Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Vote counting is underway in Comoros after Sunday’s presidential election. President Azali Assoumani, who is seeking a fourth term, says he will win the first round to save time and money. Assoumani pushed through a controversial constitutional constitution amendment in 2018 to remove consecutive term limits. Fahmy Thabit of the civil society group "The Sentinels of the Polls, tells VOA's James Butty Comorians came out in large numbers to vote for change.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

The playlist features music from the US (Taylor Swift), Nigeria (Rema and Wizkid), Ghana (Rocky Dawuni), Mali (Afel Bocum), Ethiopia (Hewan Gebrewold), Tanzania (Zuchu) and Belgium (Stromae). Drop The Needle challenges Mr. Louis Tissier (France) and Maxwell also brings North American music news with coverage on MTV's Music Video Awards from September 12th and Word on the Tweets by VOA's Lady DJ. The show concludes with more live music with Highlife Soundmakers International (Nigeria) out of New York City.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Heather honors Hip Hop’s 50 anniversary with music and conversation about this music and cultural movement since its beginning, August 11th, 1973. She speaks with ethnomusicologist Dr. Stephanie Shonekan and with Kenyan music journalist Bill Odidi about the impact of Hip Hop in Africa. The playlist features Hip Hop music from America and Africa. Sierra Leone music journalist Mohamed King Milan Bangura gives Heather’s Drop the Needle quiz a run for her money.

Heather Maxwell brings a lively, in-studio interview with the current cast of the musical FELA! including Sierra Leonean/American Duain Richmond playing FELA. The Kotoko Brass Band speaks to us from Tamale, Ghana. The Barbie movie gets banned in Algeria, and the Monomania Festival gears up in Quebec City, Canada. Drop the Needle music listening quiz challenges Mr. Moise Moussa Camara AKA Moise 1er.

Maxwell’s playlist includes the top tracks of the Barbie Movie soundtrack plus other songs about power struggles between the sexes. Moviegoers from Washington DC, Nairobi, Kenya and Accra, Ghana all weigh in as well on their reactions to the movie and music. Drop The Needle quiz near puts Mr. Emmanuel Kennedy in the hotseat.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa celebrates the English to Africa Service’s 60th Anniversary on the Voice of America with a mix of vintage hits and new music that features veteran artists. Irish singer Sinead O’Connor dies on July 16th. Family group from Mauritius, The Clarisse Sisters speak with reporter Bill Odidi in Nairobi, Kenya and Drop the Needle challenges Ms. Anna Wegulo Wambunya.

The playlist features smooth Afrobeats and Afropop tunes popular among Gen z listeners. Veteran radio host and promoter from Los Angeles, California Nnamdi Moweta speaks with Heather about the inclusion of African music as a Grammy Award category. Ewurama Attoh, a popular radio personality in Tamale, Ghana shares current music jams from northern Ghana.

Heather showcases women artists with an all-female playlist and interviews from the Music Time in Africa Archives. Oumou Sangare (Mali), Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa), Sona Jobarteh (Gambia), and more.

Heather goes to Los Angeles, California to find out what the Recording Academy’s new “Best African Music Performance” category in the Grammy Awards means for Africa and America. She speaks with 3x Grammy nominee, Ghanaian-American musician and activist Rocky Dawuni. Sierra Leonean singer, rapper LuWiz dies in car crash. KiSwahili Day was celebrated all throughout East Africa on Friday, July 7th.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

On Music Time in Africa: World Music Day was celebrated world wide June 21st. We take you to Nairobi for an outside concert with performances by KAYA BYINSHII (Rwanda), Fena Gitu (Kenya) and Aunty Razor (Nigeria) with Bill Odidi. Zimbabwean hip hop musician Neville Sigauke speaks with Heather Maxwell about his new single release “Mhondoro.” The playlist features a mix of current bangers and classic golds.

On Music Time in Africa: South African singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler talks about his April 28th album release Ubuntu. Ghanaian singer Queen Ayorkor takes up Heather Maxwell’s Drop the Needle Challenge, and reporter Prince Benjamin tells what’s hot in Accra’s music scene today with Heather. All this plus and an exciting playlist of the best pan-African music.

On Music Time in Africa: Heather Maxwell curates a playlist of music that’s been sung, written, rapped, and produced by 16 of the best, living female artists on the continent. She also plays several interviews with some of Africa’s brightest female stars from the Music Time in Africa archives dating back to 2012 such as Oumou Sangare (Mali), Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa) and Sona Jobarteh (Gambia).

