WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

On September 7, 1822, Brazil gained its independence from Portugal. Needless to say that by then more than 300 years of Portuguese rule left an indelible mark on the country's culutre.

In the world of Bollywood, Kailish Kher is in the top tier of playback singers—the artists who give the musical voice to the stars on the screen. He's about to release his first international album called Yatra (Nomadic Soul).

He was born in Ankara, Turkey, and in an act of self-deprecation changed his name to Strummer to reflect his role as rhythm guitarist. But Joe was much more than a mere strummer; he was one of the pioneers of punk rock in the 1970s.

Forty years ago, thousands of music lovers descended on Max Yasgur's 600 acre pig farm for three days of peace and music: The Woodstock Music and Art Fair.

This week, a musical nod to a man who played an important role in Brazil's Tropicalismo movement.

This week, Radio M throws a party for Benin Independence Day with 1960s and '70s funk and soul from that small West African country. Benin's two biggest neighbors are giants of music: Nigeria and Ghana.

This week, Radio M host Tony Sarabia gives Mateo Mulcahy the chance to program the show's music as his guest co-host.Mulcahy programs latin music performances at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music . He was also a radio DJ in St. Louis for almost 20 years.