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Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Benin, Mali

Lucy Duran and French journalist Florent Mazzoleni play rare tracks from African countries that became independent in 1960, including Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Benin and Mali.

Fifty years after sixteen countries in Africa became independent, Lucy Duran and the French journalist Florent Mazzoleni play more rare tracks from that period. Music was to play a central role in the search for new identity, and in the 60s and 70s some of the continent's greatest dance music was created. Today's programme celebrates countries that became independent in the second half of 1960 including Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Benin and Mali. Producer James Parkin.

Based in Bordeaux, the French writer and photographer Florent Mazzoleni has travelled all over Africa collecting music, and in particular, documentating the soundtrack of the golden era of Atlantic African music. He's written fifteen books, most notably "Epic of African music: Rhythms of Atlantic Africa" and "Salif Keita, Voice of the Mandingo". His latest book, "Motown: Soul and glamour" will be translated into English this autumn.

The programme includes tracks from Florent's collection many of which have not been re-released since their limited pressing in the 60s and 70s - let alone played on British radio. And these are tracks that reflect a unique period in African history: a period of liberation and short-lived optimism.

1 hour

Last on

Sat 11 Sep 2010 15:00

Music Played

  • Salif Keita & the Rail Band

    Kanimba

    • recorded at the Buffet H么tel de la Gare de Bamako, Mali, c.1972.
    • Radio Mali unreleased outtake.
  • Felix Anoman Brouh

    Super Nord

    • Ivory Coast, c.1967.
    • Philips 45RPM.
  • Orchestre Volta Jazz

    Djougou Malola

    • Burkina Faso, c.1971.
    • Disques France Afrique 45RPM.
  • Sahara All Stars Band

    Aronipin

    • Burkina Faso, c.1971.
    • EMI 45RPM.
  • Black Dragon de Porto Novo

    (title not available)

    • Benin, c.1973.
    • Albarika Store 45RPM.
  • Tidiane Coulibaly & Dafra Star

    Bombossi

    • Burkina Faso, c.1974.
    • Music Hall 45RPM.
  • Ernesto Dj茅dj茅

    Behido

    • Ivory Coast, c.1977.
    • Badmos 45RPM - also available on Various Artists: Free Africa (Le son du maquis LM54176).
  • Amara Tour茅 & Orchestre Massako

    Tela

    • Guin茅e / Gabon, 1980.
    • Sonafric 45RPM.
  • Super Biton de S茅gou

    Taasidoni

    • Mali, 1976.
    • Kunkan 45RPM.

Broadcast

  • Sat 11 Sep 2010 15:00