A selection of wisisi music from West Papua. Wisisi or “sapusa” is a dance and genre of music among indigenous peoples in the mountains of West Papua. According to some, it was originally a dance performed during mourning rituals among the Dani people. It was then introduced to neighboring tribes in the late 1990s and, since then, has exploded in popularity. This is especially the case among indigenous youth, who have created a more modern sound using keyboards, audio processors, and drum machines. Wisisi symbolizes cohesiveness and enthusiasm and is often performed to stir up passions in various contexts and situations, including political demonstrations. It appears that wisisi has circulated almost exclusively in the form of Youtube videos.

Many thanks to Kasimyn (Gabber Modus Operandi) for first introducing me to this beautiful music.

PHOTO CREDIT: ALIM BOEANA

Wisisi (West Papua) (RIAFC056)

A random selection of trance, pop, and electronic music from the Indonesian archipelago, including an excerpt from a wild Jathilan horse dance cassette; late 1990s-early 2000s campursari dance music from the Pusaka label; calung (bamboo tube xylophone) from the legendary Darso; dangdut and tarling pop jams; Javanese radio & street sounds; and Karo electronic music from northern Sumatra. Make sure to check out our 24/7 radio platform here: www.radioisaforeigncountry.org.

TRACKLIST
Excerpt from Asia Radio Environments – Jesse Paul Miller (2014)
Excerpt from Ojo Sembroso – Jathilan (Fajar, 2012)
Jakarta Traffic Jam
Excerpt from Den Pasar Moon – Merry Andani / Sabah Habas Mustapha
Ojo Dipleroki – Cici Sahita /  Erwin (Pusaka)
Excerpt from Break Pong – Yayah Ratnasari 
Ojo Sembroso – Yuli Sumantri  / Hartono (Pusaka) 
Excerpt from Kempling – Aril & Hartono
Excerpt from Sarua Jeung Bohong – Darso
Langsung Bogoh – Calung Darso
Excerpt from Jangga Wareng – Harry Roesli
Kasih Gilo – Lijal Hasni 
Nembe Ketemu – Nengsih & Sadi M
Excerpts from Live Radio and Street Sounds of Central Java – Jesse Paul Miller (2018)
Excerpts from Night Recordings from Bali – Alan Bishop (Sublime Frequencies, 2003)
Excerpts from Radio Java – Alan Bishop (Sublime Frequencies, 2003)
Excerpt from Break Pong Medley – Yayah Ratnasari
Simalungun Rayat – Karo Tempo Doeloe
Simalungun Rayat – Karo Tempo Duru 
Siti Jauhari – Tanamo's Group

Transmissions from the Indonesian Archipelago (RIAFC064)

Killer early synth cumbia and sonidero, and a few oddball novelty recordings thrown in to keep you on your toes.


TRACKLIST
Organización Santa Martha - Cumbia Coqueta (Colombia)
Organizacion Santa Martha - Amor de Primavera (Colombia)
Organizacion Santa Martha – Bajo-la-Lluvia (Colombia)
Los Plebeyos - Caballo Loco (Mexico)
Ekos Tropiales - Cumbia Con Sabor (Colombia)
Ekos Tropicales - Cumbia Arabe (Colombia)
Ekos Tropicales - Camino a Colombia (Colombia)
Grupo Siglo XX De Rioja – Mayoruna (Peru)
Manuel Gonzalez - El Borrachito (Ecuador)
Los Dinners - Cumbia Sampuesana (Colombia)
Lucho Gavilanes - La Danza del Mono (Mexico/Colombia)
Junior y su Equipo – Bien Bailadito (Ecuador)
Los Modernistas de Morelos – Cumbia a Belgica (Mexico)
Grupo Terremoto – La 2da de la Cumbia Millonaria (Mexico)
Los Angeles Azules - El Nuevo Sonido De La Cumbia (Mexico)
Los Angeles Azules - Cumbia de los Boliches (Mexico)
Juan Manuel Polo – Bati Cumbia (Mexico)
Grupo Kual - Cumbia en la Playa (Mexico)
Grupo Kual – Negra, Ron y Velas (Mexico)
Grupo Karos – Ingrata mujer (Mexico)
Agrupacion Marilyn – Bonita (Mexico)
La Gallina – Roberto Moron y su Atentado Internacional (Mexico)
Solo Me Quede – Los Llayras (Mexico)

