bob Marley Song Covers
Bob Marley is one of the most covered musical artists in history, but very few non-reggae artists seem to cover his songs, and when they do, it's often unsuccessful. Occasionally, though, a gem has broken through. Here are the Top Ten covers of Bob Marley songs done by non-reggae artists.
Irish Music 101
Irish music is one of the most popular forms of traditional music in the world. Irish music is unique in that it has remained popular and stayed relatively the same over hundreds of years, whereas other forms of traditional music have died out. Learn more about Irish music and the wonderful musicians who keep the tradition alive!
Zydeco Music 101
Zydeco music, and its close relative, Cajun music, is one of the most exciting and vibrant genres of world music in the world. Zydeco is the bluesy, highly syncopated music of the French speaking Creole people of Southwest Louisiana. Learn more about Zydeco!
Ziggy Marley
Ziggy Marley is Bob Marley's oldest son. Ziggy Marley was born to Bob and Rita Marley in 1968, and grew up to become a successful reggae musician in his own right. With his band, the Melody Makers, Ziggy Marley has recorded over 15 records.
Bob Marley Trivia
Want to know some fun and interesting trivia about Bob Marley? Look no further for some fun facts about Bob Marley's life and music, and other Bob Marley trivia.
Manu Chao
Manu Chao is one of the world's hippest and most popular musicians. His experimentation with world music, combined with rock and electronica, has made the genre cool again.
Peter Tosh
Peter Tosh's Early Life: Peter Tosh was born Winston Hubert McIntosh on October 9, 1944 in Grange Hill,
Save Money at Music Festivals
Save money at a music festival with these tips. Going to music festivals is a favorite summer activity, but can be deceptively expensive if you're not careful with your money. Here are some ways to save money at a music festival while still having a great time.
2012 Grammy Awards Nominees (and Winners) in World, Reggae, and Roots Music
Read the nominees and the winners for the world, reggae, and roots music categories for the 54th Grammy Awards, to be held on February 12, 2012.
Calypso Music 101
Calypso music is a genre of Caribbean music native to the island of Trinidad. Calypso music, like most genres of Caribbean music, is heavily rhythmic and has clever, catchy melodies and lyrics. Calypso music was made popular in the United States by Harry Belafonte.
If You Like Edith Piaf, You Might Like...
If you like Edith Piaf, take a step further and dig into some other classic French music
How to Choose a Musical Instrument to Play
Many adults would like to learn to play a musical instrument, but aren't sure where to start or how to choose which instrument to play. There are lots of factors to take into consideration when choosing a new musical instrument. Here are some things that can help you choose a musical instrument to play and enjoy for years!
Manu Chao - La Radiolina
La Radiolina is Manu Chao's first studio CD in 6 years, and, in all honesty, it was worth the wait. The CD is classic Manu Chao, in the sense that it's wildly fresh and pushes boundaries like no one else can.
What's the Difference Between a Fiddle and a Violin?
There's an old musician's joke: "What's the difference between a fiddle and a violin?" "You don't spill
Classical Indian Music 101
The two main genres of classical Indian music are Carnatic music, from Southern India, and Hindustani music, from Northern India. Both use systems of ragas and talas to create a sound that is quite different from western music.
Rai Music 101
Rai Music is a popular form of world music from Algeria. Rai music sounds much like pop music, but with Arabic and French musical influences.
Taking Children to Festivals
Bringing children along to festivals can be a fun, and relatively inexpensive, way to spend a long summer weekend. Following these simple tips, though, will make the music festival much more fun for both you and your kids. Before you take your children to a music festival, read on!
World Music Clubs in New York
New York City has one of the greatest club scenes in the world, and every musical genre you can think of is presented by a huge legion of entertainers from around the world on a nightly basis. World music is not hard to come by in New York, and here are the best places to catch your favorite live performers and world music DJs in the city!
Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti was a pioneering world musician who played Afrobeat music, a blend of American jazz, funk and pop with West African Highlife Music. Fela Kuti was also a major political activist who became a hero of the Black Power movement. Fela Kuti died of AIDS in 1997.
If You Like Bob Marley...
If you like the reggae music stylings of Bob Marley, check out some of these related reggae music artists. This list includes Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh, who were part of The Wailers, Bob Marley's early rocksteady and reggae band, as well as artists like The Mighty Diamonds, Burning Spear and Toots and the Maytals.