On Music Time in Africa: Veteran Radio France International (RFI) Star, Maalesh connects with Heather Maxwell from Comoros. VOA journalist Amancio Miguel takes on the Drop the Needle challenge and Heather’s curated playlist includes a fascinating pan-African array of current hits and nostalgia songs by Papa Wemba (DRC), Ayub Ogada (Uganda), Miriam Makeba (South Africa), Davido (Nigeria), Manal (Morocco), Dendri Stambeli Movement (Tunisia) and more.

On Music Time in Africa: Malian musician Yacouba Sissoko seeks to connect new, global audiences to ancient Mande music with new album DuwaWu. Maxwell speaks to the artist about the music and inspiration behind it. The Africa Union celebrates its 60th anniversary May 25, marked as Africa Day. In Addis Ababa, a major concert supports pan-African dialogue and unity with performances by highlife band Santrofi (Ghana) and Amhara traditional music group Gonder Fasiledes (Ethiopia). Reporter Bill Odidi reports.

On Music Time in Africa: British Ghanaian artist and producer M3nsa breaks down the music and poetry on his latest album Bondzie! Drop the Needle puts Ivorian reporter Ghislain Coulibaly in the hotseat. Swedish singer Loreen makes history in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest winning song and Heather’s curated playlist includes tunes by Aya Nakamura, Jahelle Bonnee, Fatoumata Diawara and a surprise live sample of the International Festival of Jazz and African Cultures held in Abidjan.

Benjamin Webi of Kenya honors mothers with an exclusive, live studio performance from Nairobi. Heather curates a playlist of new and old African songs for the occasion, and several guests from the Voice of America in Washington join in throughout the hour with shout outs and song dedications.

Music and conversation with two African jazz musicians Mackinlay Mutsembi (Kenya) and Ghanaian jazz and highlife musician Gyedu Blay Ambolley from 2022 highlight the global impact of jazz. International Jazz Day celebrated at the end of April charts the course for Heather’s curated playlist. Guest reporters include Prince Benjamin and Bill Odidi.

Kenyan guitarist, singer/songwriter Shifton Onyango AKA Winyo re-emerges in Nairobi’s live music scene with Benga Connect, his first performance since the pandemic. Bill Odidi takes us there and speaks with the artist after the show. Mariam Kurtz joins our weekly Drop the Needle segment and Heather curates a mixed playlist of fine music from Senegal, Ghana, South Sudan, Nigeria and more.

Malian ngoni maesto Bassekou Kouyate and his family band Ngoni Ba perform live before a studio audience at the Voice of America in Washington. A lively question and answer session follows. Heather curates a playlist of music including selections celebrating Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting.

On Music Time in Africa: South African guitarist, composer and producer Mongezi Ntaka performs live with Maxwell on backup vocals. Ntaka also shares the backstory to his latest collaborative album Ukubonga with vocalist Lorraine Klaasen; a revival of classic township music from the 1950-80s. Plus, VOA multimedia producer and former professional basketballer Cheick Thiero joins our weekly Drop the Needle segment and discusses his youth, sports foundation Den of Africa.

Zimbabwean band Mokoomba poises to drop its new album Tusona due out July 7th. The band’s longtime manager Marcus Gora reveals exciting details in an interview with Host Heather Maxwell and breaks down the meaning of “Nzara Hapana” – the band’s popular pre-release track. Cheick Thiero joins our weekly Drop the Needle segment and Heather curates a mixed playlist of mahraganat, Afrolatin, Afrobeats and more.

On Music Time in Africa: Music journalist Mpho Tshikudo discusses the passing of South African multi-award-winning artists, AKA, Costa Titch, and Gloria Bosman. Plus, reporter Bram Posthumus features Guinea-Bissauan singer Karyna Gomes, Kenyan broadcaster Valentine Wambie joins our weekly Drop the Needle quiz segment, and Heather curates a mixed playlist of Afrobeats, Amapiano and some blasts from the past. For this and more, stay tuned to Music Time in Africa!

On Music Time in Africa: Reporter Bill Odidi spoke to South African musician Nomsa Mazwai about the annual Showbiz Entertainment Academy Conference that was held in Johannesburg. Plus, Ghanaian musician Biqo discusses his latest single titled “Pretty Skin,” and Heather curates a playlist featuring superstars from the continent, among them Lasmid, Dieyna and Keturah. For this and more, stay tuned to Music Time in Africa!

On Music Time in Africa: Ghanaian musician Biqo discusses his new single titled “Pretty Skin,” and takes the weekly Drop the Needle music quiz. Plus, reporter Bill Odidi spotlights the annual Showbiz Entertainment Academy Conference that was held in Johannesburg, and Heather curates a playlist featuring female superstars from the continent, among them Busiswa, Asma Lmnawar, and Ayra Starr. For this and more, stay tuned to Music Time in Africa!

