Putumayo Presents the Best of World, Vol. 4: African (1993)

About this title: Despite an exaggerated title, Rhino has compiled an excellent 14-cut anthology offering a fine helping of contemporary African music from the mid-'80s to the early '90s. They have also avoided too many names, with the exception of Johnny Clegg & Juluka, Toure Kunda, Mory Kante and Thomas Mapfumo. The other ten cuts include entertaining Nigerian band Kotoja and South African vocalist extraordinaire Sipho Mabuse, artists who have not recorded with rock stars or gone on highly publicized world tours but have made superior music with little fanfare. It is their inclusion on this project, plus ... read more

Tracks:

1. Zuva Rekufa Kwangu [Chibadura]
2. Batonga [Kidjo/Hebrail]
3. Santhiaba Silo [Toure Kunda]
4. Tshanga [Ekukuan]
5. Je Suis Faché [Seba]
6. Epuguzu [Akengengue]
7. Bankiero [Kante]
8. Ejiro Oghene [Okulolo]
9. Umafazi Omdala [Clegg/McHunu]
10. Nyama Yekugoocha [Mapfumo]
11. Mambo Bado [Asossa/Makassy]
12. Jika Jive [Mabuse]
13. Thube [Fako/Mokwena]
14. Unalo Na Ithikithi [Miageni]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.