Rocksteady 101
Rocksteady music is a derivative of ska music that became popular in Jamaica during the late 1960s, when reggae music was also becoming popular. Popular artists of the rocksteady era of jamaican music are Toots and the Maytals, Justin Hinds and the Dominoes and Alton Ellis.
African Music Starter CDs
These CDs will make a great beginning to your African music collection. They represent a wide variety of styles and genres and will be just the thing you need to get you started.
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar 101
Hawaiian slack key guitar is one of the most interesting forms of indigenous American folk music. Hawaiian slack key guitar is characterized by cross-tuning of the guitar strings and a distinctive bluesy sound created by highly embellished finger-picking.
"Danny Boy" Lyrics and History
Essential Recordings of "Danny Boy": Tommy Fleming - Listen/Download Celtic Woman - Listen/Download The
Accordion
The accordion is one of the best-known world music instruments, and people tend to love it or hate it. Learn more about the history of accordions, how accordions work and what genres of music feature the accordion.
Fado Music 101
Fado music is the traditional urban folk music of Portugal. Portuguese fado music is known for its sad, mournful songs and powerful performances.
Didgeridoo
The didgeridoo is perhaps the oldest musical instrument from the wind family that exists. The didgeridoo is native to the Aboriginal peoples of Australia.
Edith Piaf's 10 Greatest Songs
Edith Piaf recorded masterpiece after masterpiece from the beginning of her career to the end, and nearly
Dancehall Music 101
Dancehall is a genre of Jamaican music that consists of a deejay rapping (or toasting) over a reggae-like beat (or riddim). Some of the more popular dancehall artists include Yellowman and King Jammy. Many music historians believe that dancehall is a predecessor to rap, with the toasting style brought to New York City by Jamaican immigrants.
Toasting
Toasting is a style of lyrical chanting which, in Jamaican and other African-inspired musical traditions, involves a deejay chanting over a rhythm. Toasting, as it is used in dancehall music, was the predecessor to modern rap and hip-hop.
Difference: Cajun and Zydeco
The difference between Cajun Music and Zydeco is not solely an issue of race, it's a difference of influences. Embrace the differences between these two genres of Louisiana music.
Klezmer Music 101
Klezmer music is the traditional secular music of Ashkenazi and Hasidic Jews. It is characterized by use of the accordion, fiddle and clarinet and is often played at Jewish weddings.
Banjo
The banjo is considered by some to be the only uniquely american musical instrument. Banjoes are descendants of African instruments, brought to America by slaves.
Lucky Dube
Lucky Dube was a pioneer of reggae music in his native South Africa. Lucky Dube followed in the footsteps of Jamaican legends like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, with direct influences from his African roots.
Bob Marley and the Wailers Live Forever
Bob Marley and the Wailers Live Forever is a new release of Bob Marley's final concert, which took place at the Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA on September 23, 1980. The CD is made from Soundboard recordings, so the actual recording quality is excellent, and the Wailers were in outstanding form that night -- it's a special recording, for sure. Read my review of Bob Marley and the Wailers Live Forever.
Jamaican Mento Music 101
The Early History of Mento Music: Mento music emerged as a distinct style of Jamaican music in the early
French Language Music
Love the French language and want to discover some more music in French? Look no further, these ten french language cds will get your collection started nicely!
Books About Reggae
The best books about reggae and Jamaican music. From biographies to cultural studies, coffee table books to collections of essays, these books cover everything the avid reggae fan needs to know about the genre and its history.
Fiddle
The fiddle is by far one of the most popular instruments in ethnic music throughout the world. The fiddle's portability and small size, as well as its voice-like sound, has made it travel throughout the world. Fiddle music is, almost always, music for dancing.
What is World Music?
: What is World Music? : Louis Armstrong once said, "All music is folk music; I ain't never heard a horse
Desert Blues Playlist
The Sahara desert - a land of nomadic peoples - is the source of one of the most exciting movements in world music in recent history. With its cyclical connection to American blues, there are deep roots in the desert sand.
Essential Django Reinhardt
Django Reinhardt was a prolific songwriter and recording artist, and his timeless gypsy jazz music will never go out of style. This playlist covers some of Django Reinhardt's most essential songs, some which he composed himself, and some which he covered.
Best Traditional Ska CDs
Though ska music experienced a resurgence in the 1990s, when it was fused with rock and punk, ska experienced its first wave in Jamaica in the 1960s. Traditional ska music is a combination of traditional Jamaican mento with the then-modern sounds of American R&B and soul. Check out some CDs by the best artists from that time period, and discover an important turning point in Jamaican musical history.
