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Thomas Mapfumo began his musical career in the 1960's singing cover versions of Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones and other American rock and soul artists.But the blowing winds of revolution in what was then white minority ruled Rhodesia, took him in a new direction.

Tonight, From the Stage with Chicago's Can-Ky-Ree. Chicago transplant Tom Musick spent a few years living and playing music in Paris, soaking up the musical traditions of the City of Light and creating a mix of cabaret, lounge and Tin Pan Alley.

Chicago Reader music writer Peter Margask stops by Radio M with some new releases.

What if Amercan rock was mixed with Kenya's guitar-driven sound known as benga? Ian Eagleson grew this idea into the band Extra Golden; a quartet of equally Kenyan and American artists.

New York's Balkan Beat Box is a frenetic ensemble that mixes Balkan melodies with Middle Eastern sounds and electronics and the result always fills up a dance floor. Their appearance this past June at Chicago's Empty Bottle was no exception and Radio M was there rolling tape.

This week on Radio M, Tony welcomes Rahul Sharma as his guest co-host. Sharma is foudner of the Chicago global collective Funkadesi. He'll bring in some tunes that have influenced his music over the years including a song from one of the UK's preeminent 70's prog-rock groups.