Sound On Sound reader Kofi Busia recently released his own independent LP called 'Oh Africa', funded entirely by himself. To encourage others to follow his example, we asked Kofi to write about his experiences. In this the first of three parts, he presents a frank and revealing account of why the record came about, how he came to grips with using modern technology for African music, and why he chose the equipment he used.

Sound On Sound reader Kofi Busia continues his tale of how he came to grips with MIDI, discovered the joys of music software and produced his own LP of African music.

Having recently released his own independent LP, 'Oh Africa', we asked Sound On Sound reader Kofi Busia to write about his experiences. In this the third and final part of his story, he reveals his discoveries about the record industry and explains why he set up his own record label.

African Rhythms

The quest for the secrets of rhythm programming continues - this month it takes the intrepid Nigel Lord and his faithful drum machine into the heart of Africa.

Meanwhile, Tim Goodyer finds The Rhythmatist, alias Police drummer Stewart Copeland, resting in his home studio after an African jaunt from which a single, an album and a video have resulted. All three come under discussion.

its rhythm and reason. Ben Mandelson of Orchestra Jazira looks at the history of African guitar playing and players, and their tricks

There has been an enormous upsurge of interest in African music of late. Artists as diverse as Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads and Brian Eno have acknowledged its inspiration on their work. But there is little information around that explains the fundamental concepts behind it and how a musician can incorporate the sounds and ideas into their own work if they wish to. Kofi Busia suggests a few ideas.

The quiet man of systems music tells Simon Trask why his work is so often misunderstood - and why tomorrow's 'serious music' won't be possible without computers.

Systems Music

Musical mathematics made easy

The Virgin Guide To New Music

Grey Skies

Famed keyboardist Dave Stewart begins this new series designed to give you a few more compositional ideas than you maybe had before!

Brian Eno

The beat goes on: this month Nigel Lord's essential drum programming series takes him into the deep south of the African continent, and into deep rhythm.

World of music and dance

What is an African thumb piano and why

World music's elder statesman puts aside his many saxophones to talk musical styles, modern technology and old-fashioned emotion. Simon Trask catches him onstage and off.

Recently returned from South Africa, Greg Cutler talks to Janet Angus about music, recording and how to cope with pythons.

if your music feels lacklustre, dabble in dance rhythms from the dark continent

It's the talk of Paris' hep musical set, Peter Gabriel set up a new record label for it and Ray Lema is one of its greatest exponents - Simon Trask discovers hitech ethnic music is about to make its mark on popular culture.

From their excellent 1984 debut single 'Venceremos', Working Week have charted a unique course between fashionability and credibility. Simon Trask works out with Simon Booth.

South America: home of Latin rhythms and countless rhythmic influences is this month's port of call for Nigel Lord on his rhythm programming journey.

Fela Kuti And King Sunny Ade

The King and the President of Nigerian music explain the effect Juju and Afro-Pop have had on white Rock music. Report by Michael Shore

Zsa Zsa

Zsa Zsa defected from Hungary to Britain with very little knowledge of English. Now she has her own home studio in London, complete with Greengate sampler.