The Next New Case of the Night at Club Safari

Listeners, this week we stay in Africa for a new batch of Afro-Latin tunes from around West Africa.

The first hour today is devoted exclusively to Angola. Angola has the unusual distinction of being one of the few sub-Saharan African countries that did not gain independence from Colonial rule in the Independence Era (late 50s-early 60s). Portugal tried to hold on to Angola, a situation that led to organized resistance from various Angolan rebel groups in the late 60s and early 70s. After a regime change in Portugal, Angola ultimately got independence in 1975. Shortly after this, the various rebel groups in Angola turned against one another, leading to a bloody extended civil war.

The recording industry in Angola came to an almost complete stop during the civil war, effectively ending a vibrant musical scene. In the first hour today we will hear tracks recorded between 1965 and 1975, featuring local rhythms such as Semba and Rebita, along with Rumbas, Merengues, and Boleros inspired by the music scene in neighboring Congo.

The second hour today mixes Afro-Latin sounds from Angola, Guinea, Nigeria, and Senegal. We begin with sultry slow-dance material, progressing on to some soaring funk and soul.