Early Synth Cumbia and Sonidero (RIAFC082)

Amphibian love songs and soundscapes (RIAFC090)
1. Night Sounds/Frogs from Myanmar (Burma) Ambient – Jesse Paul Miller
https://jessepaulmiller.bandcamp.com/album/myanmar-burma-ambient
2. Frogs Calling for Rain (Mae Hong Son, Thailand)  – Fred Gales (Sound Reporters)
https://soundreporters.bandcamp.com/
https://www.concertzender.nl/programma/de_klankbron_656300/
3. Frog Tannoy - Roi Et, Thailand - April 2008 – Jesse Paul Miller
https://jessepaulmiller.bandcamp.com/music
4. Kodok Solok - Frogs and bugs in Solok, West Sumatra, Indonesia (Aural Archipelago)
https://www.auralarchipelago.com/
5. Kiromboi from Sawaku: Music Of Sarawak (PAN Records – PAN 2067CD) and Night Lotus Pool from Night Recordings From Bali (Sublime Frequencies)
http://www.sublimefrequencies.com/products/576931-night-recordings-from-bali
6. Night Paddy Orchestra -  Kutuh, Bali from Bali - Night Nature  – Jesse Paul Miller
https://jessepaulmiller.bandcamp.com/album/bali-night-nature
7. Nyamwezy drummers (Intoxicating rhythms for the Monster of the Lake) and looped excerpt from Samia Bugwe. Musical Gems From Lake Victoria. Rec’d by David Fanshawe (Sapra Ltd. – CMIL 102). 
https://music-republic-world-traditional.blogspot.com/2020/07/kenya-tanzania-uganda-musical-gems-from.html
8. Palenque - Frogs 4 - Recd by Felix Hess (Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico)
https://basicfunction-releases.bandcamp.com/
9. Túngara frog synthesizer at night (Gamboa, Panama) - Phillip Hermans
https://www.dinacon.org/2019/09/11/laser-tungara-frog-synth/
10. Le Chaco (Paraguay) - Indiens et Animaux Sauvages d'Amérique du Sud. Rec’d by Richard Chapelle (Unidisc – UD 30 1293, 1977)
https://music-republic-world-traditional.blogspot.com/2017/12/brazil-paraguay-indiens-et-animaux.html
11. Night frogs from Villa Giardino Córdoba – Pablo Picco
https://bardotodolmonofonia.bandcamp.com/album/ambiente-w-rks-2012-2021
12. Kaw Mountain, Post-explosive Breeding (French Guiana) – Marc Namblard
https://www.gruenrekorder.de/?page_id=16085
13. Night frogs, La Sabana, Venezuela - David Toop (1978)
https://room40.bandcamp.com/track/night-frogs-la-sabana-venezuela-1978
14. Morning Chorus Above and Below a Creek in the Kroombit Mountains - Jeremy Hegge (Queensland, Australia, 2016)
https://soundcloud.com/jeremyhegge
15. 5.10 AM Banjo Frog (Pobble Bonk), BG Frogs (Crinnia Sp.), Raven (Australia) – Dawn Chorus: Early Morning Music of the Bush – John N. Hutchinson 
https://www.discogs.com/release/6288767-John-N-Hutchinson-Dawn-Chorus
16. Unknown didgeridoo performance recorded off the radio and an excerpt from the Cane Toads: An Unnatural History. 
17. 蛙蛙哇！Songs Of The Frogs Of Taiwan. Rec’d by Yannick Dauby (2009)
https://kalerne.bandcamp.com/
18. Frogs (Bachotek, Poland) - Gerrit Kalsbeek (Lola Radio)
https://lolaradio.blogspot.com/
19. Frog – Ear Explorer 
https://www.facebook.com/EarExplorer

Cover is a “Zen Picture” (Zenga) by Matsumoto Hoji, c. 1785

Amphibian Love Songs And Soundscapes (RIAFC090)

A killer selection of 45s featuring female singers of luk thung, a bybrid folk style popular among the rural, working class of Thailand. Selected and mixed by Dangdut Banget. 


