VA - African Rhythms Anthology (2012)

Volume three of world music label Lusafrica's African music compilation series, African Rhythms Anthology, follows African Voices Anthology with a collection of songs by artists who acknowledge their traditional roots while refreshing them for a wider, modern audience. Exploring the continent's diverse offerings, the anthology arrives at such sounds as Afro-Cuban/African fusion (charismatic Angolese artist Bonga), Afro-pop-inflected jazz (Guinean ensemble Bembeya Jazz), and warm Malagasy neo-folk (Rajery). In addition to the compilation's previously released tracks, African Rhythms Anthology features a lesser-heard take of Cesária Évora's "Africa Nossa," finding the Cape Verdean morna joined by husky voiced Zimbabwean artist Oliver Mtukudzi, as well as Évora's frequent musical companion Teofilo Chantre with enchanting Portuguese songstress Lura on a never before heard version of "Tchoro di Guiné."