His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, speaks at the inauguration of the Economic Commission for Africa, Dec. 29, 1958.

New roots singers Warrior King and Fantan Mojah offer philosophical and pleasing positivity. Josie Mel, Linval Thompson, Donovan Banzana, Paul St. Hilaire, Deyansa and Leroy Brown release new recordings; reissues from the Wailers, King Kong, Prince Far I, Willi Williams, Augustus Pablo, Lyn Taitt and Mikey Dread; a handful of local lights, compilations, a fistful of dub and ska albums and much more.

Bob Tarte suffers through another book-signing, then relaxes with Songs of the Volcano: Papua New Guinea Stringbands with Bob Brozman, Vasen, Kraftwerk and Congotronics 2.

The Brazil Beat team chills out with The Now Sound of Brazil, Monica Freire, and Carlinhos Brown's Candombless.

Mr. Music spotlights BBC world music broadcaster Charlie Gillett and his latest Sound of the World compilation; presents a travelogue of his recent trip to Cuba. Haila Mompe, Paulo FG and Issac Delgado get the thumbs-down, but Adalberto Alvarez, Yumuri, Charanga del Norte and 3D make the grade.

At the tender age of 85, Cuban music patriarch Bebo Valdes issues the magnificent double-disc Bebo de Cuba. Soneros All Stars, Mercadonegro, Alfredo de la Fe, Gerardo Rosales, NG La Banda, Plena Libre, Don Perignon, SOS Lazaga, Michel Maza and Galera 7 Sur heat up the night.

Martin Sinnock gets a buzz from the urban jungle with the Congotronics 2 compilation and Mundenge: Bush-Rock from D.R. Congo. Dindo Yogo's son Lola Muana follows in his late father's vocal footsteps, and Wawali Bonane's career continues after leaving Afrisa.

Sid Whelan savors Djelimady Tounkara's Solon Kono, Congotronics 2, and music from Azouhouni Adu, Kékélé, the Nyboma and Kamale Dynamique retrospective, and Wawali Bonane latest solo recording.

Brian Dring highlights music from Belize, Dominica, Curacao and Cuba.

Roger Steffens brings us up to date on his recent visit to Israel.

Steve Heilig gives a whirlwind tour of recent reggae, Brazilian, African, Latin and Asian releases.

"The Soul Defenders: The Road from Linstead to Studio One" A history and appreciation of one of Coxsone's hard-working studio bands of the '70s.

Album of the month: The Good, the Bad and the Blazing, with Junior Kelly, Bounty Killer and Capleton; Sizzla mixtapes, Kiprich, King Kong, Turbulence, Deyansa, Josie Mel, Jah Cure and Richie Spice, Shadrock, Nahki, a bucketful of singles, plus a trailer-load of dancehall riddim and reggaeton compilations.

Roger Steffens and Leroy Jodie Pierson, Bob Marley and the Wailers: The Definitive Discography reviewed by Michael Turner

Klive Walker, Dubwise: Reasoning from the Reggae Underground reviewed by Ted Boothroyd

Kenneth Bilby, True-Born Maroons, reviewed by Norman Weinstein

Brent Dowe of the Melodians, by Michael Turner