Soca Music 101
Soca music is a popular form of Caribbean music that comes out of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Soca is a blend of traditional Trinidadian Calypso and Indian rhythms. Soca has both traditional and contemporary forms.
Polka Music 101
Polka music is a form of European dance music which originated in what is now the Czech Republic. It migrated to the United States with Eastern European immigrants and remains quite popular in areas of the Midwest and Great Lakes Region.
Tuvan Throat Singing 101
Tuvan Throat Singing is a style of singing that comes from Tuva, a small republic in Central Asia. Tuvan Throat Singers are able to produce a number of notes from their voice at one time.
Reggae for Kids
Kids love reggae music. It's upbeat, fun, and great for dancing. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find reggae music that has lyrics appropriate for kids, or about themes that children can relate to. Look here for some reggae CDs that are specifically made for children and that kids of all ages can enjoy.
Bhangra 101
Bhangra was originally harvest-celebration music from the Indian region of Punjab. Bhangra music was given new life by Punjabi people living in England, who added dance and electronic elements to the original sounds, resulting in an exciting and modern genre that is gaining popularity worldwide.
World Musical Instruments Everyone Should Own
If you're looking to start a great musical instrument collection for your kids (or the whole family!), these ten relatively simple and fairly cheap instruments from around the world will get you started nicely.
Enya
Enya is perhaps one of the best-known world musicians, gaining popularity with her Celtic family band, Clannad, in the 1980s, and later going on to great success as a solo artist. Enya is the best-selling artist from the Republic of Ireland.
World Music for Weddings
World music fans often find themselves in a bit of a jam when they're planning the music for their wedding - they want to express their unique taste in music, but also want to keep the music sweet and romantic. These ten songs will surely add a touch of romance, as well as some fabulous global flavor, to your wedding.
Jimmy Cliff
Jimmy Cliff - Basic Biography: Jimmy Cliff was born James Chambers on April 1, 1948 in St. James Parish,
The Cajun Mardi Gras Song
The Cajun Mardi Gras Song, known in Cajun French as "La Danse de Mardi Gras" or "La [Vieille] Chanson
If You Like Celtic Woman
Celtic Woman is a worldwide phenomenon that has, much as Riverdance once did, brought Irish music to the world stage. If you like Celtic Woman and need some ideas for more CDs that you might enjoy, check out this list, which includes artists like Enya, Karan Casey, Cherish the Ladies, and Loreena McKennitt, among others.
The Spinning Wheel
"The Spinning Wheel" History and Background: "The Spinning Wheel" was written in the mid-1800s by an
Celtic Woman
Celtic Woman is an Irish musical group that gained popularity worldwide when their television special, also entitled Celtic Woman, was first broadcast in 2005. Celtic Woman's program includes traditional Irish music, as well as Celtic interpretations of modern songs.
Indian Classical Instrument
A sitar is a stringed instrument used in Indian Classical Music. The sitar has also been used by western rock musicians such as the Beatles. Learn more about the sitar!
Bob Marley Quotes - Love and Relationships
A collection of quotations drawn from Bob Marley's song lyrics, focusing on love, family, and relationships.
Tinariwen
Tinariwen is the premier Tuareg musical group in the world. The band formed in Muammar al-Qaddafi's rebel camps in 1982, and have since switched from guns to guitars, bringing their music around the world.
Modern Yoga Music
For many of us, music is essential to a great yoga practice -- it helps us focus, provides motivation, and generally makes the whole thing more enjoyable. Unfortunately, much of the yoga music on the market is cheesy and barely-listenable. What's a music snob to do? Look no further -- these great modern yoga CDs will soundtrack any flow nicely.
Trad Cajun Music Starter CDs
In order to truly understand Cajun music, it's best to listen to some of the trailblazers of the genre. Here are ten great Cajun cds to get you started.
Bagpipes
The bagpipes are a traditional instrument of the Scottish Highlands.
Mbira
The mbira is the national instrument of Zimbabwe. The mbira is of the lamellophone family of musical instruments, and consists of a board or block with attached metal strips. These strips are tuned as keys, and plucked or flipped to play melody and rhythm. Mbira music is considered sacred to the Shona people of Zimbabwe.
Day-O - The Banana Boat Song
The Banana Boat Song, also known as Day-O, is a traditional Jamaican mento song that was popularized by Calypso folksinger Harry Belafonte in the 1960s. Learn the lyrics and history of the Banana Boat Song!
