The start of 2010 marks the first time Wax Poetics has devoted an entire issue to modern African music. And it all points back to the first Black President, Fela Kuti, who, with drummer Tony Allen, created an Afrobeat shockwave felt throughout the continent.

re:Discovery Cashless Society, Mams & Hart, Hugh Masekela, Buari, C.K. Mann & His Carousel 7 Voodoo Frank Collector of African vinyl makes sacrifices for the funkk Shafiq Longtime producer frees his mind, debut album follows Fanga Persuasive band lights the way to a new Afrobeat dimension Ghana Special Soundway documents Ghanaian highlife’s roots Record Rundown DJ Rich Medina is a longtime champion of African rhythms Vodoun Child Singer Vincent Ahehehinnou brought the funk to Benin’s Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo To Challenge a King Pax Nicholas broke free from Fela’s grip to create his own hard-hitting Afrobeat masterpiece Nigerian Natural Genius Artist Ghariokwu Lemi handcrafted classic Fela album covers The Mandingo Express The Rail Band shot to stardom by fusing modernism with Mali’s rich folkloric tradition Afrobeat’s Vice President Drummer Tony Allen helped Fela create a musical phenomenon that shook a continent This Bitch of a Life An excerpt from Fela: This Bitch of A Life by Carlos Moore Stars of Senegal Orchestra Baobab embraced Cuban rhythms but shines in many styles Analog Out The surreal Afrobeat ballet of Fela’s Nigerian shows Converse 45 Series Universal Rhythms: Pax Nicholas “Na Teef Know De Road Of Teef” b/w Chico Mann “Mentirosos”