TRACKLIST
1. Runghtip Malewan - Rak Kap Phi Di Yae
2. Daotai Mueangtrang - Rak Mai Thon Man
3. Sabaipare Buasod - Khoi Chet Wan	
4. Yupin Praethong - Kham Ni Nong Khoi 	
5. Renu Siangsawan - Pai Ban Dek Ma
6. Namoi Pornvichian - Dok Kaeo
7. Pensri Wareerat - Tua Arai
8. Buppa Saichol - Mia Kep
9. Rayrai Na Korat - Phu Chai Jai Khot
10. Kingdao Jansawas - Chai Talat
11. Saengduean Daoloi - Rak Khon Phit
12. Teunjai Boonpraraksa - Khon Due
13. Kwanchai Chirabut - Tai Di Kwa Yu
14. Rungfah Phuphing - Sao Ram Toei
15. Rayrai Na Korat - Kha Moo Tai 1 Tua
16. Sabaipare Buasod - Soeng Sawing
17. Buppa Saichol - Ta Thui Kohok
18. Phaichit Phitsanulok - Tham Bun Khuen Sawan

Ladies of Luk Thung

Kabul Intercontinental: Music from Television & Teahouses - Nicolas Sheikholeslami (Çaykh)

The first entry in a new series called New Ghosts of Old Media, this mixtape features the dusty, warbly sounds of retro minimalist synth & electro rai tapes from the genre's most experimental era. Music by Cheb Mohamed Sghir, Chaba Amel, Cheb Hindi, Chaba Fadila, Cheb Hasni, Cheb Toufik, Cheba Zizi, Chaba Zahouania, Cheb Khaled & more.

Back to the Future: Synth & Electro Rai Tapes from Oran, Algeria

RETRO GLOBAL SURF

DISCO SOUTH AFRICA - ÇAYKH

This mixtape features (mostly) Sundanese psychedelic pop music recorded during the 1970s when the Suharto military dictatorship ruled Indonesia. These recordings were chosen due to their signature sound in which haunting and darkly psychedelic notes mingle strangely with endearing girl pop vibes to create an unusual, intense and suspenseful atmosphere.

MUSIC OF THE PSYCHEDELIC MILITARY STATE

The contemporary Cairo scene, including electro-shaabi and psychedelic folk rock, Syrian synth and wedding bangers, French-Moroccan indie electronica and more. Music by 3Phaz, Islam Chispy, Maryam Saleh, Acid Arab, DJ Snake, Baskot Lel Baltegeya (Cookies for Thugs), Sufi, Al-Rifai Mulid, Dwarfs of East Agouza, Taxi Kebab, Rizan Said & Omar Souleyman.

ELECTRO-SHAABI, SYRIAN SYNTH & MORE

INDONESIAN POP RARITIES ON CASSETTE - KLININGAN DANGDUT (RIAFC147)

An exploration into the tempestuous yet mellifluous world of South Asian film and pop music. This mixtape journeys through Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Odia, and Urdu cinema from the 1970s and 1980s, featuring compositions by legends like M. Ashraf, Sathyam, and the maestro himself, Ilaiyaraaja. These artists and sorcerers, with their uninhibited ears, fused elements from every imaginable genre into an alchemical orchestral opulence—enhanced by the absurd vocal pyrotechnics of some of the region’s greatest playback singers and punctuated by some of the wildest and most raucous breaks ever pressed to wax. 

Curated by Thomas Kitchman. 

“Dedicated to the late Dharmesh Kapadia, whose incredible record collection opened a portal for me into another galaxy of sound and formed the basis for this mixtape. அமைதியாக ஓய்வு கொள்க (Amaithiyaga oivu kolga)."

