Béla Fleck Picks His Top Five African Albums

Over the past few years, master banjo player Béla Fleck has spent a lot of time in Africa learning about the origins of his instrument of choice. Perhaps the world’s most recognizable banjo player (with over 30 years of experience and 13 Grammys to his name), Fleck recorded with musicians from Uganda, Tanzania, the Gambia and Mali, and has released a handful of albums from these sessions, including the new Throw Down Your Heart: African Sessions Part 2, released last month. After careful consideration, here Fleck gives FILTER his five favorite African albums.

 

 

Béla Fleck's Top 5 African albums

Hukwe Zawose - Chibite

 

This dude was a Tanzanian phenomenon. When ran out of instruments he could play, he started building Frankenstein/Dr. Moreau instruments and taught his whole family to do his music. They carry the music on for him, after his passing from AIDS. Especially cool, his trancey 'go-go' traditional music.

 

 

Oumou Sangare - Oumou

 

Oumou has one of those classic voices, like Hank Williams or Ralph Stanley. Her small group of acoustic instruments makes a warm and satisfying sound. Her Wasselou music always pays attention to the plight of women in the world. She is a world-class diva.

 

 

Jewish Uganda - Abayudaya - Music from the Jewish People of Uganda

 

Who knew? This music was such a surprise to me, Ugandan/Jewish music that is some of the most lyrical, sweet music I have ever heard.

 

 

Toumani Diabate - Mande Variations

 

The world's foremost kora (African Harp) player finally made the recording everyone wanted from him, a solo kora album that shows his spiritual acoustic side. Highly beloved, this album is perfect for many occasions.

 

 

Bassekou Kouate - Sega Blue or I Speak

 

Fula Bassekou is passionate about his instrument, the n'goni. It is the Malian banjo, and he rocks on it. He has a great band with four of his favorite n'goni instruments in it, as well as two percussionists and his lovely and talented singing wife, Amy Sacko.