Various Artists - Africafunk: The Original Sound of 1970's Funky Africa (1999)

While tons of compilations featuring contemporary African music have been released over the years, most of them were just half-hearted attempts at recycling mediocre music and making a few cheap bucks. Africafunk, however,  is the exact opposite. Whoever compiled this killer collection definately knew what they were talking about. Even though all these tracks are from the 70's and are, in the broadest sense, "Africa-Funk", the scope of tunes is amazing. Every song represents a different facet of the genre, ranging from traditionals and afro-beat to jazzy psychedelics and funk fusion. The selection is superb, there is not one weak track on the album. Anybody who loves funk must listen to this record.

Tabla Beat Science - Tala Matrix (2000)

The tabla is a North Indian hand drum invented in the 13th century and is traditionally used to accompany sitar and vocals. Tabla Beat Science, an international all-star ensemble of five virtuoso tabla players and producer Bill Laswell breathe new life into this ancient instrument on their debut Tala Matrix. An amazing fusion between electronica and tradition, the album sounds surprisingly organic, as multiple layers of ruminant drumming unfold  in combination with Laswells narcotic synthie effects. 

1.) Secret Channel

2.) Magnetic

3.) Audiomaze

4.) Don't Worry

5.) Palmistry

6.) Devotional

7.) Big Brother

8.) Triangular Objects

9.) Biotech

10.) Alla

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars - Living Like A Refugee (2006)

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars is a band formed by musicians who were displaced during the Sierra Leone Civil War. After having found exile in Guinea they started writing songs in order to cope with their experiences and  rise awareness for the miseries of war. Their debut album features 17 beautifully crafted reggae-jams,  heavily influenced by traditional West-African Music.

1.) Living Like A Refugee

2.) Soda Soap

3.) Weapon Conflict

4.) Bull to the Weak

5.) Big Lesson

6.) Let We Do We Own

7.) Smile

8.) Compliments for the Peace

9.) Pat Malonthone

10.) Garbage to the Showglass

11.) Akera Ka Abonshor

12.) Kele Mani

13.) I'm Not A Fool

14.) Ya N'Digba

15.) Refugee Rolling

16.) Monkey Work

17.) Ma Fo Ya