Yes, I know WRIR is a non-commercial radio station, but this week on Global A Go-Go I'm going to play you a 7-1/2 minute long advertisement. It's a beautiful song by Franco and T.P.O.K. Jazz from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of their most popular worldwide hits, entitled "Azda."
Many people throughout the years have assumed that Azda is a woman's name. Actually, it's the acronym for a Congolese Volkswagen dealership -- the band wrote and recorded the song in exchange for new VWs for all 24 band members. A much better deal than Spotify royalties, I'd say. And a pretty awesome song, despite or maybe because of its back-story.
Also this week (Monday January 25, 3:00-5:00 PM on WRIR, for two weeks afterwards at wrir.org/listen, check your local listings for airing on other radio stations, and any old time at my podcast site): Rokia Traore sings from the Manden songbook; Mali with strings; the deep blues, West African style; Budonian knights; a great new reissue of Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou; and we'll finish with a Latin dance party so you can muevete.