Notes from Africa traces the rise of popular music on the continent -
beginning in the 1980s when the term 'world music' was coined as a
marketing label and African musicians, notably Youssou N'Dour and his
contemporaries, began to appear on the international stage. This book
explains the musical styles that developed from the 1960s, when many
African countries gained their independence. It covers developments in
music and society in Senegal, in West Africa and around the continent
during the post-independence years and right up to the present day.
Jenny Cathcart, drawing on her personal experience in Senegal and her
work alongside Youssou N'Dour, offers stories and portraits of daily
life in Africa. The results are fresh insights into contemporary
culture, religion and politics - as well as future collaborations and
developments not only on the continent but in the African diaspora too.