Reel
A reel is a traditional dance and tune style found primarily in Irish and Scottish music, but also in other genres influenced by those styles. The reel is one of the most common types of tunes found in fiddle music around the world, and stepdancers often learn reels as their first type of dance.
Cajun Mardi Gras Celebrations
The Cajun Mardi Gras celebrations in Southwest Louisiana are entirely different than the big-city bacchanalia of New Orleans celebrations. Learn more about Cajun Mardi Gras and the ancient traditions that it is based on.
Oliver Mtukudzi
Oliver Mtukudzi, known as Tuku, is one of Africa's best-loved musicians. Hailing from Zimbabwe, Oliver Mtukudzi's inspired songwriting, brilliant guitar-playing, and lovable stage persona have made him Zimbabwe's most famous artist and a household name throughout Africa.
Songs For Mothers
A playlist of world music songs about Moms. A great gift for Mother's Day. Songs include African music, Irish music, Jamaican music and more.
World Music Albums for Kids
Tired of the same old children's music albums? Check out some of these unique world music albums that are either made for children or are appropriate for children. Expose your kids to new cultures with world music!
Musicians at Cajun Mardi Gras
The traditional costumes worn during Cajun Mardi Gras are one of the most fun aspects of the day. Most
Filmi Music 101
Bollywood films are grand spectacles that feature large filmi music and dance numbers and melodramatic plotlines. Filmi music, the correct name for the music of Bollywood films, has become some of the most popular music in the world, and certain filmi singers, such as legend Asha Bhosle, have become well-known outside of the Bollywood arena for their talents.
Oud
The oud (or ud) is one of the oldest stringed instruments in existence, and is still regularly played today. The oud is an ancestor of the lute, and subsequently of the mandolin and guitar.
Angelique Kidjo
Angelique Kidjo is a Benin-born singer whose amazing voice and remarkable stage presence have made her one of the most popular musicians in the world. Angelique Kidjo is also well-known for her work as a humanitarian, speaking out against the conflict in Darfur and the ravages of AIDS in Africa. Learn more about Angelique Kidjo's life, work, and especially music!
Top 10 African CDs of 2007
The best African music released in 2007.
The Rhythm of Reggae
The one drop rhythm is a snare drum rhythm that is a major part of the sound of reggae music. The one drop rhythm was popularized by Carlton Barrett, of Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Arabic Music Starter CDs
The world of Arabic music encompasses a huge variety of music both modern and ancient, and from folk, pop, and classical traditions. Arabic music can be a beautiful and compelling window into Arabic culture, so if you're not familiar with it, here are 10 great CDs from a variety of genres to get your collection started.
How To Start a Drum Circle
Starting your own community drum circle can be scary and daunting, but it can also be a fun way to meet fellow music fans and learn more about rhythm patterns and the culture of drumming. Your drum circle can as formal or informal as you want.
Gamelan
The Gamelan is a musical ensemble, sometimes referred to as an orchestra, of Indonesian origin. The ensemble consists of several xylophones, bells, gongs and drums. Different Indonesian islands have different styles of gamelan, with the most popular styles being Balinese and Javanese.
Bob Marley Quotes - Spirituality
A collection of quotations from songs written by Bob Marley on the subjects of religion and spirituality, and more specifically, Rastafarianism.
Gregorian Chant Starter CDs
Gregorian Chant, a form of devotional plainsong that's been part of the Christian tradition for nearly 2000 years, is among the oldest forms of traditional Christian music. This simple, intense music has regained popularity in the past couple of decades, gaining particular popularity among Christians seeking music for meditation and prayer. To begin your own collection, start with these five essential Gregorian Chant CDs!
Essential Zydeco Starter CDs
Zydeco is a vibrant genre of music created by the fusion of African, French, Spanish, Native American, and other international influences, all of which came together in Southwest Louisiana. Get to know zydeco music with some of these essential starter CDs.
Compas Music 101
Compas music, or Kompas music, is a genre of Haitian music that incorporates the classic beat of meringue (a Haitian variant of merengue) with Haitian Kreyol (Creole) lyrics and a modern twist. Compas is a popular modern Caribbean music that plays a major part in Carnival celebrations.
Django Reinhardt
Django Reinhardt - Quick Biography: Jean Baptiste "Django" Reinhardt was born on January 23, 1910 in
Chutney Music 101
Chutney music is a style of music that derives from a combination of calypso and soca music and Indian music. It was created by Indians in Trinadad and Tobago and is one of the world's most popular genres of music.