The playlist features current and classic tunes by artists like Sona Jobarteh’s “Jarabi” (Gambia), Roseline Layo’s “Donnez Nous un Peu” (Côte d’Ivoire), Kareyce Fotso’s “Lomdieu Live” (Cameroon), Mouh Milano (Algeria), Soraia Ramos x Calema (Cape Verde) and more. Maxwell pays tribute to Legendary Congolese guitarist Denis Lokassa Kasiya aka Lokassa ya Mbongo who passed away March 14th. Ghanaian Broadcast journalist Nasaria Abdulrahman tries her hand at Heather’s Drop the Needle, African music listening challenge. Poet Storyteller and live performer Foster Enoch (Komla) Doe, aka Six Strings is today’s featured artist. Reporter Prince Benjamin brings us the report from Accra.

The playlist features current and classic tunes by artists like Sona Jobarteh’s “Jarabi” (Gambia), Roseline Layo’s “Donnez Nous un Peu” (Côte d’Ivoire), Kareyce Fotso’s “Lomdieu Live” (Cameroon), Mouh Milano (Algeria), Soraia Ramos x Calema (Cape Verde) and more. Maxwell pays tribute to Legendary Congolese guitarist Denis Lokassa Kasiya aka Lokassa ya Mbongo who passed away March 14th. Ghanaian Broadcast journalist Nasaria Abdulrahman tries her hand at Heather’s Drop the Needle, African music listening challenge. Poet Storyteller and live performer Foster Enoch (Komla) Doe, aka Six Strings is today’s featured artist. Reporter Prince Benjamin brings us the report from Accra.

The playlist features music from Cameroon, Togo, Morocco, Mali, South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria and Sudan. Reporter Seun Rave presents his Top 3 Naija hits. out of Ibadan, Nigeria. In Nairobi, nyatiti musician Papillon gives a live concert and speaks with reporter Bill Odidi about what it means to be carrying traditional music to future generations. Drop the Needle puts VOA producer Kwame Ofori as in the hotseat and finally California-based Nigerian drummer, composer and singer Tosin Aribisala shares with Maxwell the inspiration behind his newest works “The Big Illusion” and “OGF”.

The playlist features music from Cameroon, Togo, Morocco, Mali, South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria and Sudan. Reporter Seun Rave presents his Top 3 Naija hits. out of Ibadan, Nigeria. In Nairobi, nyatiti musician Papillon gives a live concert and speaks with reporter Bill Odidi about what it means to be carrying traditional music to future generations. Drop the Needle puts VOA producer Kwame Ofori as in the hotseat and finally California-based Nigerian drummer, composer and singer Tosin Aribisala shares with Maxwell the inspiration behind his newest works “The Big Illusion” and “OGF”.

Host Heather Maxwell talks sports with VOA’s Sonny Young. From Accra, reporter Prince Benjamin takes us into the world of floutist Dela Botri from Ghana. Finally Kenyan rapper, producer and DJ Blinky Bill speaks with Bill Odidi from South Africa during an Africa Day Performance about that and his new, upcoming album.

Host Heather Maxwell talks sports with VOA’s Sonny Young. From Accra, reporter Prince Benjamin takes us into the world of floutist Dela Botri from Ghana. Finally Kenyan rapper, producer and DJ Blinky Bill speaks with Bill Odidi from South Africa during an Africa Day Performance about that and his new, upcoming album.

This “All Time Greatest African Hits” edition includes thirteen iconic songs from the continent. Songs like “Zangalewa” - the original “Waka Waka”, “Wombo Lombo” -Angelique Kidjo’s world music chart topper, “1ere Gaou” - the zouglou megahit by Magic System of Côte d’Ivoire, and “Jerusalema” - the South African global dance sensation by Master KG are just a few of the amazing songs define the continent’s most moving soundtrack from 1980 - 2019.

This “All Time Greatest African Hits” edition includes thirteen iconic songs from the continent. Songs like “Zangalewa” - the original “Waka Waka”, “Wombo Lombo” -Angelique Kidjo’s world music chart topper, “1ere Gaou” - the zouglou megahit by Magic System of Côte d’Ivoire, and “Jerusalema” - the South African global dance sensation by Master KG are just a few of the amazing songs define the continent’s most moving soundtrack from 1980 - 2019.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

The guest lineup features (in order of appearance) South African singer Nomcebo Zikode who speaks with Heather about her recent Grammy win for the song "Bayethe"; a live performance by Kenge Kenge Orutu System from Nairobi; and reporter Seun Rave presents his Top 3 Alternative Naija Hits from Ibadan. Heather’s curated pan-African playlist includes tunes by Tiken Jah Fakoi (Mali), Rema (Nigeria), Eddie Kenzo (Uganda) and more.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

The annual U.S. Grammy Awards ceremony is taking place Sunday in Los Angeles, California, and several African musicians have been nominated. VOA hosts Heather Maxwell of Music Time in Africa and Red Carpet's Jackson Mvunganyi highlight some of the nominees including Nigeria's Burna Boy and Tems, Ghana's Rocky Dawuni, South Africa's Nomcebo Zikode, Uganda's Eddy Kenzo and others.

