Quite an undertaking, this chart. Progressing slowly but steadily. Albums that I enjoyed/highlights are written in bold text.
The Music of !Kung Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, Africa (1962) begins the Sub-Saharan African section of the chart. The recording is of Khosian folk music and is lofi-ish, going through several instrumentals and group vocals/singing as well as conversations (in which clicking or click consonants is part of the language, represented in the title as !, or !Kung). The sounds here can be really cool, almost visceral in the case of the bamboo fiddle, whose sound is heavy and memorable, and the vocals have great presence on these tracks. Really enjoyed this one.
Tswana and Sotho Voices (2000) is very melodic and bombastic at times, some cool instrumentation that seems to predate psych rock elements.
Princess Constance Magogo kaDinuzulu – The Zulu Songs (1972): Very atonal, repetitive stringed(?) instrument backing our singer here who sort of proceeds over these tones with an interesting delivery.
The Ngqoko Women’s Ensemble – Afrique du Sud – Le chant des femmes Xhosa (1996) – Unexpected deeper vocals, great rhythm and I quite enjoy the variety here. Great ensemble vocals, and on the tracks Inxembula & Sokubendiphinde the stringed instrument sounds really great. A real highlight thus far.
Dumisani Maraire – The African Mbira – Music of the Shona People of Rhodesia (1971): very nice; the mbira adds a certain vibe to these tracks and a certain composure to each one that sounds great.
Mbube Roots – Zulu Choral Music from South Africa, 1930s-1960s (1987) enjoyable and harmonious choir vocals; runs a tad long and samey but nonetheless nice to listen to.
Manka Le Phallang – Mokhosi (1989): some really interesting sound change here; the delivery on this particular album almost reminds me of some subgenres of latin music, though I am not as experienced with that particular field yet. Famo (a genre based out of Lesotho, Africa) utilizes ululations and singing together with accordion, bass and drum [1]. A fun album to be sure.
Hallelujah Chicken Run Band – Take One (1974-1979): love this rock sound and this album in general. One of the highlights of this album trek.
Thomas Mapfumo – The Chimurenga Singles (1976-1980): I did not realize Mapfumo was also in the last band; excellent stuff, great vocals and skill, featuring a fusion of western rock and African rhythmic patterns and instruments. Love this one as well.
The Kings and Queens of Township Jive (1991): one of the most fun records thus far, an excellent compilation showing off poppier elements with the jazz-like Mbaqanga, a South African genre, creating a genre Township Jive. Infectiously fun to listen to. Highly recommended.
[1] Famo – wikipedia
Beautiful Extremes, Etc. - b4bbl3.com 