Our Mission
The African Hedonist Music® started 17 years ago to fill a niche. A lifestyle store to serve areas in music that were severely neglected and poorly promoted. To make available to the Black communities of Chicago music by world and internationally renowned artists such as Salif Keita, Angelique Kidjo, Oumou Sangare, Susanna Baca, Albita, Mr. Scruff, Jazzanova, Freddie Ravel, Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti and many other world musicians who are less popular in the US. In addition, the African Hedonist Music brings samples of Africa to South Side Chicago.
Departments and products
The focal point of The African Hedonist is MUSIC. International/world music dominates but there plenty of other styles of music to pick from. The store offers a wide variety on non musical accessories including T-shirts, Body oils and fragrances, incenses holders and burners, African soaps and creams amongst other. Below is a detailed listing of what’s offered at The African Hedonist Music Shop.
World Music
African
This genre includes music from most of African countries and Madagascar. Famed and popular selections include music by Salif Keita, Youssou N’Dour, Super Rail Band, Brenda Fassie, Koffie Olomide, Meiway, Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo, Miriam Makeba, Gigi, Angelique Kidjo, Cesaria Evora
Caribbean
Showcases music from the Islands from reggae to punta-rock featuring popular selections from Bob Marley, Culture, Mighty Sparrow, Arrow, David Rudder, Burning Spear, Beres Hammond, Freddie McGregor, Luciano, Sizzla, Buju Banton, Krosfyah, Burning Flames, Belize Vibes, Sweet Mickey, T-Vice, Kassav and then some.
Latin
Takes us to Cuba and South America; of course there is music by Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Afro Cuban All Stars, Lazaro Ros, Los Munequitos De Matanzas, Clave Y Guaguanco, Poncho Sanchez, Truco & Zaperoko, Rueben Blades, Waldemar Bastos, Bebel Gilberto etc.,
Others
Include titles from traditional European, Asian, and other continental styles to Island music.
Jazz
Acid Jazz
Swings with Jazzanova, Kruder and Dormeister, Incognito, Soundscape, Mr. Scruff, Down to the Bone, AtJazz, Thievery Corporation, Filia Brasilia, East West Connection, DJ Cam, Brand New Heavies, St. Germain, Four 80 East, Down tempo and others varied compilations Lounge and electronic artists and compilations
Contemporary and New Age
Smooth jazz with Jimmy Sommers, Kim Waters, Dave Koz, Groove Collective Ronny Jordan, Kirk Whalum, compilations and others. It also encompasses hip hop influenced jazz, flute, meditation and quiet time music.
Chillout. Lounge. Electronica.
This that grey area in music where musicians get to experiment with new technologies and media to produce an assortment musical styles that get classified as downtempo, lounge, chillout and electronica playing little or no live instruments.
Traditional Jazz
Original music derived from plantation songs, Negro spirituals etc and played with a combination of woodwind, brass, pianos, organs, drums and instruments with or without vocals. Played and sung by the likes of Art Pepper, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, T Monk etc.
Rhythm & Blues
Soul/Neo Soul
Soul music in it's purest form
Blues
From BB King to Muddy Waters and other in between, TAHM continues to promo and educate about a new crop of blues artists Chris Thomas King, etc.
Spoken Word/Poetry
Poetry set to music from Anthea to
Gospel, Inspirational & Religious Music
Yolanda Adams, Dottie Peoples, Mississippi Mass Choir, Cece Winans
Life Style Items
Body oils, Incense
CBM fashioned Body oils
T-shirts, headgear and other fashions
These include items from Idi Ojo Collective, PitchBlack Gear and items manufactured for the African Hedonist by Black artists, crafts people and entrepreneurs.
Other Accessories