Heather’s curated playlist includes tunes from Cape Verde (Elida Almeida), Nigeria (Seyi Vibes), Sierra Leone (Drizilik) and Tanzania (Rayvanny ft Platnumz). Then she puts contestant Lamisi Akuka from Ghana in the hotseat on Drop the Needle. The rest of the show features some of the winners from the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) that took place in January in Senegal. VOA producer and long-time friend and guest of Music Time in Africa, Kwame Ofori, joins Maxwell to shine the spotlight on these artists and their music.

The playlist includes current tunes from Nigeria (Yemi Alade), Egypt (Ruby), Tanzania (Mbosso ft Costa Titch), Cameroon (Libianca), Malawi (Dan Lu & Tendai Shaba), Mali (Neba Solo) and Sierra Leone (Star Zee). Heather reports top winners of AFRIMA 2022 and tests Zaki Allal of Algeria on Drop the Needle. She also brings a fresh report from the Turkana Sessions concert in Nairobi.

The playlist includes current tunes from Nigeria (Yemi Alade), Egypt (Ruby), Tanzania (Mbosso ft Costa Titch), Cameroon (Libianca), Malawi (Dan Lu & Tendai Shaba), Mali (Neba Solo) and Sierra Leone (Star Zee). Heather reports top winners of AFRIMA 2022 and tests Zaki Allal of Algeria on Drop the Needle. She also brings a fresh report from the Turkana Sessions concert in Nairobi.

Special features include two, live performances from the diasporan music family in New York City: BiQo (Ghana) and Mamady Kouyaté and Mamadi Kourouma of the Mandingo Ambassadors (Guinea). Dr. Maxwell hosts both acts from the VOA studio in Manhattan. Drop the Needle challenges Mpho Tshikhudo (Johannesburg, South Africa. The playlist includes current tunes from top artists in Kenya (Vic West), Nigeria (Asake ft Olamide, Korra Obidi and Fireboy DML), South Sudan (Achol Chol Madut), DRC (Inoss’B ft Awilo Longomba), Senegal (Aida Samb), and South Africa (Makhadzi ft Jon Delinger). One final song “Neria” takes us back to the timeless beauty of the late, legendary singers Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabawe) and Joseph Shabalala (South Africa).

Special features include two, live performances from the diasporan music family in New York City: BiQo (Ghana) and Mamady Kouyaté and Mamadi Kourouma of the Mandingo Ambassadors (Guinea). Dr. Maxwell hosts both acts from the VOA studio in Manhattan. Drop the Needle challenges Mpho Tshikhudo (Johannesburg, South Africa. The playlist includes current tunes from top artists in Kenya (Vic West), Nigeria (Asake ft Olamide, Korra Obidi and Fireboy DML), South Sudan (Achol Chol Madut), DRC (Inoss’B ft Awilo Longomba), Senegal (Aida Samb), and South Africa (Makhadzi ft Jon Delinger). One final song “Neria” takes us back to the timeless beauty of the late, legendary singers Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabawe) and Joseph Shabalala (South Africa).

ncludes full spectrum of current hits and classics such as “Chitake” by Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), “Don’t Ask Me” by MC Caro (Sierra Leone), “Filamen” by Nordo (Tunisia), “Amaphiko” by Siphesihle Sikhakhane (South Africa), “Bhouloundjouri” by Manamba Kanté (Guinea), “Sastanàqaàm” by Tinariwan (Mali) and more. Reporter Seun Rave joins us live from a concert in Ibadan by contemporary Nigerian Highlife band, The Cavemen. Drop the Needle music listening quiz puts Voice of America radio and television presenter Jackson Mvunganyi in the hotseat.

Includes full spectrum of current hits and classics such as “Chitake” by Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), “Don’t Ask Me” by MC Caro (Sierra Leone), “Filamen” by Nordo (Tunisia), “Amaphiko” by Siphesihle Sikhakhane (South Africa), “Bhouloundjouri” by Manamba Kanté (Guinea), “Sastanàqaàm” by Tinariwan (Mali) and more. Reporter Seun Rave joins us live from a concert in Ibadan by contemporary Nigerian Highlife band, The Cavemen. Drop the Needle music listening quiz puts Voice of America radio and television presenter Jackson Mvunganyi in the hotseat.

