Soundtracking historical changes in Africa in the 1960s to 80s, Honest Jon's release the second of two compilations bringing the diverse cultural mix of Nigeria to our ears. From pan-ethnic highlife style, which was to influence Fela Kuti's Afrobeat to the folkier juju, much incredibly beautiful music here.

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Ghanaian high-life legend Ebo Taylor returns for a brand new studio album recorded with Berlin-based Afrobeat Academy band and guest such as Tony Allen. Crossing afrobeat, high-life and rootsy funk, Ebo still has the groove, and provides genuinely touching moments with stripped-down vocal-and-guitar pieces. Recommended.

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Hailing from Ottawa, Canada, The Souljazz Orchestra mixes up Soul, Jazz, Afro, Latin and Caribbean rhythms in a highly convincing fashion. 'Solidarity' is their fifth album - their 2nd for Strut - and features plenty of great vocal collaborations and sun-drenched percussive grooves. Excellent.

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Whilst Honest Jon's often brings forgotten musics to our ears, this latest set of reworks honouring Nigerian drummer Tony Allen updates the legacy of Afrobeat for today's electronic dance music - with artists diverse as Carl Craig, Diplo and Moritz von Oswald doing the honours. Incredible, essential music!

Picked!

Globetrotting DJ and BBC broadcaster Gilles Peterson throws a spotlight on Cuba and its richly diverse music culture, crossing Afro-jazz fusions, funk, rumba reggaeton, soul in a whirlwind 30 tracks, his selection and own Havana Cultura Band bringing much of this vibrancy to our ears. Will melt through your winter blues!