We enter the Mandé world via two iconic musicians, and then examine two songs that capture cultural heritage in diverse ways.

A whirlwind trip through African time and space.

Well here we are again, where one day turned into the next and suddenly we entered a new year. Does it seem to you that for several years, at least, we have gladly said goodbye to a previous year of turmoil and trauma? Surely the year to come will have its challenges, but I was just Lassoed so am girded for the future.

I watched the first season of Ted Lasso when it dropped in the thick of the COVID pandemic. I thought it was the perfect antidote to the hopelessness that prevailed among society at that moment. Over the holidays we just binged the complete three seasons, and again I felt the show provides a powerful counterweight to the bigotry and vitriol that threatens our society. The show’s wisdom, open-mindedness, inclusivity and compassion point to a future I could believe in.

So today on RC I present an upbeat show that I hope brings you joy. I begin with a song from the West African country Gabon, titled appropriately Joie de Vivre, the joy of life. Just listening to the singing, you can hear that the performers are filled with joy.