The playlist includes hot hits of 2022 such as “Na Na” by Hewan Gebrewald (Ethiopia), “Aw ni sou Aw ni sou” by Safi Diabaté (Mali), “C’est la même phrase” by Roseline Layo (Côte d’Ivoire) and more from Zambia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Ghana. Reporter Bill Odidi brings New Year cheer from Nairobi, but also a touching tribute to the legendary, Congolese singer Thsala Muana who passed away December 10th, 2022. Prince Benjamine and Dr. Maxwell discuss Ghana’s top songs of 2022 by artists Black Sheriff, Gyackie, Episode, and Camidoh.

The playlist includes hot hits of 2022 such as “Na Na” by Hewan Gebrewald (Ethiopia), “Aw ni sou Aw ni sou” by Safi Diabaté (Mali), “C’est la même phrase” by Roseline Layo (Côte d’Ivoire) and more from Zambia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Ghana. Reporter Bill Odidi brings New Year cheer from Nairobi, but also a touching tribute to the legendary, Congolese singer Thsala Muana who passed away December 10th, 2022. Prince Benjamine and Dr. Maxwell discuss Ghana’s top songs of 2022 by artists Black Sheriff, Gyackie, Episode, and Camidoh.

Heather celebrates the end of 2022 with a playlist including secular and religious Christmas songs and music news of Davido's history making performance on the FIFA World Cup stage and Rocky Dawuni's 3rd nomination for Grammy Awards 2023. Drop the Needle challenges Ibukunoluwa Olagunjuin in Nigeria, and reporter Bill Odidi brings holiday spirit with carolling school children and a poem by spoken word artist Kenneth B.

Heather celebrates the end of 2022 with a playlist including secular and religious Christmas songs and music news of Davido's history making performance on the FIFA World Cup stage and Rocky Dawuni's 3rd nomination for Grammy Awards 2023. Drop the Needle challenges Ibukunoluwa Olagunjuin in Nigeria, and reporter Bill Odidi brings holiday spirit with carolling school children and a poem by spoken word artist Kenneth B.

Heather takes listeners through a celebration of the best of African music in 2022 with some of the year's chart-topping tunes. She also includes a flashback mashup of highlight face-to-face interviews in Washington, New York, and Algeria with musicians like Koffi Olomide (DRC), Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa), Seun Kuti (Nigeria) and more. Fresh music news comes out of Kenya with conversations with Them Mushrooms and from Ghana with Adomaa and her new album Becoming Adomaa.

Heather takes listeners through a celebration of the best of African music in 2022 with some of the year's chart-topping tunes. She also includes a flashback mashup of highlight face-to-face interviews in Washington, New York, and Algeria with musicians like Koffi Olomide (DRC), Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa), Seun Kuti (Nigeria) and more. Fresh music news comes out of Kenya with conversations with Them Mushrooms and from Ghana with Adomaa and her new album Becoming Adomaa.

Listen to the soundtrack of African millennials’ all-time favorite African songs. Heather Maxwell polls nearly a dozen listeners from the continent and the diaspora, and shares their personal voice notes and messages as introductions to the music. At the middle of the hour she takes you to Nairobi where reporter Bill Odidi speaks with Kenyan producer and artist CEDO about his upcoming debut album Seduction. And then it’s back to more African millennial hits that will groove and sway you to the end of the hour.

Listen to the soundtrack of African millennials’ all-time favorite African songs. Heather Maxwell polls nearly a dozen listeners from the continent and the diaspora, and shares their personal voice notes and messages as introductions to the music. At the middle of the hour she takes you to Nairobi where reporter Bill Odidi speaks with Kenyan producer and artist CEDO about his upcoming debut album Seduction. And then it’s back to more African millennial hits that will groove and sway you to the end of the hour.

The playlist includes current hits from Nigeria, South Africa (Sho Madjozi), Tanzania (Zuchu), Ethiopia (Adiss Legesse), Cameroon (Blanche Bailly) and Ghana (Kidi), classics by Oliver Mtukudzi and Zahara, listeners’ song requests, and more. From Ibadan, Nigeria radio personality Seun Rave presents his Top 3 Alternative Naija hits. And you’ll meet three artists; Tanzania’s Alikiba, Kenya’s Nviiri the Storyteller, and Kumasi from the USA with exciting interviews by Reporters Mike Hove in Washington (VOA), Bill Odidi (Nairobi) and Tom Roche (New Orleans).

The playlist includes current hits from Nigeria, South Africa (Sho Madjozi), Tanzania (Zuchu), Ethiopia (Adiss Legesse), Cameroon (Blanche Bailly) and Ghana (Kidi), classics by Oliver Mtukudzi and Zahara, listeners’ song requests, and more. From Ibadan, Nigeria radio personality Seun Rave presents his Top 3 Alternative Naija hits. And you’ll meet three artists; Tanzania’s Alikiba, Kenya’s Nviiri the Storyteller, and Kumasi from the USA with exciting interviews by Reporters Mike Hove in Washington (VOA), Bill Odidi (Nairobi) and Tom Roche (New Orleans).

