Ten Cities CD

There's something admirably epic and far-sighted about Soundway's Ten Cities compilation, which draws together producers from five European Cities (Berlin, Bristol, Lisbon, Kiev and Naples) with instrumentalists, producers, rappers and vocalists from five African cities (Cairo, Johannesburg, Lagos, Luanda and Nairobi). With more than 50 artists involved across the 17 tracks, it takes a little time to sink in. It is, though, worth the effort, as this is global fusion and electronic cross-pollination on a colossal scale. From deep house-Afrobeat hybrids and techno-afro jazz-fusion, via kuduro, kwaito and hard-to-pigeonhole global hip-hop, Ten Cities is an eclectic, open-minded and groundbreaking delight.

AfroBase (Radio Chart), Adam Isbell -Racubah Sound System, Afro Beat Foundation, Soundway Records, Skyline Recordings Chart