Classic and popular recommendations in ethnic music

Coconut Liqueur

Coconut Liqueur / Steelpan Orchestra PAN NOTE MAGIC

We present authentic world music by PAN NOTE MAGIC, whose refreshing sound captures the breezes of the tropics.

As a Japanese steel pan orchestra, their work brilliantly conveys the musical styles of the Caribbean.

With a dynamic seven-piece steel pan ensemble and Latin rhythms crafted by drum set and percussion, they vividly evoke the liberating atmosphere of the islands.

This piece appears on the album “MAGIC HOUR” and was released in August 2012.

It has also been used as BGM on the popular Nippon TV variety show “Itte Q! To the Ends of the Earth,” coloring scenes set in tropical locations and resorts.

This track makes you feel as if you’re sipping a cool cocktail on the beach while gazing at the sea—perfect for relaxing moments.

El Condor Pasa (The Condor Flies Away)gurūpu andesu

El Condor Pasa – Grupo Andes

It’s also known through Simon & Garfunkel’s cover, but it’s a flagship song of South American folklore.

This is an instrumental version—without vocals—performed with instruments unique to South American folk music, such as the quena, charango, and zampoña.

Clarinet Polka

Clarinet Polka

A lively dance music born from Polish traditional music has continued to be loved across eras and borders.

Its charming melody—woven from a sprightly clarinet lead and the rhythm of the polka—lifts the listener’s spirits and brims with an irresistible energy that makes your body want to move.

Originating in Poland in the late 19th to early 20th century and brought to America by immigrants, this piece gained immense popularity in cities like Chicago and Milwaukee.

Adopted as background music on radio and television, it became even more widely known.

Now a staple of wind band repertoire, it is performed around the world.

It’s the perfect piece for anyone seeking a joy-filled moment or wishing to experience the exotic flair of folk music.

Korobushka

[With Japanese translation] Korobeiniki (Russian folk song) “Korobeiniki” – with katakana ruby

A masterpiece of folk song imbued with Russian tradition.

Born as a poem in the 19th century, its gem-like melody—beloved and passed down in rural villages—is one almost everyone has heard at least once.

Its lively triple-time rhythm and memorable phrases resonate pleasantly, and the warm tone of the piece evokes a touch of nostalgia.

In 1861, poet Nikolay Nekrasov depicted it as a love story between a peddler and a country girl, after which it became widely cherished as a folk song.

In 1989 it was adopted as background music for Nintendo’s Tetris, gaining worldwide recognition as game music.

It is also popular as a piece for ballet and folk dance, and has been arranged in various genres such as jazz and rock.

Recommended not only for those interested in traditional music, but also for anyone who enjoys heartwarming love stories and the rhythms of classic dance.

Shiyahanba

Siyahamba – Mwamba Children’s Choir

A hymn to freedom and hope woven by the voices of South Africa.

Popularized in 1984 with the album “Freedom is Coming: Songs of Protest and Praise from South Africa,” this piece gained support as a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement.

Its powerful African rhythms and bright melodies have made it beloved in churches and schools around the world.

Discovered by the Swedish group Fjedur at a South African girls’ school and arranged by music director Anders Nyberg, the charm of the Zulu language spread globally.

With its simple, heartfelt melody, the song is often performed to strengthen community bonds and at events that pray for peace, and its universal message remains as vibrant as ever.

Che Che Kule

Drumming workshop for kids: Learn a new song from West Africa, Ghana

This is a heartwarming folk song passed down from Ghana in distant Africa.

Its participatory elements—singing and dancing together with children—are appealing, as everyone joins their voices to the leader’s call and enjoys moving their bodies in time.

After being featured on Osibisa’s 1972 album “Heads,” it spread worldwide in a fresh interpretation that fused traditional music with rock and jazz.

In 2018, Sing With Sandra covered it on the album “Baby Shark And Other Children Songs,” presenting an arrangement that highlights its educational aspects.

This piece shines at family home parties and cultural exchange events—occasions that connect people across generations and borders.

Simple yet warm, its melody is filled with a special charm that naturally brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Malaika

Africa Malaika

A classic song that represents the Swahili-speaking region of East Africa is known for its beautiful melody that gently cradles a young man’s aching heart in love.

Sung from the perspective of a youth who must give up marrying the one he loves because of poverty, the piece has captivated many with its universal theme and exquisite, aesthetic melody.

The version recorded in the early 1960s by Kenya’s Fadhili William features a cheerful Afro-pop arrangement with prominent saxophone and organ, enchanting music fans around the world.

Its unhurried rhythm and the resonant sound of Swahili weave an atmosphere rich in exotic charm, making it a perfect recommendation for those seeking emotional replenishment or a soothing escape from the everyday.