African Guitar Legends

This week I am compiling the forthcoming Rough Guide to African Guitar Legends - the perfect excuse to spend a few evenings trawling through my African LPs in search of that half-forgotten gem! I begin with a stack of Franco LPs, before turning to my Nigerian import albums in search of the perfect juju track. I switch format to CD and catch up on the latest from King Sunny Ade. King Sunny released the magical 'Synchro System' on Island Records in the 1980's, an early encounter that helped to shape my love of African music. Next stop is Zimbabwe and another favourite artist, Oliver Mtukudzi, this time I listen to mp3's sent by his South African label Sheer Sound. I am looking for an acoustic guitar number that really lays bare his wonderful guitar technique and settle on a few options. It's the compilers nightmare - how to one track from such bounty? There is a long way to go, but I have made a start. Expected release date in spring / summer 2011.

Watch this fantastic clip of Oliver Mtukudzi performing 'Neria'