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

This week's playlist includes new and current tunes by artists like Jux (Tanzania), Stevo Atambire (Ghana), Fatoumata Diawara (Mali), Baba Kuboye (Nigeria), Koffi Olomide (DRC) and a vintage tune from 1980s Zaire by Orchestre Macky Macky. Maxwell’s Drop the Needle listening quiz challenges Purity Muse of Nairobi, Kenya. She also interviews two music guests: Wesli (Haiti/Canada) who has released his latest album Tradisyon, and Nigerian superstar Yemi Alade who speaks with Heather from Paris about her career, her passion for fashion and commitment to working with women.

This week's playlist includes new and current tunes by artists like Jux (Tanzania), Stevo Atambire (Ghana), Fatoumata Diawara (Mali), Baba Kuboye (Nigeria), Koffi Olomide (DRC) and a vintage tune from 1980s Zaire by Orchestre Macky Macky. Maxwell’s Drop the Needle listening quiz challenges Purity Muse of Nairobi, Kenya. She also interviews two music guests: Wesli (Haiti/Canada) who has released his latest album Tradisyon, and Nigerian superstar Yemi Alade who speaks with Heather from Paris about her career, her passion for fashion and commitment to working with women.

Feature interviews include singer-songwriter Atemi Oyungu (Kenya) with Bill Odidi in Nairobi, and Gyedu-Blay Ambolley (Ghana) with host Heather Maxwell in Washington DC. Both artists have released new albums Mahaba Hewani and Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and Hi-Life Jazz (respectively). David Livingston (Uganda) is the challenger on Heather’s music listening quiz Drop the Needle and the playlist includes tunes by Drizilik and Idris Elba (Sierra Leone), Innoss'B (DRC), Safi Diabate (Mali) and more. And from VOA-exclusive Sarkisian Collection of African music, Heather brings you a Kenyan hit from 1974 by the Kawere Boys.

Feature interviews include singer-songwriter Atemi Oyungu (Kenya) with Bill Odidi in Nairobi, and Gyedu-Blay Ambolley (Ghana) with host Heather Maxwell in Washington DC. Both artists have released new albums Mahaba Hewani and Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and Hi-Life Jazz (respectively). David Livingston (Uganda) is the challenger on Heather’s music listening quiz Drop the Needle and the playlist includes tunes by Drizilik and Idris Elba (Sierra Leone), Innoss'B (DRC), Safi Diabate (Mali) and more. And from VOA-exclusive Sarkisian Collection of African music, Heather brings you a Kenyan hit from 1974 by the Kawere Boys.

The guest lineup features (in order of appearance) radio personality and music connoisseur Ewurama Attoh (Ghana) – she is the challenger on Heather’s music listening quiz Drop the Needle; popular reality TV star and hitmaker Soja Boy (Nigeria) – reporter Nazir Hausawa speaks with him about his hit Hausa amapiano song; and musician Baba Kuboye (Nigeria) – he and reporter Prince Benjamin chat about his new EP From Ekoyi with Horns. Heather’s curated pan-African playlist includes current tunes by Sampa the Great (Zambia) ft. Angeqlique Kidjo, Kimi Diabate (Guinea-Bissau), Hassan Shakosh (Egypt), Kirani Ayat (Ghana), Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe) ft Makhadzi and more. And from VOA-exclusive Sarkisian Collection of African music, she brings you a song from 1960s Zambia by the Lusaka Radio Band.

The guest lineup features (in order of appearance) radio personality and music connoisseur Ewurama Attoh (Ghana) – she is the challenger on Heather’s music listening quiz Drop the Needle; popular reality TV star and hitmaker Soja Boy (Nigeria) – reporter Nazir Hausawa speaks with him about his hit Hausa amapiano song; and musician Baba Kuboye (Nigeria) – he and reporter Prince Benjamin chat about his new EP From Ekoyi with Horns. Heather’s curated pan-African playlist includes current tunes by Sampa the Great (Zambia) ft. Angeqlique Kidjo, Kimi Diabate (Guinea-Bissau), Hassan Shakosh (Egypt), Kirani Ayat (Ghana), Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe) ft Makhadzi and more. And from VOA-exclusive Sarkisian Collection of African music, she brings you a song from 1960s Zambia by the Lusaka Radio Band.

Listen to the soundtrack of African millennials’ all-time favorite African songs. Heather Maxwell polls nearly a dozen listeners from the continent and the diaspora, and shares their personal voice notes and messages as introductions to the music. At the middle of the hour she takes you to Nairobi where reporter Bill Odidi speaks with Kenyan producer and artist CEDO about his upcoming debut album Seduction. And then it’s back to more African millennial hits that will groove and sway you to the end of the hour.