TRACKLIST
Anudradha - Mora Sahari Babu Anadi S.P. Sailaja & Maleysia Vasudevan – Aanandha Then Kaatru Vishnurvardhan & S. Janaki - Beda Annuvarunte Nahid Akhtar - Oh My Love S.P. Balasubrahmanyam - Yennadi Meenakshi Vani Jairam - Yaarai Paarthalum K.J. Yesudas & S. Janaki & Chorus - Ore Raagam S.P Sailaja - Rajave Unna S.P Balasubrahmanyam & S. Janaki - Kanavarisu S.P. Balasubrahmanyam - Mosakkae Deepan Chakravarthy & Ramesh - Aasai Manasu Onnu S.P. Balasubrahmanyam & Chorus - Sorgam Madhuvile S.P. Sailaja & S.P. Balasubrahmanyam - Thithikkum Usha Iyer with The Flintstones - The Trip Malaysia Vasudevan & Chorus - Kodak Kaala Kaatre K.J. Jesudoss & S. Janaki - Ramanin Mohanam


HONEY WIND: SUPER SOUNDS FROM THE SOUTH ASIAN SUBCONTINENT (RIAFC148)

Our very first mixtape! THE END OF DREAMS IS THE DREAM OF THE SYSTEM featurues radio transmissions and overlooked gems from China, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iraq, India, Algeria, Eritrea, and Somalia,

Excerpts from Under a Dim Crescent Moon, Shirley & Spinoza Radio (CHINA)
Includes radio broadcast from Kashgar (station and artist unknown), a bootleg cassette from a Kashgar market, and a shortwave radio recording (“Habebe”). Shirley & Spinoza Radio (2006). 
 
Excerpts from A Day in the Sun is Like a Radio to Me (THAILAND)
Includes “Lum Sao Phutai Rum Pan” by Ubon Pattana with Surin (c. 1975) and “Rabam Dawadoeng, Part 2” by The Duriyapranit Piphat Ensemble And Chorus (c. 1940s). John Thayer/Power Moves Library (2017).

Excerpt from Radio Thailand (THAILAND)
Sublime Frequencies (2006). Track title and artist unknown.

Unknown Cassette THAILAND

Excerpt from Cambodian Cassette Archives (CAMBODIA)
“To Tea Yum Chlong,” Chhoun Vanna (1962). Sublime Frequencies (2004).

Pemungkah, Gendér Wajang of Kuta (INDONESIA/BALI)

Original Balinese gamelan recording made by the Odeon Company (1928). Courtesy of Excavated Shellac.

Rarakitan, Yanti Bersaudara (INDONESIA)
Polydor (1970). 

Excerpt from Radio Sumatra: The Indonesian FM Experience (SUMATRA)
Sublime Frequencies (2005). Track and artist unknown. 

Excerpts from Choubi Choubi! (IRAQ)
Includes “Al Hecha” (artist unknown) and “Ya Makhthat Al Welif” by Adiba Azezine. Sublime Frequencies (2013). 

Excerpts from Radio India (INDIA)
Sublime Frequencies (1989/1996). Tracks and artists unknown. 

Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko, Asha Bhosle and Muhammad Rafi (INDIA)
From the film Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973).

Excerpts from Radio Algeria (ALGERIA)
Sublime Frequencies (2005/2006). Track titles and artists unknown. 

Unknown, Tsehaytu Beraki (ERITREA)
From Traditional Ethiopian Selection (compiled by Quantic, 2013). 

Rag waa Nacab Iyo Nasteexo, Aamina Camaari (SOMALIA)
From Sweet as Broken Dates: Lost Somali Tapes from the Horn of Africa (Ostinato Records, 2017).

THE END OF DREAMS IS THE DREAM OF THE SYSTEM [RIAFC001]

ECHOES FROM A TURKISH DISCO BENDER (RIAFC150)

Psychophono, a phenomenal Milan-based DJ trio spinning rare, psychedelic ethno-folk vinyl, put together some Balkan records for us. 

