• Angel E. Fraden

Stories by Angel E. Fraden

Uganda's Authentically Plastic Finds Queer Sanctuary on the Dance Floor
Music

Uganda's Authentically Plastic Finds Queer Sanctuary on the Dance Floor

We talk to the multidisciplinary artist about drag, their ANTI-MASS parties and the hidden beauty of Kampala.

You Need to Hear Rina Mushonga's Cosmopolitan Pop
Music

You Need to Hear Rina Mushonga's Cosmopolitan Pop

The Dutch-Zimbabwean musician shares her ambitious new full-length, In a Galaxy, taking new risks at merging the disparate worlds of indie rock and Afropop.

Nigerian Experimental Soul Artist Kingsley Ibeneche Expands On 'Realms'
Music

Nigerian Experimental Soul Artist Kingsley Ibeneche Expands On 'Realms'

The vocalist and dance performer explores the power of his Nigerian roots on this second release.

Jess Sah Bi & Peter One's West African Country-Folk Masterpiece
Music

Jess Sah Bi & Peter One's West African Country-Folk Masterpiece

We talk to the Côte d'Ivoire duo about their classic 1985 album, Our Garden Needs Its Flowers, which was reissued earlier this year.

Petite Noir Is the King of Noirwave
Audio

Petite Noir Is the King of Noirwave

On his new release, La Maison Noir, Petite Noir blends bombastic rhythms, surging melodies, and the style and substance of the DRC.

Fatoumata Diawara: "People Need an Example in Africa, Because Politicians Can't Be Our Example"
Audio

Fatoumata Diawara: "People Need an Example in Africa, Because Politicians Can't Be Our Example"

We sit down with the celebrated Malian singer to talk about her new album, Fenfo, as well as her hopes and fears about Africa's future.

Bombino "Gets Closer to Africa" In His New Tuareg Blues Album 'Deran'
Music

Bombino "Gets Closer to Africa" In His New Tuareg Blues Album 'Deran'

Tuareg legend Omara "Bombino" Moctar returned to Northern Africa to record his fifth proper album.

Sudan Archives Is the Future
Audio

Sudan Archives Is the Future

We talk to the buzzing artist, who blends Sudanese folk music with '90s R&B in her highly-impressive new Sink EP.

Young Fathers' New Album, 'Cocoa Sugar,' Hints At Pop Magic
Popular

Young Fathers' New Album, 'Cocoa Sugar,' Hints At Pop Magic

There are some exceptionally beautiful moments on Cocoa Sugar, but Young Fathers' new album still leaves something to be desired.

You Need to Hear This Live Show From Les Amazones D'Afrique
Latest

You Need to Hear This Live Show From Les Amazones D'Afrique

A concert dedicated to all women across the world suffering from violence.

KOKOKO! Is the Raw, Alternative Sound of Kinshasa
Latest

KOKOKO! Is the Raw, Alternative Sound of Kinshasa

This ambitious project marries modern Congolese music with the gritty punk of 1970s New York.

This Compilation Explores 'The Original Sound of Burkina Faso'
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This Compilation Explores 'The Original Sound of Burkina Faso'

Get to know the wide range of 1970s and 80s Burkinabé music featured in Mr Bongo's new compilation.

Amadou & Mariam: There's Confusion All Over the World.
Popular

Amadou & Mariam: There's Confusion All Over the World.

We talk to Malian duo Amadou & Mariam about their exciting new album, 'La Confusion,' and the current political climate.

You Need This 'Original Sound of Mali' Compilation In Your Life
Music

You Need This 'Original Sound of Mali' Compilation In Your Life

Mr. Bongo’s 'The Original Sound of Mali' is the perfect introduction to the vanguards and innovators of Mali’s distinct musical style.

Les Amazones d’Afrique, a Supergroup For Female Empowerment
Audio

Les Amazones d’Afrique, a Supergroup For Female Empowerment

The all-female supergroup Les Amazones d'Afrique's new album, 'République Amazon,' is a message of charity, power and unbridled femininity.

Tamikrest's 'Kidal' Is a Tuareg Blues Love Letter to Their Northern Malian Hometown
Music

Tamikrest's 'Kidal' Is a Tuareg Blues Love Letter to Their Northern Malian Hometown

Mali’s socio-politically charged Tamikrest are back with their fourth studio album, a resilient & somber LP devoted to the band’s hometown.

An Evening With Philip Glass and Gambian Kora Master Foday Musa Suso
Events

An Evening With Philip Glass and Gambian Kora Master Foday Musa Suso

Internationally renowned composer Philip Glass and master kora player Foday Musa Suso's dramatic and style-shifting NYC concert.

Tinariwen Deliver a Devastatingly Beautiful Album With 'Elwan'
Music

Tinariwen Deliver a Devastatingly Beautiful Album With 'Elwan'

Despite its scathing message of political critique, Tinariwen’s newest album, 'Elwan,' never feels incendiary.