"Africa" was one of the first world music CD's I bought - I was involved in a show which included African and African-influenced music and I wanted to do some first hand audio research. This CD is just amazing! One of the things which immediately struck me was the beautiful and distinctive guitar work on many of the tracks, particularly those by Oliver Mtukudzi, Habib Koite, and Les 4 Etoiles. Other noteworthy instrumental work includes the B-3 organ intro on the Soul Brothers' "Thandaza", and the accordion featured in Sam Mangwana's "Ya Mbemba". There are also soul-stirring vocals featuring gorgeous harmonies (like Oom's "Anoma") and alternating call-and-response type melodies, and best of all, a wide variety of really cool grooves - each track has its own unique flavor. My favorites are Johnny Clegg and Juluka's "Love Is Just A Dream", Samba Ngo's "Sa Ntima" and Ricardo Lemvo's "Manuela", but really, there isn't one track here I don't love - five years after buying this CD it's still one of my favorites! I have since gone on to buy more CD's by several of the artists featured here, as well as by other African artists. I've also bought many of Putumayo's other compilations, which all serve as great introductions to a variety of artists as well as to many types of world music. By all means I recommend buying "Africa" - you won't regret it, but I warn you, you won't stop here :)

The strength of this (and other Putumayo collections) is their ability to pull together a diverse menu of music with wide appeal. The cuts on this CD are uniformly the best cuts on their repsective albums. This CD brings you almost the full spectrum of modern African music. It is Afropop dance music, beautiful ballads featuring amazing guitar work, some of the best in female African vocals, and at least 3 certifiable African superstars.

I would recommend this highly to anyone wanting to experiment with African music, or those looking for a safe entry. Buy this CD, and test not only the artists you like, but others from the region. This is a safe bet as I have found the individual songs to be quite representative of the best of each region.

This CD features Oliver Mutukudzi, the best Zimbabwean artist around, Habib Koité from Mali, along with strong performers from South Africa, Togo, Guinea, and almost every other black African region.

When I bought this CD, I knew little of African music. Now, many World Music CDs later, it remains among my favorites. You will not be disappointed.

I'm not in the habit of writing these things...however I am so enthralled by this music I felt I had to share my thoughts. The CD is a good introduction to the immense variety of music coming out of Africa. My favorites are Ndima Npapedza (#1) by Oliver Mtukudzi and Wassiye (#7) by Habib Koite'. The music is fun and yet has depth to it. I listen to it and while I'm tapping my toes, my soul is singing right along. I recommend this one highly.

I have a bar & grill in Bogota Colombia and I play this and other Putumayo CDs to provide an interesting atmosphere. #8 is my favorite, it makes you move and groove. Customers constantly ask about these CDs.