As an accompaniment to the world touring exhibit on contemporary Afrian arts, Africa Remix opens a window on the musical art of Africa that is truly unique. With an eclectic palette of sounds, from deeply African to Cuban-influenced, each track delivers something new, but it's not for everyone.

1. Tatouages "Silence, on rêve"
2. Awilo Longomba "Coupé Bibamba"
3. Juliani/Johny-Boy/K-Swiss/Agano "Fanya Tena"
4. Malouma "Mreimida"
5. Thandiswa Mazwai "Lahl Umlenze"
6. Kekele "Affaire Mokuwa"
7. Mory Kante "Mama"
8. Ghorwane "Ubiwilitolo"
9. Thomas Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited "Nherera"
10. Oumou Sangare "Djorolen (remix)"
11. Youssou N'Dour "Plus Fort"
12. Manecas Costa "Paraiso di Gumbe"
13. Mariem Hassan & Leyoad "Wajadu"
14. Orchestra Baobab "Hommage à Tonton Ferrer (feat. Youssou N'Dour & Ibrahim Ferrer)"
15. Kandia Kouyate "Sanougnaoule"
16. Konono No 1 "Paradiso"

This compilation definitely demands a wide ranging appreciation of "world" sounds, but is sure to fill an essential space for many. If western-influenced, Kenyan hip-hop is your taste be sure and check out "Fanya Tena" by Agano/Johny-Boy/Juliani/K-Swiss.

If you're looking for some tropical vibes, you definitely want to get started with the gentle spanish-styled guitar and easy latin rhythms of Kekele's "Affaire Mokuwa" (Congo). You'll get a heavy island fix off "Nherera" by The Blacks Unlimited (Zimbabwe). While it makes an almost cliché island intro, the mellow style wins out for the whole of the song. Another of the more tropical-style songs to pay attention to is Youssou N'Dour's "Plus Fort" (Senegal).

For a sweet downtempo swing, Oumou Sangare's "Djorolen (remix)" (Mali) can't be beat for its simple, feminine beauty, and perfectly lazy beats. Pay attention to this track.

In the waning half off this collection the tropical and heavy African vibes give way to a more Cuban sound. If you're a fan of work like Buena Vista Social Club, you'll love Manecas Costa's "Paraiso Di Gumbe" (Guinea Bissau), and Orchestra Baobab featuring Youssou D'Nour and Ibrahim Ferrer in "Hommage A Tonton Ferrer" (Senegal).

For an unexpectedly raw, western Sahara sound, with a tribal, Middle Eastern-styled vibe, you must check out Leyoad's "Wajadu" featuring Mariem Hassan. I recommend putting it on next to an open, outdoor fire on a warm night and just closing your eyes for a full effect.

If you're looking for some excellent African and Afro-Cuban sounds for your collection, look no further. Many of these tracks, compiled by SAI SAI productions, have never been available outside Africa until now. If you get a chance to check out the art exhibit this music accompnaies, definitely do it.

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