My City January 2022

MYMUSIC

"I love the rhythm of African music and how it is used and appreciated in the community.”

For those curious to hear the dif- ferent styles of African music, Max- well has compiled a list of some of her favorite songs and artists. 1. “Je Vais te Marier” by Neba Solo This is an example of balafon music from Mali on which I based my master’s thesis. It is an example of West African polyrhythm and syncopation. 2. “Ewe 6/8 Rhythms” by The Pan African Orchestra Another example of West African polyrhythm and synco- pation, specifically, the kind of 6/8 rhythms from Ghana that Heather's Playlist An example of current-day, Ewe traditional music by a Washing- ton, D.C.-based Togolese singer. 4. “Wimoweh” by Manu Dibango featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo This is an example of Southern African choral beauty. Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a well-known vocal group from South Africa with whom Paul Simon recorded his 1986-album “Graceland.” 5. “Andou Zine” by Asma Lmnawar This is one of my all-time favorite North African (Morocco) singers and my favorite song by this artist. captivated me in college. 3. “SokeWo (Dance Party)” by Dogo du Togo

VISITING BEAUTIFUL TOGO

I drove directly to Washington, D.C. I wanted the job so badly. ey told me the process would take time and I had the one-year Fulbright commit- ment in Mali. I was there for about six months when a political coup took place. I was hastened out of the country and given the job at VOA.” It was a perfect €t and Maxwell has been a hit ever since. And soon, she will begin traveling to Africa again after travel stopped in 2019 due to the pandemic. “ ere are plans to visit Algeria in January for a North African musicians festival, and again to the Ivory Coast in mid-March for a large music con- ference.” Each location provides a plethora of diŠerent musical styles, beats and sounds. “One of the great things about African music is the range of styles,” she explains. “ e continent is three times the size of the U.S. and there is no real way to categorize a common sound.

In West Africa, they use a lot of per- cussion; in North Africa and desert areas, the ’ute is most common and in South Africa it’s choral in nature. You can’t describe it in just one way.” For Maxwell, hosting “Music Time in Africa” is a dream come true. “I never thought I would be doing this and I’m so glad that I am,” she says. “I have devoted much of my life to African music and I believe that ‘Music Time in Africa’ has a positive eŠect on and touches many Africans. African music touches the heart.” “Music Time in Africa” is broadcasted every weekend in Afri- ca with streams available in the U.S. at voanews.com. For videos and more, visit “Music Time in Africa” on YouTube and Facebook. When not broadcasting or travel- ing, Maxwell is actively making music of her own with a unique fusion of African music and jazz. Find a sam- ple at heathermaxwellmusic.com. ®

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