Africa South Of Sahara / Var Africa South Of Sahara / Var CD

This 1957 compilation attempts to provide a musical overview of the entire Sub-Saharan region, and also represents the scholarly contribution of American ethnomusicologist Alan P. Merriam (1923 -1980) to the Folkways catalog. Merriam, who is best remembered for the book The Anthropology of Music, produced the album and provided an essay and track notes. This title went a long way towards dispelling prejudices and misconceptions listeners of the time may have had about African music. Merriam wrote, "The African music system works by it's own rules and satisfies those who play it and sing it; it is neither necessarily older nor younger nor better nor worse."

1. Zulu Song 2. Swazi Song 3. Chopi Timbila Orchestra 4. Amakwavi Song 5. Bushmen Song 6. Bushmen Song 7. Bechuana Song 8. Bechuana Song 9. Bechuana Song 10. Luchosi Song 11. Gangele Song 12. Tutsi Song 13. Tutsi Drums 14. Twa Chorus 15. Hororo Flute 16. Shi Kasayi (Sansa) 17. Kivu Bambuti Chorus with Drums 18. Bambuti (Pygmy) Song 19. Bambuti Songs 20. Bambuti (Pygmy) Song 21. Pende Xylophone 22. Pindi Sansa with Voice 23. Sudanese Harp with Voices 24. Sudanese Song with Drums 25. Mahafaly Song 26. Ibani Sansa ; Horas 27. Yoruba Chorus ; Mixed Orchestra 28. Bulu Chorus 29. Ewe Chorus with Drum, Rattle, Gong 30. Bambara Minstrels 31. Acoli Voice ; Lute 32. Mboko Zither-Harp 33. Bakwiri Song with Musical Bow 34. Makwa Female Chorus 35. Boungomo Chorus with Drums 36. Babinga (Pygmy) Voices with Stick Percussion 37. Wolof Drums 38. Wolof Halam