TRACKLIST
1-Alexandru Titrus - Invirtita de la feleud (ROMANIA) 2-Romica_puceanu - Saraiman-mmi (ROMANIA) 3-Ion Constantinescu - Ca la breaza + sirba lui (ROMANIA) 4-Toni Iordache - Doina Olteneasca = Hora Lautareasca lui toni(ROMANIA) 5-Vasile Pandelescu - Brează De La Hulubești(ROMANIA) 6-Ion Nicodim - Cintec de prietenie pentru ariana si hora lui (ROMANIA) 7-Farimita lambru - Hora Argintareasca (ROMANIA) 8-Orchestra Paraschiv Oprea & Sofia Vicoveanca - Du-Te Dorule-n Pustie (ROMANIA) 9-Димо Колев - Хасковски Мелодии И Ръченица = Haskovo Region Melodies And Rachenitsa (BULGARIA) 10-Bulgarka Vocal Trio - Ой, маце, маце (BULGARIA) 11-Tsvyatko Blagoev's Folk Group - Loveshko Horo (BULGARIA) 12- Мюмюнали Киришев – Турска Народна Игра (BULGARIA) 13-Илия Аргиров - Убавото Стойне (BULGARIA) 14-Bulgarian folk ensemble - Kyustendilsko Horo (BULGARIA) 15-Валентин Чинчири - Сам си седя (BULGARIA) 16-Ангел Георгиев И Б. Киришев – Влюбен Съм В Тебе (BULGARIA)


PSYCHOPHONO - DIGGING INTO ROMANIAN AND BULGARIAN FOLK ARCHIVES

The first in a monthly(ish) series from the Shatkavalka label featuring field recordings and rare folklore. Expect reel-to-reel tapes, wax cylinders, cassettes, vinyl records, and other sonic treasures captured during ethnographic expeditions and researches — from the early 1900s to today.

In this first episode, you’ll hear archival recordings from expeditions in the Belarusian Palessie region (in the south of the country), traditional Romanian wedding songs from Transylvania, folk songs from the Soviet Far East, and Turkish folklore. The idea was to create a kind of sonic collage of traditional music — connecting these sounds through emotion and atmosphere, rather than historical or cultural context.

Compiled by Anton Anishchanka (@3_a.Anton)
Artwork: Ihar Yukhnevich (@dj_deaigner)
Tracks: 3, 7 Yuliya Litvinava (@iuliialitvinava) and Raman Yarash
 


Shatkavalka

Lush Amazonian soundscapes (raw and cooked); bullroarers, catfish trumpets and laughing alligators; a documentary filmmaker who wants to get eaten by Indians; two friends, inspired by adventurous characters like Richard Evans Schultes and Werner Herzog, go to the northern amazon and experiment with sound machines; a news segment on alien face-peelers (or gold miners with jetpacks); an extra-terrestrial cumbia…

TRACKLIST
Whistle on Wire & Rhombe (Ashaninka Route – Arawak) and Along the River (Aguaruna Itinerary) from Amazonia - Music, songs and natural sounds – Recorded by Xavier Bellenger (GREM – G 9112, 1991)

Bará (Tukano) Music from the Vaupés Region of Southeastern Colombia – The Bara Collection of Jean E. Jackson (n.d.)
 
Pirá-Paraná Yuruparí Music from the Vaupés Region of Southeastern Colombia – Recorded by Stephen Hugh-Jones and Christine Hugh-Jones (1968-1970)
 
Excerpt from the Laughing Alligator by Juan Downey (Museum of Modern Art, 1979)
 
Schultes navegando el Apaporis & Expedición Botánica – Vaupes-Uapes (Dada Phone, 2024)

News segment on Alien Face-peelers (Or Gold Miners on Jetpacks) in Alto Nanay, Peru

Afrosound - Cumbia de E.T. El Extraterrestre (Fuentes, 1983)

Chaco (Paraguay) and the Pantanal (South Mato Grosso) – Recorded by Richard Chapelle (Unidisc – UD 30 1293, 1977)