Listen to the soundtrack of African millennials’ all-time favorite African songs. Heather Maxwell polls nearly a dozen listeners from the continent and the diaspora, and shares their personal voice notes and messages as introductions to the music. At the middle of the hour she takes you to Nairobi where reporter Bill Odidi speaks with Kenyan producer and artist CEDO about his upcoming debut album Seduction. And then it’s back to more African millennial hits that will groove and sway you to the end of the hour.

South Sudanese-Canadian artist, activist and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal joins Heather Maxwell in a virtual conversation about his new, 7th album Shangah and the power of music to promote peace, positivity, and uplift women around the world. Drop the Needle challenges contestant Tendai Shaba (Lilongwe, Malawi) to identify the older recording between two played back-to-back by the same African artist. Hit tunes by Little Simz (Nigeria), Teddy Ride and Eric Geso (Liberia), Yvonne Buravan (Rwanda), Khaled (Algeria), and Sauti Sol (Kenya) and more are on the playlist. Finally reporter Seun Rave (Ibadan, Nigeria) brings listeners up to speed on the latest alternative Naija Top 3.

South Sudanese-Canadian artist, activist and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal joins Heather Maxwell in a virtual conversation about his new, 7th album Shangah and the power of music to promote peace, positivity, and uplift women around the world. Drop the Needle challenges contestant Tendai Shaba (Lilongwe, Malawi) to identify the older recording between two played back-to-back by the same African artist. Hit tunes by Little Simz (Nigeria), Teddy Ride and Eric Geso (Liberia), Yvonne Buravan (Rwanda), Khaled (Algeria), and Sauti Sol (Kenya) and more are on the playlist. Finally reporter Seun Rave (Ibadan, Nigeria) brings listeners up to speed on the latest alternative Naija Top 3.

Ghanaian music legend Kojo Antwi drops by the VOA studio in Washington to talk with Heather about his latest news. Nairobi nightlife comes alive with a special concert “Ganda-Mandingo” featuring Habib Koite and Ali Keita (Mali) and Joel Sebunjo (Uganda). Drop the Needle music listening challenge focuses on East African traditional instruments with contestant Gabriel Odhiambo Oduor (Kenya), and the playlist includes current Afrobeats, Amapiano and BongaFlava, a couple of 1990s World Music jewels, a Malawian mashup sung by 92 year old, Giddes Chalamanga and contemporary singer Namadingo, and one fun surprise at the conclusion of the show.

Ghanaian music legend Kojo Antwi drops by the VOA studio in Washington to talk with Heather about his latest news. Nairobi nightlife comes alive with a special concert “Ganda-Mandingo” featuring Habib Koite and Ali Keita (Mali) and Joel Sebunjo (Uganda). Drop the Needle music listening challenge focuses on East African traditional instruments with contestant Gabriel Odhiambo Oduor (Kenya), and the playlist includes current Afrobeats, Amapiano and BongaFlava, a couple of 1990s World Music jewels, a Malawian mashup sung by 92 year old, Giddes Chalamanga and contemporary singer Namadingo, and one fun surprise at the conclusion of the show.

The playlist includes music from Senegal (Jahman X-Press), Ghana(Gyedu-Blay Amboley), South Africa (Wanitwa Mos & Master KG), Mali (Neba Solo), Cameroon (KRYS M), Tanzania (Inoss’B), and South Sudan (Emmanuel Jal). Nigerian guitar maker Dr. Ezekiel Olaleye introduces his African electric guitar with Bill Odidi in Nairobi. From Ibadan, Seun Rave presents his Top 3 Naija alternative hits, and VOA radio host, Sunday Shomari (Let’s Talk) is in the hotseat for Heather’s listening quiz Drop the Needle! With 15 seconds of listening to a song, can Sunday identify from what region of Africa it comes?

The playlist includes music from Senegal (Jahman X-Press), Ghana(Gyedu-Blay Amboley), South Africa (Wanitwa Mos & Master KG), Mali (Neba Solo), Cameroon (KRYS M), Tanzania (Inoss’B), and South Sudan (Emmanuel Jal). Nigerian guitar maker Dr. Ezekiel Olaleye introduces his African electric guitar with Bill Odidi in Nairobi. From Ibadan, Seun Rave presents his Top 3 Naija alternative hits, and VOA radio host, Sunday Shomari (Let’s Talk) is in the hotseat for Heather’s listening quiz Drop the Needle! With 15 seconds of listening to a song, can Sunday identify from what region of Africa it comes?

