African Classical Music

Composer and musician Tunde Jegede presents the music of artists and ensembles who offer unique approaches to African Classical traditions.

Drawing parallels with the role of ancient courts in providing patronage for musicians, Jegede highlights the importance of the newly-formed African nation states in fostering creativity and innovation in the post-colonial era. His selections include landmark recordings from L'Ensemble Instrumental National Du Mali (formed in 1961) as well as Guinea’s Sory Kandia Kouyaté, whose recitative singing brought him international recognition. Plus, there’s work by musicians seeking to combine legacies, including Nana Danso Abiam’s Pan African Orchestra and the Orchestra Ethiopia project which brought the country’s diverse musical styles together for the first time. Mali’s Cheick Tidiane Seck, meanwhile, translates a classic kora theme into the jazz idiom through a collaboration with American pianist Hank Jones, and Nigerian contemporary Ibukun Sunday experiments with field recordings and traditional instruments.

Produced by Phil Smith

Listen here.