BULLROARERS, CATFISH TRUMPETS, LAUGHING ALLIGATORS, AND ALIEN FACE-PEELERS

Hot mixtape from Berlin by Kink Gong

https://kinkgong.bandcamp.com/


TRACKLIST
1. Choubi Choubi Iraq (Sublime Frequencies)
2. Simon Shaheen Music Of Mohamed Abdel Wahab
3. Francis Bebey
4. Mauritania Guitar Des Saoles
5. Marocco La Tete De Lion Ahmelme
6. Cheikha Rabia Kabyle In France
7. I Remember Syria (Sublime Frequencies)
8. Muslimgauze UK
9. Uz Hinim Uyghur Xinjiang China
10. Flutes Gasba Algeria
11. Omar Suleyman (SF)
12. Cheikha Rimitti Algeria
13. Choubi Choubi (Sublime Frequencies)
14. 75$Bill Played 45rpm

DANCE MUSIC! - KINK GONG

GENDING MUSIC FROM BANYUMAS CENTRAL JAVA (RIAFC 157)

Selected & mixed by Madrotter.

 

TRACKLIST
1 Bagong Kussudiardja - Tari Puspita
2 Nyi Jumira, Nyi Suryati & Purba Kencana Group - Rondha Ider
3 Nyi Kunes, Nyi Wahyuni, Nyi Djumirah & Tirta Kencana Group - Baturaden
4 Nyi Sri Utami, Nyi Sukamti & Mardi Budaya Group - Lagu Klopo Mudo
5 Nyi Suryati, Nyi Endon Sugiarti, Nyi Karinah & Ngesti Laras Group - Angklung
6 Nyi Warsiti,Nyi Ngadini & Asmoro Laras Group - Kejutan
7 nyi Djuminah, Nyi Wahyuni & Tirta Kencana Group - Aja Drengki
8 Unknown artists from Banyumas - Merem Melek
9 Nyi Suryati, Nyi Endon, Nyi Karinah & Ngesti Laras Group - Baturaden

GENDING MUSIC FROM BANYUMAS CENTRAL JAVA (RIAFC 157)

This episode was prepared by researchers from the Institute of Arts at the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, which is dedicated to studying the history and theory of nearly all forms of traditional Armenian art — from visual arts and architecture to applied arts, music, theatre, cinema, and television. Episode 2 focuses on the richness of Armenian traditional music across a variety of genres: work songs, epic narratives, lullabies, instrumental music, and many other expressions of this remarkable cultural heritage. Curated by: Anton Anishchanka (@3_a.Anton) Compiled and prepared by Ani Hakobyan Marianna Tigranyan Margarit Sargsyan Artwork by Ihar Yukhnevich (@dj_designer).

SHATKAVALKA – ARMENIA (#0002)

Thai & Khmer Boxing Music - Radio is a Foreign Country

LOST IN TRANSMISSION (RIAFC159/LIT-001)

An immersive sound collage of field recordings from a trip to Nepal; an atmospheric soundscape of bells & dogs from Pokhara; sounds from a Kathmandu horror house amusement park; and radio captures from the rooftop of the world.

TRACKLIST
A Long, Strange Trip to Nepal – Alex Dickey
Pokhara Dogs - Harmika yab-yum: Folk sounds from Nepal (Robert Millis, Sublime Frequencies)
Excerpts from Bhoot Ghar- Sounds Of The Kathmandu Horror House (Aaron Dilloway, Hanson Records)
Lips Like This – Radio Captures from Nepal – Alex Dickey

TRANSMISSIONS FROM THE ROOFTOP OF THE WORLD

This mixtape, curated by Anton Anishchanka, explores the sounds and music Belarus. It includes archival recordings of traditional singing, whose meanings convey the hardships of people’s lives. The mixtape opens with recordings of a village yard and the sounds of chickens — an element of traditional farming — which gradually transitions into a lullaby and beyond. You will hear women’s songs about love and loss and leaving one’s family after marriage, work songs, springtime songs, and other pieces from the calendar cycle. The selection also features a field recording of the sound installation "SAD Orchestra" — an experimental project dedicated to three important figures of independent Belarusian art. There are field recordings that were made in various parts of Belarus, capturing the purity and beauty of Belarusian nature and church bells recorded in the village of Raubich. 

