Opika pende is a saying in Lingala language meaning to be strong, stand firm, and resist. This is a collection of 100 original 78 rpm recordings of traditional and popular African music from the 1920s to the 1960s. This collection is an attempt to showcase a diverse amount of long-forgotten music from Africa. Within the 100 tracks, traditional music stands side by side with popular music as traditional culture coexists with the modernity of the time.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.