When was the last time someone called a CD fun? I couldn't remember either, but this one most certainly fits the bill. African Playground comes courtesy of the folks at Putumayo Kids. Putumayo works hard to bring you music from all over the world. What I like best of all is that Putumayo distributes "adult" music as well, yet I find I can play either on my show and enjoy it.

African Playground is a compilation of 13 artists singing songs from all over the African Continent. Most are traditional "folk" songs, some of which you may even recognize. There is no weak track on this CD, and it flows rather well. My favorite is Mbube. I'm sure you've heard "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" in some form (either by the Tokens or on that Friends episode with the monkey). The song is from an old Zulu language song. The Zulu word for lion is "imbube", and to call the lion you say "mbube". Wild!

The CD is a WELCOME addition not only to your kids collection but as well to any world music collection you may have. As always, these are my personal opinions, but this is one I REALLY like.

Back