Drei afrikanische Städte: Bamako – Kinshasa – Zanzibar

This paper discusses the music of three African capitals, Bamako, Kinshasa and Zanzibar, by the example of three CDs published around 2004/2005. The pieces on the CD representing the music of Bamako can only be understood on the background of the 700 years old tradition preserved by the Jelis, the bards of the Western Sudanic countries. The CD chosen as an example for the music of Kinshasa contains the newest creations by Mbilia Bel, who sings in the manner of Franco, the founder of the new music of Congo. The CD representing Zanzibar is dedicated to taarab, the music of the coasts of East Africa.