Ethiopian born, Swedish raised Marcus Samuelsson, famed chef of NYC's Aquavit restaurant and Discovery Channel's top rated show "Inner Chef" has collaborated with Rasa Music's founder and renowned celebrity DJ and Rasa founder Donna D'Cruz to bring together the sights, sounds, and tastes of Africa by creating this CD + book release. The passage of our humanity is woven into the fabric of Africa, including the root of modern music such as jazz, blues, reggae, hip-hop, gospel, house, and R&B. The CD is a hip, contemporary musical celebration and features artists from Tunisia, South Africa, Senegal, Mali, Ethiopia, Harlem, Sweden, and Cape Verde. The CD package includes Rasa recipe cards from the book The Soul of a New Cuisine.

Our Afrikya CD completes the journey of the book for me. I am thrilled to share it with you so that you can join in, rejoice and have Africa on your minds and in your hearts. -- Marcus Samuelsson

We are indeed the rainbow people of God. We say in Africa that a person is a person through other persons. We are made for togetherness, for friendship, for fellowship.  Food is a part of that fellowship. Marcus's work pays homage to Africa's humanity.  Let us break bread together and celebrate our diversity -- Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Track Listings: 

1. Alaye - 37th State

2. As Nature Intended - George and Brother Mo

3. Gud Fellas (Restless Soul Inspiration Mix) - Gigi

4. Learning (Sizohamba) - The Mothers feat. Miriam Makeba

5. Abantwana - Divi Dodla

6. Nu - Timbuktu

7. Fatwords - Smadj feat. Rokia Traore

8. Breathe Together (Pufumlani Kunye) - The Mothers

9. Ensaralen Gojo - Bole 2 Harlem

10. Souka Nayo Mix (Thievery Corporation Remix) - Baaba Maal

11. Diondiobala (Soul Drummers Mix) - Ladysmith Black Mambazo

12. Fano Keita - Taffetas

13. Sol Ja Comba - Fantcha

14. Holy/Common People - Apostles

15. Why Can't We Live Together - Bukky Leo & Black Egypt