The playlist features just-dropped singles by Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Davido & Sauti Sol (Nigeria & Kenya), Gally Garvey (DRC), and breakout Rwandan artist, Stanza Muvandimwe; and a few live-band tunes like “Mango wa Txani”by Matchume Zango & Frank Mavhimira (Mozambique & South Africa), Cameroon’s Kareyce Fotso, and Tinariwen (Mali); and a 1970’s vintage tune by The Ramblers Dance Band (Ghana).

On the news front the legendary musician and activist Wambali Mkandawire of Malawi passed away January 31st. From Lilongwe, Joab Frank Chakaza presents a tribute to Wambali’s life and legacy. At the back end of the hour Heather has a virtual chat with two, leading members of South Africa’s Ndlovu Youth Choir in Limpopo Province. The choristers discuss the choir’s rise to international fame in 2019, the song “We Will Rise”, and how they keep positive and creative during these dark days of COVID 19.