EP 106: This ain't Texas, it's Africa

Hana has always wondered why her Sudanese mom loved Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. You can hear country music playing in cafes in African capitals. There is a love of American country music among our African elders, many say they grew up with it.
While for Leila- and many Black Americans- country music may be associated with white culture and isn’t  relatable, for many African elders it holds a very special place in their hearts.
But why?
In this episode, they explore the appeal and surprising histories with Catherine Ndungu of Cheza Nami, and USF professor of African American and African music Pascal Bokar Thiam- and we meet iconic Ivorian country duo Peter One and Jess Sah Bi- known as the fathers of African country music.