Modiba Productions Increases The Beat

By Robert Fox

Check out this superbly produced short video “Africa, New York,” featuring the dynamic recording “Pelotero” by Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble as the soundtrack.

The video is brought to you by the innovative Modiba Productions, and includes clips of Burning Spear, Speech (of Arrested Development), Thomas Mapfumo, Wunmi, Abou Diarassouma and others, all discussing the impact of African music in New York and worldwide.

Modiba Productions is a new recording and production company with the stated mission to:

create new avenues through which the vibrant beauty of African musical culture can reach the experienced and uninitiated alike; to bring the world's finest musicians together with local African talent while making use of cutting-edge music and film production; to raise global awareness about life and society in today's Africa and educate about current political challenges faced by its many diverse cultures; and to cooperatively help in developing locally-based music and film productions in order to generate funding for local societal improvement initiatives (e.g. employment training, infrastructure development, poverty relief projects,...)

Modiba also sponsored ASAP: The Afrobeat Sudan Aid Project, featuring top Afrobeat groups from around the world, united to support the people of the Darfur region. The project has raised more than $130,000 in aid so far. Purchase the Afrobeat Sudan Project CD or make a contribution.

Modiba also offers free African music podcasts on their website, along with opportunities to learn more, get involved and make a contribution. Also check out the Modiba Productions blog for regular updates on African political and musical issues.