For the first time ever, the International Library of African Music has given the organization Beating Heart unprecedented access to an archive of over 35,000 recordings that were made across Africa between the 1920s & 70s. The archive was originally recorded by ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracey who made it his life’s mission to preserve the music of Africa for future generations. Beating Heart is an organization that was conceived to commission artists to remix what is now being called the largest archive of African field music in the world. The money raised from the organization’s album, Beating Heart – Malawi, will go directly to help communities where the music was originally recorded.

Beating Heart – Malawi is the first in a series to be released by Beating Heart, and features Rudimental, Luke Vibert, Machinedrum, Throwing Shade, Kidnap Kid, My Nu Leng, Clap! Clap!, and more, who have all given their time for free to create this special album that will kick-start the roll out of a new development model that will provide nutrition and income now and in the future.

Ollywood and Chris Pedley, founders of Beating Heart, comment: “The Beating Heart program reminds us of music’s unique ability to bring cultures together. It’s a great privilege to rework High Tracey’s extensive musical archive alongside contemporary musicians. It’s even sweeter that in doing so we can assist communities where the music originally came from.”

The album was released today. Learn more and secure your copy by going here.

You can catch an exclusive stream of Machinedrum’s contribution to the album in the player below.