Akinloyè Òjó, PhD is a professor in the Department of Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies at the University of Georgia (UGA). He is also the current Director in the UGA African Studies Institute (ASI). Dr. Òjó is a published author and poet. He is the creator and host of WUGA's weekly radio show 'African Perspectives', which has been on the air since 1997.
This has been a strong year for African music, with two big trends emerging: the continuing integration of African music into the U.S. and European mainstream, as well as the ongoing unearthing of treasures from Afropop's "golden era," particularly the '70s.
A CD series called Congotronics showcases urban traditional bands in Kinshasa, Congo. The first Congotronics CD was a hit in Europe and the United States, especially popular with DJs who work the music into their club mixes. Now, Congotronics 2 is being released.