TRACKLIST 1 - Anton Anishchanka - Kury 2 - Zinaida Majeiko archive - performer unspecified 3 - Anton Anishchanka - SAD Orchestra 4 - Hanna Silivonchyk - viasna 5 - Anton Anishchanka - Biełaja carkva 6 - Klukach Nadejdą - u sienokos (Zinaida Mažejka archive) 7 - Anton Anishchanka - the stream 8 - Nadziežda - Leta (Zinaida Mažejka archive) 9 - Anton Anishchanka - dawn chorus 10 - Unspecified performer - źviary 11 -Anton Anishchanka - Vyhanaščany 12 - Zinaida Mažejka recording - krapivuška (performer unspecified) 13 - Anton Anishchanka - birds tower 14 - Zinaida Mažejka archive - papańka rodnieńki (performer unspecified) 15 - Anton Anishchanka - Prypiać 16 - Anastasija Repetueva - ciomna nočka 17 - Anton Anishchanka - the island 18 - Taćciana Jankaviec - (recorded by Hanna Silivonchyk)


Shatkavalka - Belarus (#0003)

A deep dive into the hypnotic, fuzzy distortions of Bantu sonic cosmology, including Luba drums (mukupele) & xylophones (madimba) and Bazombo electrified likembé (thumb piano) music.

The Luba and other ethnic groups in the region play drums and xylophones made of tuned wooden bars supported on a frame, with calabash gourds attached underneath as resonators. The mirlitons (buzzing membranes) inside the gourds add a characteristic nasal buzz to the sound. The mirliton is created by drilling a small hole in the side of each calabash and inserting a short hollow tube or rod. Inside this tube, a thin, translucent film, harvested from the egg sac (or "nest") of the ntanda nkumbidi spider, is affixed. This spider silk membrane vibrates when the bars are struck, producing the buzzing effect. The electrified likembé is a modern variation of the same aesthetic. Buzzing timbres are used to enhance and accentuate the rhythms, create "ghost melodies" and disguise or distort sounds to embody otherworldly presences during rituals, masquerades, or funerals.


THE BUZZ IN BANTU SONIC COSMOLOGY

A selection of East African pop music (1960s-1990s), including rare Ethiopian electronica and urban azmariwotch on cassette, Somali dhaanto on VHS tapes of television broadcasts, and some great taarab records from Zanzibar/Tanzania and Kenya.

PLAYLIST
ENGENAÑELANE, BETSAT SEYOUM & ABBEBE FEKADE [ETHIOPIA] 
AGEREN AYEHUWAT, YISHAK BANJAW [ETHIOPIA, 1986]
LIBEY MA'ADULEY, YISHAK BANJAW [ETHIOPIA, 1986] 
TEZETA, MUNAYE MENBERRU [ETHIOPIA, MID-1970S] 
AHWAK, SOLOMON MAHMOUD [SUDAN, YEAR UNKNOWN] 
FATUMA GASSIM: WAIMALYMAFUN EFITTUBRA [SOMALIA, YEAR UNKNOWN] 
UNKNOWN, QADIIJO QALANJO [SOMALIA, YEAR UNKNOWN] 
DIRYAAN, QADIIJO QALANJO [SOMALIA, YEAR UNKNOWN]  
WAAYO, FAYNUUS (SOMALIA, YEAR UNKNOWN) 
MA HURDEE, (DUR BAND/SAHRA DAWO & MUKTAR "IDI" RAMADAN [SOMALIA, 1986] 
RAG WAA NACAB IYO NASTEEXO, AAMINA CAMAARI [SOMALIA, 1980S] 
YA ZAMANI, ZUHURA SWALEH [KENYA, 1981]
MPENDE ANAEKUPENDA, URSULLA & BLACK STAR MUSIC CLUB [TANZANIA, 1983]
CHOZI LANITOKA, SHARMILA & BLACK STAR MUSICAL CLUB [TANZANIA, 1983]
NDEGE KAA UFIKIRI, YASEEN MOHAMED [KENYA, 1960S]

RIAFC 008 - EAST AFRICAN MIXTAPE

East African Mixtape (RIAFC 008)