The playlist includes new and old tunes by artists like Emmanuel Jal (South Sudan), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Teta Diana (Rwanda), Dogo du Togo (Togo), Blaq Diamond (South Africa), Rocky Dawuni (Ghana) and more. Heather’s listening quiz challenges a contestant from Nairobi on iconic, African male singers. She also interviews two guests during live performances: Afrobeat royal, Seun Kuti and his band Egypt 80 and Al Bilali Soudan, a traditional tehardent group from Timbuktu, Mali

The playlist includes new and old tunes by artists like Emmanuel Jal (South Sudan), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Teta Diana (Rwanda), Dogo du Togo (Togo), Blaq Diamond (South Africa), Rocky Dawuni (Ghana) and more. Heather’s listening quiz challenges a contestant from Nairobi on iconic, African male singers. She also interviews two guests during live performances: Afrobeat royal, Seun Kuti and his band Egypt 80 and Al Bilali Soudan, a traditional tehardent group from Timbuktu, Mali.

The playlist includes several trending songs from African Spotify and local soundscapes such as “Ijo” (Crayon), “Like” (Iyanya, Davido & Kizz Daniel), “Comforter” (ElGrandeToto X Ayra Starr) and “Batal 3Alam” (Marwan Moussa). Maxwell tips a hat to Nelson Mandela Day and KiSwahili Day with two special tunes. Features include interviews with The Therapist from Sierra Leone about his hit song “Nack”, and Black Sherif of Ghana about his sky-rocketing music career and recent awards.

The playlist includes several trending songs from African Spotify and local soundscapes such as “Ijo” (Crayon), “Like” (Iyanya, Davido & Kizz Daniel), “Comforter” (ElGrandeToto X Ayra Starr) and “Batal 3Alam” (Marwan Moussa). Maxwell tips a hat to Nelson Mandela Day and KiSwahili Day with two special tunes. Features include interviews with The Therapist from Sierra Leone about his hit song “Nack”, and Black Sherif of Ghana about his sky-rocketing music career and recent awards.

Listen to the soundtrack of African millennials’ all-time favorite African songs. Heather Maxwell polls nearly a dozen listeners from the continent and the diaspora, and shares their personal voice notes and messages as introductions to the music. At the middle of the hour she takes you to Nairobi where reporter Bill Odidi speaks with Kenyan producer and artist CEDO about his upcoming debut album Seduction. And then it’s back to more African millennial hits that will groove and sway you to the end of the hour.

Listen to the soundtrack of African millennials’ all-time favorite African songs. Heather Maxwell polls nearly a dozen listeners from the continent and the diaspora, and shares their personal voice notes and messages as introductions to the music. At the middle of the hour she takes you to Nairobi where reporter Bill Odidi speaks with Kenyan producer and artist CEDO about his upcoming debut album Seduction. And then it’s back to more African millennial hits that will groove and sway you to the end of the hour.

The playlist includes new and current tunes by artists like Asake, Amira Abed, Zuchu and Makhadzi. It’s a jam packed hour of special features: Gyakie (Ghana) speaks with reporter Prince Benjamin about her new EP entitled My Diary; Kisumu, Kenya opens a brand new music venue and Bill Odidi reports live from the launch; Heather’s music listening quiz challenges Bethel Togovi from Lomé, Togo; and the quintet of traditional Ethiopian music Qwanqwqa joins Heather at VOA studios in Washington.

The playlist includes new and current tunes by artists like Asake, Amira Abed, Zuchu and Makhadzi. It’s a jam packed hour of special features: Gyakie (Ghana) speaks with reporter Prince Benjamin about her new EP entitled My Diary; Kisumu, Kenya opens a brand new music venue and Bill Odidi reports live from the launch; Heather’s music listening quiz challenges Bethel Togovi from Lomé, Togo; and the quintet of traditional Ethiopian music Qwanqwqa joins Heather at VOA studios in Washington.

This edition features a playlist of current hits and new releases from Nigeria (“Buga”- Kizz Daniel and “Finesse” - Pheelz), Togo (“Panam” - Kaatal), Guinea (“Denba Gnuma” - Tenin Diawara), South Africa (“Ghost” - Kamo Mphela), Kenya (“Nairobi” - Earlwin) and Rwanda (“Akamararungu” - Munyakazi Deo). Heather joins Zimbabwean marimba maestro Blessing ‘Bled’ Chimanga by phone during his residency at the Kutandara Marimba Center in Boulder, Colorado. They discuss the program and listen to amazing samples of live music. The feature story of the hour the legendary Congolese musician Koffi Olomide’s to the Voice of America. Heather and Koffi sit together and talk about his new role as Congo’s Cultural Ambassador, about Congolese music (of course), his all-time favorite American musician, and his next chapter in life.