His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, remarks at the graduation exercises of University College of Addis Ababa, June 17, 1969.

Burning Spear brings a new energy to his latest release, Jah Is Real. New releases from Horace Andy, Sugar Minott, Lee Perry, Natural Black, Perfect, Althea Hewitt, Queen Omega, Ed Robinson, Dub Colossus, Pato Banton, Tony Chin, Dwight Pinkney and Abijah; reissues from Johnny Osbourne, General Echo, Dennis Brown, Culture, Cutty Ranks, Half Pint, Tarrus Riley, the Maytals, Tenor Saw and Harold Butler, plus a heaping helping of local lights, compilations, a fistful of dub and ska albums and much more.

Bob gives in to the many charms of Issa Bagayogo's new Mali Koura, and revels in recordings by Seckou Keita SKQ, Jayme Stone and Mansa Sissoko. The Mystic World of Augustus Pablo box set gives the reggae legend his due; Dub Colossus brings '70s style dub to Ethiopian pop. Samba Mapangala's African Classics proves true to its title, while Frigg finesses a multitude of styles with Finnish fiddles.

SUMMER FESTIVALS 2008

Rototom Sunsplash, by David Katz

Monterey Reggae Festival, by Diane "Livonn" Adam

Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, by Steve Heilig, Carter Van Pelt, Michael Turner

WOMAD, by David Katz

Reggae Rising, by Diane "Livonn" Adam

Rainforest World Music Festival, by Tom Orr

Jeff questions the widespread labeling as "blues" any music deemed to be sad, mournful or soulful, and especially the use of that metaphor for Gnawa music. Case in point is Gnawa Home Songs featuring Hamid Kasri, Abdelkader Amlil and H'mida Boussou. Malian "blues" (or not) connections are discussed in the music of Ali Farka Toure, Etran Finatawa, Tartit and Tinariwen; and finally Algerian rock from Rachid Taha and Amarg Fusion.

Martin Sinnock reviews the new book by Prof. Bob W. White, Rumba Rules: The Politics of Dance Music in Mobutu's Zaire; Malage de Lugendo's latest album is analyzed.

Barry Eisenberg takes on the comprehensive collection from Nigeria's Sir Victor Uwaifo: Guitar Boy Superstar 1970-76; Mbilia Bel's Bel Canto box set, Kenyan/Congolese international favorite Samba Mapangala's career retrospective, The Very Best of Hugh Tracey, and Ghanaian highlife from Seprewa Kasa.

Mr. Music recalls the fun of Notting Hill Carnival, and its place in London's history. Heading for warmer climes, the music of David Calzado and Charanga Habanera, Afro-Chacoan grooves from Colombia, Madera Limpia, Willy Torres and Bio Ritmo heat things up. A stopover in '70s Nigerian music history with Sir Victor Uwaifo.

Fania All Stars, Latin-Soul-Rock.

Eric Doumerc offers a tribute to the late legendary Tenor Saw who died in 1988 at age 22.

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

CD Reviews: Chopteeth, Afrofunk Big Band, by Ron Sakolsky; Franco and TPOK Jazz, Francophonic Vol. 1: 1953-1980, by Banning Eyre

Riddim Edition" by The Ramerman highlights the latest dancehall riddims.

After a brief visit to Montreal's Festival International Nuits d'Afrique, Brian touches on zouk from Kadan's and Manze Dayila's creative Haitian production. Classic calypso and Puerto Rican plena complete the Caribbean tour.

Reggae archivist Roger Steffens brings us up to date on his recent runnings.

Wailin Blues, The Story of Bob Marley's Wailers, by Roger Steffens.

Florent Massolini, L'Epopee de la Musique Africaine:

Rythmes D'Afrique Atlantique, by Tom Schnabel

Maria Bethania, Music Is Perfume, and Youssou N'Dour, Return to Goree, by Tom Orr.