While cruising through the NPR World Music page this week, I came across an interview with Paul Simon talking about the making of his 1986 album Graceland. For many Westerners this album was their first exposure to African music and it soon became an album of a generation.

In the interview (video below) Simon talks about the music that inspired his ground-braking sound. It was a cassette tape of the South African band The Boyoyo Boys. With its accordion melodies and pulsing beat one can see why it caught Simon’s attention.

For this week’s Saturday Morning Music, let’s listen to some South African beats, and an American legend.

The Boyoyo Boys from their 1987 album Back in Town

During my search for music this week I also stumbled upon Angélique Kidjo, who’s got a smile as lovely as her voice.

And one more for good measure. (The music is just so fun I couldn’t resist.)