Kompa guitar gems, 1969-2014

PLAYLIST
Fe'm Confiance (Tropical Treats Edit), Les Difficiles de Petion Ville (1984/2012)
Espoir/Composition X, Les Dificiles de Petion-Ville (1980s)
Haiti, Les Gypsies de Petion-Ville (1971)
Cafe Au Lait, Shleu-Shleu (1969)
Pere Manno, Dodof et Ses Amis (1979)
Compas 2, Les Gypsies de Petion-Ville (1971)
Pale Kréyol - Rodrigue Millien (1980)
Min Rat La, Coupe Cloue (1987)
Michel Martelly - ‎Konpa Foret Des Pins (1989)
Guest Stars Martino, Robert Martino (2010)
Platinum gerim (feat. Bann'D), DJ Platinum-D (2014)
Ou Pa Ka Fè Sa, DJ Platinum-D (2014)
Déchire kilot - Top Digital (2011)

RIAFC 010

Haitian Kompa (RIAFC 010)

chOOn!! is an arts collective that began life as a notoriously wild radio show on Subcity Radio (Glasgow, Scotland), 2012-2019, and is now about to launch as a newly formed reissue label. Radio is a Foreign Country is thrilled to share chOOn!!’s warped take on a bewildering range of retro folk and popular styles spread throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Prepare your earballs for loads of gamelan funk, Javanese electro, discoid degung, queasy quasidah modern, Sumatran devil-synth, hyper footwork jaipong, cosmic calung, plasmic pop-Sunda, and drum-machine dangdut. You can hear the extended version of this mix at https://soundcloud. com/radio-choon.

chOOn!! would like to thank Romain de Ferron for generously sending his wonderfully curated tape of Sumatran gems culled from his journeys throughout Indonesia; VK and his generous gifts from Malaysia; the digging savant Herpi and his expertly curated selections; and to the ever-reliable grotto of Indonesian delights that is Madrotter - thanks Henk!

PLAYLIST
Break Pong Medley, Yayah Ratnasari & Karawang Group
Jalma Dengki, Darso & Detty Kurnia
Wening, Becky Wilson & Nano. S. Kasmaran
Disco Medley Jaipong (Extract), Nus. S.
Tari Pasambahan, Sanggar Syofyani
Pariaman,  Fetty
Asih Can Laas, Detty Kurnia
Kunci 2 Asmara, Ety Yulianty
Tahun 2000, Nasida Ria
Jangan Putus Asa, Orkes Gambus Al Hadid
Imut Nu Ngajalanan, Detty Kurnia
Ginggiapeun, Titin K. Somantri & Odang Sundara
El Sahara, El Sahara Group
Bonus Cinta, Becky Wilson & Nano. S. Kasmaran
Cucu Deui, Darso
Instrumental Jaipong (excerpt), Nus. S.

CALUNGA CHOON (RIAFC 024)

calunga chOOn!! (RIAFC 024)

Balkan/Romani psych from the former Yugoslavia (1980s-1990s), including the phenomenal Sasa Petrovic, Veseli Romi, Sasa Mutic, and Dehran Raimovic.

TRACKLIST
Medicinka, Sasa Petrovic 
Japanka, Veseli Romi 
Robot, Veseli Romi 
Grcka Ciganska Noc, Veseli Romi
Zov Gitare, Veseli Romi
Brankov Cocek, Veseli Romi
Zoranov Cocek, Veseli Romi
Romska Gajda, Veseli Romi
Miletove Gajde, Veseli Romi
Razijin Cocek, Veseli Romi
Nazin Cocek, Veseli Romi
Moj Mihone, Veseli Romi
Mercedes 500 S Cocek, Veseli Romi
Zoranov Cocek, Veseli Romi
Cocek Tri Puta Tri, Veseli Romi
Ninetov Cocek, Sasa Mutic
Medicinka, Dehran Raimovic 
Imas Malo Para, Veseli Romi & Dzemail

BALKAN PSYCH

Balkan Psych (RIAFC 038)

You can also hang out with us at https://www.radioisaforeigncountry.org/
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RADIO IS A FOREIGN COUNTRY

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