Since its inception in 1965, Voice of America’s Music Time in Africa has earned its status as the longest continuously airing English‑language music program in VOA’s history. The show has become an award‑winning platform that showcases musical expressions from every region and generation of the African continent
A Legacy Born of Cultural Diplomacy
The program was created by ethnomusicologist Leo Sarkisian, whom listeners affectionately called the “Music Man for Africa.” Sarkisian launched the weekly broadcast in Monrovia, Liberia, before moving production to Washington, D.C. in the late 1960s. Over nearly five decades, he personally recorded and curated thousands of field recordings from across Africa, preserving rare musical traditions on air
Transition to a New Era with Heather Maxwell
In 2012, after Sarkisian retired at age 91, American ethnomusicologist and singer‑songwriter Heather Maxwell assumed hosting and production responsibilities. Maxwell, who holds advanced degrees in ethnomusicology and spent much of her career working and researching in West Africa, brought new energy to the program. Her stewardship ensures the show continues to blend insightful commentary with diverse musical curation
A Pan‑African Soundtrack
Every week, the program presents a vibrant mix of genres—from traditional folk rhythms to modern Afrobeats, Hip Hop, High Life, and more. It regularly includes exclusive interviews, cultural context segments, and occasionally draws from the Leo Sarkisian Library of African Music, which holds invaluable heritage recordings
Audio Time Capsule: The Archive Project
VOA partnered with the University of Michigan to preserve and digitize nearly 900 episodes, along with scripts and vintage field tapes. This archive allows listeners and researchers to trace musical evolution across decades and geographical zones—from Mali to Zimbabwe to Guinea. The archive has been lauded as a cultural treasure and serves as a living history of African music development under the Cold War and beyond
Why It Matters Today
More than just entertainment, Music Time in Africa bridges cultural understanding and provides a global platform for African artists. In an era where streaming and algorithmic playlists dominate, the program’s curated format continues to lend depth and discovery. Maxwell’s interviews and narrative style offer listeners contextual insight into the meaning behind the music.
Modern Reach and Format
Currently produced weekly, each episode runs approximately 55 minutes and is available on VOA Africa’s platforms, podcast services, and over the radio in Africa. Maxwell introduces both renowned and emerging musicians, reviews new releases, and blends contemporary tracks with timeless classics
Preserving Heritage While Inspiring New Voices
The show’s value lies not only in what it broadcasts—but in what it preserves and inspires. Field recordings, interviews, and program scripts are resources for ethnomusicologists, cultural historians, and emerging African talent. By modernizing access while honoring archival origins, Music Time in Africa continues to shape public knowledge about the continent’s musical diversity.
Challenges and Continued Relevance
In a shifting media environment, maintaining relevance requires constant adaptation. Music Time in Africa faces the challenge of balancing historical content with contemporary trends and listener expectations. However, its long-term success suggests the format remains compelling at a time when global audiences crave authenticity and narrative nuance.
Conclusion: A Cultural Institution That Keeps Playing
Music Time in Africa stands as much more than a radio program—it is a cultural institution that has survived for six decades by honoring Africa’s musical heritage and adapting to modern audiences. From Leo Sarkisian’s pioneering field recordings to Heather Maxwell’s dynamic presentation, the program remains a beacon of pan‑African culture.
At its core, the show reinforces that music is a universal language—one that connects diverse people, transcends borders, and preserves history. As it continues into its seventh decade, Music Time in Africa proves that deep, contextual, and culturally rich programming still resonates—and that Africa’s musical stories deserve a stage.
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