Artist Burkina Electric

Even the most ardent hater of preppy, peppy indie-rock band Vampire Weekend has to appreciate the attention the group has helped bring to the music of West Africa—particularly when it’s played by actual West Africans. Burkina Electric hails from Burkina Faso, though band members also call New York City and Dusseldorf, Germany, home. The group’s music reflects its international make-up, blending the rhythms and sounds of traditional West African music with 21-century electronic dance grooves on its debut record, Paspanga.

Updated 02/02/2010