The artist 9ice, (born Abolore Akande on the 17th of January) known for his versatility, proverbial lyrics and unique style started his singing and writing career at the age of fourteen. Justifiable tagged “the hit maker”, 9ice conveys with his music, a new ethnic flavor and eclectic style that is uniquely his. In 1994 he produced his first demo... [+] Read More

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Ali Hassan Kuban is a master singer and popularizer of Nubian music, a typically vocal expression native to the border region of Egypt and Sudan. In the mid '50s, Kuban added electric guitars, keys, a horn section, and percussion to his music, fusing traditional songs of love with uptempo pop instruments in a Western-influenced mix. His group... [+] Read More

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Best known for his groundbreaking tenure fronting the new wave group Talking Heads, David Byrne's solo work, while not as successful, was no less adventurous, encroaching upon such diverse media as world music, filmmaking, and performance art. Born May 14, 1952, in Dumbarton, Scotland, Byrne was raised in Baltimore, MD. The son of an electronics... [+] Read More

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With the passing of trumpet player, saxophonist, and vocalist Emmanuel Tettey "E.T." Mensah on July 19, 1996, at the age of 78, Ghana lost one of its most influential musicians. Respectfully known as "the father of modern highlife," Mensah played a vital role in the evolution of Ghana's music. In the early '90s, Mensah recalled his revamping of... [+] Read More

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One of the most successful bands in Nigeria during the 1970s, the Oriental Brothers have continued to record as a variety of splintered off bands. These have included Dr. Sir Warrior & His Oriental Brothers International, Prince Ichita & the Great Oriental Brothers International Band, and the Oriental Brothers International. While each of these... [+] Read More

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Voice-for-hire Pat Thomas sang with many different highlife groups in Ghana during the 1970s. During the 1980s, he went solo and was the first of many Ghanaian artists to travel to Germany to record. ~ Leon Jackson, All Music Guide

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The death of vocalist and guitarist Prince Nico Mbarga, following a motorcycle accident on June 24, 1997, marked the passing of one of Africa's most influential performers. Although he only recorded one significant hit, "Sweet Mother," in 1976, which sold more than 13 million copies, Mbarga played an important role in the evolution of African... [+] Read More

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Salif Keita gave up a lot to pursue his dreams of a career in music. Born to royal lineage, with ancestral roots going back to Soundjata Keita, the founder of the Malian Empire in 1240, Keita was disowned by his father after announcing his plans to play music. Keita's dreams, however, were too strong to be shattered. Moving to the capitol city... [+] Read More

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Ghana's African Brothers Band has thrived and survived through three decades of social and political transition and turmoil throughout their homeland. They have reigned supreme atop the highlife hierarchy almost since their inception. They're currently led by Nana Kwame Ampadu the Third, and record at Ambassador studios in Kumasi. A couple of... [+] Read More

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Thomas Mapfumo made revolutionary changes in Zimbabwe's pop-music scene by recording a song for which he'd written his own music. Before Mapfumo, songs in the traditional style were always based on tunes that had been handed down for generations. Mapfumo's music, chimurenga ("music of struggle"), became popular during the civil war against White... [+] Read More

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Ticklah vs. Axelrod is an epic soundclash between two sides of a musical personality: the studio wizardry and dub experimentation of Ticklah, versus the keyboard prowess and genre restlessness of Victor Axelrod. In this case, the battle rages in the head of one person. Ticklah and Victor Axelrod are one and the same and Ticklah vs. Axelrod is... [+] Read More

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