Rita Ray
December 2005 - Awards for World Music, African Connection, Tony Allen
Greetings and a Happy New Year! Let's kick off with:
Awards for World Music
2005 was an outstanding year for African Music and this is reflected in the nominations for the 2006 Awards for World Music - I mean, just take a look at the Africa category - talk about heavy duty! Nominees include the exciting new sounds of Lura from Cape Verde via Lisbon, who explores rhythms and traditions beyond the Morna of her homeland that Cesaria Evora has made so popular.
There's also Ali Farka Toure , Mali's guitar maestro of desert blues. He was fantastic when he showcased his latest album, 'In The Heart Of The Moon', with Kora legend Toumani Diabate at the Barbican earlier in the year.
Who could forget Emmanuel Jal , the Sudanese ex-child soldier who came out of nowhere to feature at the Eden Live8 and capture the hearts and imaginations of a very appreciative public. His album 'Ceasefire' recorded with Sudanese oud legend Abdel Gadir Salim is a deft mix of tradition and fusion. And Amadou & Mariam whose 'Dimanche A Bamako' is probably the most talked about release this year - an album full of great songs and driving rhythms produced by the innovative Manu Chao. Mariam's voice is rich and soulful and Amadou's guitar playing simply rocks!
Now here is a first, the Newcomer category is made up entirely of African artists. And a most interesting selection it is, including the young nu roots singer songwriter Daby Toure from Mauritania - who has been quietly working his magic on us all and the effervescent Dobet Gnahore from Ivory Coast who like Lura explores the little known rhythms and melodies of her heritage.
Can you call the Congolese group Konono No1 newcomers? - I've heard recordings of theirs from as far back as 1978 but I'm so glad they've been nominated they are a brilliant and sensational outfit with their DIY approach to music making, using wired up likembes (thumb pianos), car parts, and whatever it takes to make their experimental African dance music. I've gotta to see them live.
Have your say and influence one of the awards -The Audience Award is now open so go vote and don't forget that you can only vote for one artist from the list of nominees.
African Connection Update
After months of workshops at festivals scouring the country for four UK bands to take part in this great competition, the process finished in a great climax at the Sage in Gateshead when the UK musicians got together with the African Artists.
One of the African artists involved in African Connection , Ade has just won a Kora , Africa's main music award. The charismatic lead singer of Afrobeat group Bantu worked with Ruth Quiqley (of UK indie band Dogs Die In Hot Cars). Have a listen to Ade and Ruth's 'Beware (Caution)' for a fiery slice of Afrobeat-meets-Indie. 
Tony Allen
Before I sign off, here are a couple of events I'm looking forward to: Tony Allen, the awesome co creator of Afrobeat has a new album, 'Lagos No Shaking' launching in February and he is coming over to the UK to promote it. Recorded in Naija over ten inspired all-night sessions, 'Lagos No Shaking' is hot, heavy Lagos-style Afrobeat. It features legends of the Nigerian music scene like singer Yinka Davis and High Life maestro Fatai Rolling Dollar. Have a listen to a 'Ise Nla' for a not to be missed dose of Tony Allen's splendid drumming. 
So that's it from me - have a peaceful and happy 2006 and see you on my return from the Sauti Za Busara Festival in Zanzibar.
Rita
Rita Ray's recommended CDs
Ali Farka Toure - In The Heart Of The Moon
Dobet Gnahore - Ano Neko
Ade + Ruth - African Connection
Tony Allen - Lagos No Shaking
Check out my recommended CDs this month in the CD Reviews section or go to Music Search to look at our archive of recommended CDs.