Much of contemporary music has its roots in African music, which has always moved to tribal rhythms and reflected the élan of an entire continent. The African resonance has been most strongly felt in America, where the deeply-etched music of slaves helped give birth to jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. This 13-part series explores the multicultural music of South Africa, its major musicians, and the traditional and contemporary influences that color their work. 13-part series, 25 minutes each.

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The Series Includes : Brenda Fassie | Yvonne Chaka Chaka | Ladysmith Black Mambazo | Little Sister | Lucky Dube | Mahlathini | Mango Grove | Marcalex | Mike Makhalemele | Ntemi Piliso: African Jazz Pioneer | Prophets of the City | Sipho Hotstix Mabuse | Ray Phiri


Only available in the US and Canada.

		Too Close to Heaven: The History of Gospel Music Deeply rooted in African rhythms, the first gospel music, as sung on southern plantations, expressed the collective sorrow of American slaves, and the history of their diaspora. Using narration and thrilling performance footage, these programs trace ...(more details)
		The Music of the 20th Century: Leaving Home Performances led by Britain's renowned conductor Sir Simon Rattle have won their share of critical acclaim and international awards. Now, go with Rattle-dedicated champion of modern music-and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on an exhilarati...(more details)
		The Songs Are Free: Bernice Johnson Reagon and African-American Music In this program, Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of the musical group Sweet Honey in the Rock, and curator of the Community Life Division of the Smithsonian Institution, discusses with Bill Moyers how black music has shaped the African-American exper...(more details)
		Repercussions: A Celebration of African-Influenced Music New World slavery served as the hammer and anvil upon which startling forms of music, unlike any ever heard before, were forged. Drawing upon the expertise of the foremost experts in their fields, this classic seven-part series traces the constantly ...(more details)
		Under African Skies No continent's music reflects people's culture, religion, and politics more than the music of Africa. This two-part series from the BBC examines Zimbabwe and Mali's diverse music to discover its origin, significance, and effects on modern African mus...(more details)

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