Analog Africa returns to Benin - a journey that began with the 'African Scream Contest' compilation - this time to Parakou up in the North Eastern part, to bring you Le Super Borgou de Parakou and the The Bariba Sound. Bariba and Dendi linguistic folklore, alongside Islamic-influenced melodies, fused with Soul, Pachanga, Breakbeats, Rumba and Afro-Beat, Super Borgou's sound has a penetrating and unpolished directness, blurring the line between the erstwhile rhythms of the devout village and the modern grooves infecting the forward-thinking city. Read press release in full article. Read more »

At the start of her European tour, long time football fan Angelique Kidjo, calls into FIFA's Headquarters to chat about her passion for football, the benefits to Africa for hosting the World Cup competition, parallels between music & football and her distress over the attack on the Togolese football team at Cabinda, Angola. She states, "My dearest wish is that we will one day see peace reign in Africa, brought about by sport and music, and by dialogue resulting from these universal passions". Read the whole interview on the FIFA website where you can also rad their interview with Youssou N'Dour. Read more »

Orchestre Poly-Rythmo's debut London show took place at the end of last month - 40 years after the band was formed! It was a huge success and the band will return to the UK in February/ March 2010 for the African Soul Rebels tour. Read the full press release of their new album out on 26th October here