Djembe
Best-recognized as the most common drum in your average drum circle, the djembe is a traditional West African hand drum that provides the rhythm to a great many important genres of African music.
Mardi Gras Music
Need some music for your Mardi Gras Celebration? Look no further -- these Mardi Gras playlists include classic jazz, rock, New Orleans Mardi Gras music, and even Cajun and Zydeco Music. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Loreena McKennitt
Loreena McKennitt - Basic Facts: Loreena McKennitt was born on February 17, 1957 in Morden, Manitoba.
Kora
A kora is a 21-stringed harp made from a gourd and popular in West Africa
The Sash My Father Wore
The Sash My Father Wore is a Northern Irish folksong that tells of the many battles fought and won by the Orangemen, or Ulster Scots.
The 11 Best World Music CDs of 2011
2011 was a great year for world music. With monster releases from world music mainstays and some excellent breakthroughs from lesser-known artists, it was a great year to be a listener, that's for sure. Read on for my favorite world music CDs from 2011.
Calypso Compilations
Calypso music, the African-rooted folk music of Trinidad and Tobago, has long been the soundtrack for the Carnival season on the islands, and its popularity has spread worldwide. Need some good calypso in your collection? Check out these excellent vintage calypso compilations.
The Connemara Cradle Song
The Connemara Cradle Song is an old Irish folksong. The Connemara Cradle song has a beautiful melody and soothing lyrics about the ocean, making it both a sea shanty and a lullaby.
Riddim
: In reggae , ska and dancehall music, a riddim is an instrumental version of a song, generally featuring
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Isicathamiya Music: Isicathamiya means, roughly, "Tip Toe Guys" in Zulu, a major language of South Africa.
Patois
Patois (or Patwa) is an Afro-English dialect, widely spoken in Jamaica. Many reggae and ska songs are sung in Patois.
Cesaria Evora
Cesaria Evora is a singer from the Cape Verde islands known for her soulful interpretation of morna songs.
Salif Keita
Salif Keita is a contemporary African musician from the country of Mali, West Africa. Salif Keita is an albino who is known as the Golden Voice of Africa.
Lee "Scratch" Perry
Lee "Scratch" Perry - The Basics: Lee "Scratch" Perry was born Rainford Hugh Perry on March 20, 1936
Roots Reggae 101
Roots reggae is a subgenre of reggae music, characterized by socially conscious and spiritual lyrics. Roots reggae peaked in the late 1960s with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and their contemporaries, but there are still great artists recording roots reggae, and it remains popular among people who dislike the slack lyrics of modern dancehall.
Bob Marley Quotes - Politics
A collection of quotes on the topics of social justice, politics, and revolution, selected from songs written and performed by Bob Marley.
Putumayo World Music
Putumayo World Music has become one of the most recognized names in the world music industry. Putumayo's clever compilations, complete with their dazzling cover art, are the first place many people hear world music.
Michel Martelly - Sweet Micky
Michel Martelly is a Haitian compas musician who is known by the stage persona Sweet Micky. Michel Martelly was elected to be President of Haiti in a landslide victory in April of 2011. Learn about Michel Martelly's life, Sweet Micky's music, and the Haitian presidential election.
Bodhran
A bodhran is a hand-held drum used in traditional Irish music. Bodhran players are an integral part of an Irish music seisun (jam session).
The Harder They Come
'The Harder They Come' is a seminal reggae music movie, starring reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, who plays Ivanhoe Martin, a jobless Jamaican man who wants to make a living as a musician, but ends up as a drug dealer instead. The soundtrack to 'The Harder They Come' contains many of roots reggae's greatest hits, including contributions by Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, The Melodians, and Toots & the Maytals.
Nyabinghi Drumming
Nyabinghi drumming is a form of ritual drumming used for prayer and meditation in the Rastafarian religion. The rhythms of nyabinghi drumming, which come from African rhythms, are integral to the roots of ska and reggae music. Learn more about nyabinghi drumming!
Jeli Kora Players
The top five jeli, or griot, kora players in the world.
Clifton Chenier
Clifton Chenier was known as the King of Zydeco. Clifton Chenier's explorations of the blues and R&B forms on the keyboard accordion actually led to the creation of zydeco as a distinct genre, and Clifton Chenier has remained a major influence on every zydeco artist playing today.
2012 World Music Readers' Choice Awards
2012 World Music Readers Choice Awards -- About.com Readers' Choice Awards
Dobet Gnahore
Dobet Gnahore is an African musician from the Ivory Coast, in West Africa. Known for both her deep, rich vocals and thrilling dance moves, Dobet Gnahore has become a worldwide favorite for both live and recorded African music.
