Saturday, 5 September 2026

Julius Nyerere’s appointment as Tanganyika’s chief minister on 2 September 1960 was presented as a decisive step from British colonial rule towards self-governance and independence.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti was remembered as Afrobeat’s pioneer, blending Yoruba rhythms, jazz, funk and highlife with outspoken criticism of corruption, dictatorship, police brutality and inequality.

Madagascar’s Rossi, born Paul Bert Rahasimanana, was highlighted for combining traditional Malagasy sounds with rock, funk and folk, while also supporting cultural development and serving in parliament.

The programme’s artist appreciation concluded with Orchestra Baobab, whose Dakar sound was described as a world treasure, including tracks from Pirates Choice and Visage du Senegal.

Listeners took over the final hour with African music requests, including Tito Paris, Stimela, Angelique Kidjo and Yemi Alade, before the show ended with Kidjo’s “Angola”.