Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

Radio 3,25 Apr 2026,59 mins

Retro Mexican cumbia and South African harmonies

Music Planet

Available for 29 days

Kathryn Tickell presents a rich selection of new folk and roots-based music from around the world, alongside a look at some exciting live shows coming to the UK over the next month. In the mix, a return to their early days of songwriting around a desert campfire for Tuareg elders Tinariwen, and spiritual choral music from South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Plus, an exclusive first play on a new track from two experimental Latin music veterans, Colombian cumbia innovator Meridian Brothers and Mexican Institute of Sound, whose latest album captures the spirit of 1970s Mexico, a time when music felt “exciting and strange”. Produced by Gabriel Francis A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Music Planet.'

Programme Website
More episodes

Tracklist

  1. Track
    Artist
  2. 1.
    Djonkolon
    Djonkolon
    Amy Sacko & Bassekou Kouyaté
  3. 2.
    Ofana Naye
    Ofana Naye
    Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mbuso Khoza & Nduduzo Makhathini
  4. 3.
    Ndodana
    Ndodana
    Andrea The Vocalist & AMAQAQA