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Proverb of the week:

"The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people ." – Ashanti of Ghana

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Mama Afrika personally recommends the following:

cover
We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families
by Philip Gourevitch

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A day in the life of Africa
by David Cohen, Lee Liberman

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Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
by Nelson Mandela

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Tribal Arts of Africa
by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart

 

Mama Afrika

Reach us by phone:

(805) 294-2385

9am-5pm (Pacific Standard Time)

 

 

Who could imagine an Africa without music? Africans have been beating drums, dancing to guitars and singing to other traditional instruments for generations past. Music is a way to honor the dead, celebrate new life, enjoy the blessings of a new harvest or to express so many other emotions.

Music and singing are a pleasure enjoyed by Africans everywhere. Yet styles of instruments and songs differ dramatically from one part of the continent to another. Africa is a rich in musical diversity. From mbiras played in Zimbabwe to the doringa violin from Ghana... and of course the very well known Djambe of west Africa, Mama is always on the search for new ways to bring you the joy of African music. Whether you are already skilled at a traditional guitar and looking to try out a new instrument to express yourself through, or you are just looking to have a beautiful piece which you can hang and display in that special part of your home; Mama hopes you will find what you are looking for.

Mama also does her best to bring you traditional games and music so that your children can learn how other children entertain themselves. Mama is working hard to find new treasures that you can enjoy with your children, grandchildren, or that favorite neice or nephew. So please keep an eye out for new items.


Music and Fun:
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Awale is a game played all over Africa

Travel Owale game

This is a travel version of the Owale game.

Many of you may know the game by its more common name, Mankala. With over 750 known ways to play the game, you are sure to never be bored!

 

 

Also known as Mankala, this Owale game is lots of fun!

Large Owale game

Oware is a traditional game played by children throughout Africa from Eritrea to Senegal.

There are holes carved into the "board" and you move your pieces (often seeds or rocks) around until you own the most spaces.

(Rules are furnished)

$35.00

GH-03-107
$52.00
GH-03-106
  Temporarily out of stock  
     

 

Dance, dance, dance! This CD offers you a chance to listen to some of the best music that the Ivory Coast has to offer. One of Africa's most popular pop singers brings us this CD with a group of special guests that includes Manu Dibango, Jacob Devarieux, and José Luis Cortes. You'll find it becomes one of your favorite CDs to dance to.

Mama rates it 4 stars!

$19.00 Sale: $14.00
CD-01-01
 
       

Obo Addy comes to us from Ghana. The music is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. The music blends jazzy notes, an upbeat pop sound and the traditional drumming that only a master drummer could produce. He learned to drum from his father (a Wonche priest) for traditional ceremonies which he too performs; and he has managed to create an original gorgeous CD sure to please.

Mama rates this cd 3 stars

SOLD
CD-01-02
   
       

Filipe Mukenga brings us a sweet mix of sounds from Angola. You'll find his voice is delightful. If you ejoy soft jazzy beats and want a CD that you can both dance to and just sit back and enjoy, this is the one for you!

Mama rates this one 3 stars.

$19.00 Sale: $14.00
CD-01-03
 
       

Nakodjé is a group comprised of six musicians from Dakar, Senegal. Sung in various African languages, this CD brings us modern beats and wonderful rhythms which are both soothing and moving. Eclectic mix of sounds, instruments and languages makes it a must have for any lover of African music.

Mama rates it 3 stars!

$19.00 Sale: $14.00
CD-01-04
 
   

This angelic voice comes to us from Sunny Boy of Cape Verde. You'll find he has one of those voices that women love. Smooth voice, wonderful music, what more does one need? The lyrics are in Portuguese with a note of French.

Mama rates this one 4 stars!

$19.00 Sale: $14.00
CD-01-05
 
       
       

What would an African music collection be without Senegal's beloved Youssou N'Dour? One of Africa's most loved artists, Youssou N'Dour has done duos with any and every artist worth mentioning. Here, he brings us a collection of tunes compiled to help Africa's children. This CD was put together to benefit Ecoliers du Monde, a group which assists African school children with supplies and books.

Mama rates this one 4 stars!

 
SOLD
CD-01-06
   
       

Burkina Faso is home to Zedess. You'll find great percussion, a jazzy almost reggae sound and music that makes you want to move your feet. The lyrics are in French and speak of love, politics and more. Wonderful music to move your feet to or to enjoy singing in the car.

Mama rates it 4 stars!

$19.00 Sale: $14.00
CD-01-07
 
       

Malabo Music Lovers Basket:

There is no better gift basket for that music lover in your life. Or, why not introduce your friends, children or family to a wonderful mix of African musical artists?

Thanks to this mix of music from across the African continent and even Guadalupe, you'll enjoy a variety which allows you to either sit back and relax or get up and dance. The sweet sounds of African music, some modern and some more traditional will be enjoyed by young and old alike...

  • You'll receive 5 CDs packed in a hand made basket from Uganda.

(Musical selections may vary)

 

GB-01-10  
Temporarily out of stock
 
You can find more fair trade African gift baskets at Mama's Gift Basket stand



Find out more about each country and how you can help Mama's friends around the continent.


Click here to enlarge map

 

Egypt Rwanda
Eritrea South Africa
Ethiopia Tanzania
Ghana Tunisia
Kenya Uganda
Lesotho Zimbabwe
Mali .
Mama is always on the lookout for small local associations which assist women and children in these countries. If you know of any that you think she should meet, contact Mama and let her know.


Copyright© 2001-2007 Mama Afrika