PRI's The World » Madeleine Bair

Montes de Maria

The World — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:38:02 +0000

Finally, we head to the northern coast of Colombia that borders on the Caribbean.

This region of steep green mountains and canyons is known as “Montes de Maria” — or Maria’s Mountains….and it’s the answer to our Geo Quiz.

Local folk music reverberates through these mountains.

The region’s residents have embraced a song they consider to be the “hymn” of Montes de Maria.

The song is called the La Hamaca Grande, or the Great Hammock.

As part of our occasional series on unofficial anthems, Madeleine Bair explains how the Great Hammock got its start.

Global Hit: Tcheka

The World — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:30:11 +0000

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Madeleine Bair reports on a young guitarist from the West African archipelago of Cape Verde. His name is Tcheka and he’s making his music known well beyond his homeland.

Tcheka

The World — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:12:56 +0000

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Lonji

For our Global Hit today, we go to the West African archipelago of Cape Verde.

Since the country’s independence from Portugal just 34 years ago, the geographically isolated country has raced to catch up with the world beyond its shores.

As its first generation to grow up in the post-independence era is now coming into its own, their music is enjoying a new golden age.

Madeleine Bair reports on one young guitarist whose sound traces the path from Cape Verde’s traditions to its globalized present day.

CD information

Album: Lonji
Artist: Tcheka
Audio CD (May 27, 2008)
Original Release Date: January 2008
Label: Four Quarters Ent
ASIN: B0016GLZUQ