L. McKennitt - An Ancient Muse
Loreena McKennitt's 2006 album, An Ancient Muse, is her first album of new material in nearly ten years. It's a stunning album wherein Loreena McKennitt musically traverses the ancient Silk Road, studying the influence and roots of the Celts.
Burning Spear - 'Jah is Real'
Jah is Real is a 2008 release from roots reggae legend Burning Spear. Jah is Real was nominated for a Grammy Award, and deservedly so - it's a great back-to-basics CD from Burning Spear.
The Toure-Raichel Collective - 'The Tel Aviv Session'
When Israeli pop-world composer Idan Raichel met Malian guitar scion Vieux Farka Toure in an airport, an idea was born. After a couple of years of friendship and occasional musical camaraderie, they got together to record an album. Read my review.
Kiran Ahluwalia: 'Aam Zameen: Common Ground'
'Aam Zameen: Common Ground' is a genre-bending release from Kiran Ahluwalia. 'Aam Zameen' features collaborations with Saharan Desert Rockers Tinariwen and Terakaft. Check out my review.
Northeast World Music Fests
The best music festivals in the Northeastern United States that feature World music.
Cajun and Zydeco Mardi Gras Songs
Need some Cajun music and zydeco songs to soundtrack your Mardi Gras celebration? Look no further -- this playlist includes classic and modern Mardi Gras themed songs from leading and legendary Cajun and zydeco artists like The Balfa Brothers, Buckwheat Zydeco, Clifton Chenier, and the Pine Leaf Boys. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
2012 Readers' Choice Winners
Luis Paniagua is the winner of the World Music Torchbearer Award in the 2012 World Music at About.com Readers' Choice Awards. Learn more about this Spanish composer, who specializes in ancient melodies and instruments of the greater Mediterranean.
Organizing World Music CDs
Your collection of world music cds might get a bit unwieldy occasionally. Here are some methods for organizing and maintaining a large world music cd collection.
Tin Whistle
The tin whistle is a simple traditional woodwind instrument that is commonly found in Irish music and other genres of Celtic music. The tin whistle is also called a penny whistle and, despite its simplicity, can be played with a great deal of nuance and dynamics by great players.
Youssou N'Dour
Youssou N'Dour is one of the best-known African musicians in the world. Born in Senegal, Youssou N'Dour has been instrumental in developing Senegalese popular music, known as mbalax.
Cockles and Mussels
Cockles and Mussels is a traditional Irish folksong that tells the tragic tale of one Molly Malone, a fishmonger who died of the fever, but whose ghost still wanders the streets of Dublin. It's a widely popular song that has been sung in many a pub over the years.
Learn Riverdance
: Where Can I Learn How To Riverdance? : You can't. Not because you're not talented enough, simply because
Cheb Mami
Cheb Mami - Early Life: Cheb Mami was born Ahmed Khelifati Mohammed on July 11, 1966 in Saida, Algeria
Cajun Triangle
The triangle is the predominant percussion instrument in traditional Cajun music, and is also found in other genres of folk music. Also called the tee fer or bastringue, the Cajun triangle is a deceptively difficult percussion instrument.
Top 10 World Music CDs of 2008
2008 was a great year for world music, with excellent CDs being released around the globe. These top 10 CDs represent the very best of the best of world music from 2008.
Rupa and the April Fishes
Rupa and the April Fishes are a San Francisco-based world music band. Blending French cafe music, Latin rhythms, and a vintage cabaret vibe with various world influences, Rupa and the April Fishes are a favorite up-and-coming band on the world music scene.
Oumou Sangare
Oumou Sangare is an African musician of Wassoulou descent. Born in the southern region of Mali, Oumou Sangare has become one of the best-known Wassoulou musicians in the world, and one of Mali's favorite daughters.
Castanets
Castanets, with their characteristic clack-clack-clack, are a common and ancient member of the percussion family, best known for their use in Spanish folkloric dancing.
Thomas Mapfumo
Thomas Mapfumo - Basic Facts: Thomas Mapfumo was born in Marondera, Rhodesia (what is now Zimbabwe )
Cheikh Lo at Festival International 2012
A photograph of the talking drum player in Cheikh Lo's band, performing at Festival International de Louisiane 2012.
C.J. Chenier - 'Can't Sit Down'
C.J. Chenier - Can't Sit Down - CD Review

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