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From Four Different Corners Of Africa, Four Bold New Albums DJ Betto Arcos spins soulful songs from a prison in Malawi, dance music from Congo and more.

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From Four Different Corners Of Africa, Four Bold New Albums

Heard on All Things Considered

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NPR Staff

From Four Different Corners Of Africa, Four Bold New Albums

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Tuareg blues and griot guitar meet virtuoso percussion on Zoy Zoy, the latest album from the Niger band Tal National. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

Tuareg blues and griot guitar meet virtuoso percussion on Zoy Zoy, the latest album from the Niger band Tal National.

Courtesy of the artist

World-music DJ Betto Arcos is back — this time, with music he's found all over the African continent. The host of Global Village on KPFK in Los Angeles recently joined NPR's Arun Rath to discuss new albums from four different corners of Africa, including soulful songs from a prison in Malawi, dance music from Congo and a collaboration between a Malian singer and a Cuban pianist. Hear their conversation at the audio link, and check out the music below.

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From Kinshasa
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From Four Different Corners Of Africa, Four Bold New Albums

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Mbongwana Star

  • Song: Shégué
  • from From Kinshasa

I Have No Everything Here Album cover hide caption

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From Four Different Corners Of Africa, Four Bold New Albums

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Ben Masekese (Zomba Prison Project)

  • Song: A Message (I Will Take You)
  • from I Have No Everything Here

Zoy Zoy Album cover hide caption

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From Four Different Corners Of Africa, Four Bold New Albums

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Tal National

  • Song: Claire
  • from Zoy Zoy

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From Four Different Corners Of Africa, Four Bold New Albums

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Fatoumata Diawara & Roberto Fonseca

  • Song: Yemaya
  • from At Home: Live in Marciac