Real World Records

Spirit of Africa


Real World Records, in conjunction with the Mercury Phoenix Trust, are proud to announce the release of "Spirit of Africa" (through Real World) on 15th October 2001.

"Spirit of Africa" is an AIDS initiative from the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the AIDS charity established by the remaining members of Queen and their manager Jim Beach in the wake of the death of Freddie Mercury. Since 1992 the Trust has been responsible for donating more than £7 million in the fight against the AIDS crisis to over 100 different charities around the world. Together with this album, the project is intended to focus global attention on the regions of the developing world where the needs for AIDS awareness and education is greatest.


Reviews

'Traditional styles, modern fusion, pounding drumbeats, and poignant lyrics present an array of sounds... This music of Africa may lift spirits, as well as help in the fight to end this epidemic.'

Press review from: Napra Review (USA)

'Intensity is the bond that makes Spirit of Africa a real album... the compilers chose strong, inspiring (and, yes, educational) material. Experiencing the worldview of Spirit of Africa feels necessary, now more than ever.'

Press review from: News & Observer (USA)

'Musical selections...as diverse as the continent.'

Press review from: Dirty Linen (USA)

'This recording is a power house for the cause and for the amazing line up of this release. A true gem!!'

Press review from: Www.rhythmicfusion.com (Magazine Country)

'The CD would be a formidable-and, ironically, uplifting-introduction to the irrsistible, irrepressible music of Africa under any circumstances. That it was complied and released, with such obvious love, for this cause makes it a must...'

Press review from: New Times (USA)

Tams 'Sima'

'With Spirit of Africa, Real World continues its longstanding commitment to releasing the passionate, pentup muiscal soul of the region. Tama's interpretation of "Sima" allows listeners in other times and places to reexperience these inimitable sensations of a deeply-nuanced region of the globe.'

Press review from: Rhythm (USA)

'...an indescribably moving performance by Uganda's Taso Choir, all of whom are sufferers.'

Press review from: The Times (UK)

'...its uplifting and has something for everyone.'

Press review from: Enty4-seve (UK)

Spirit of Africa album cover.
Tracklist & Audio Samples
playIf You Go Away by Various Artists
playSomali Udiida Ceb (Somalia, Don't Shame Yourself) by Maryam Mursal
playAids The Devil (Sai Sai Sida) by Omar Pene & Super Dianomo de Dakar
playIt's Sad In This World by Mzwakhe Mbuli
playOur Young People by Youssou N'Dour
playSima by Tama
play10% (Spirit Mix) by Ayub Ogada
playThe Firewood Collector by Bernard Kabanda
playThings With Socks (Mambo Kwa Soksi) by Remmy Ongala
playBaraka by Hamid Baroudi
playHeaven Is My Home by Imbizo
playKuna Kunguni / The Bedbugs Bite by Zawose & Brook
playExtract by Drummers of Burundi
playAids The Disease by TASO Choir

Related Artist Information

Papa Wemba · Maryam Mursal · Tama · Remmy Ongala · Hukwe Zawose · Michael Brook · Drummers of Burundi

A Better Destiny by Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali

My Songs And A Poem by Estrella Morente