Episode notes
What is the brilliance and meaning of The Magic Box? Reflecting on the story of the first guitar brought into an African village in the homeland, renown Classical Guitarist John Williams shares his story behind "The Magic Box" on Sony Classical. The piece works as tribute to the impact of Francis Bebey, awarded journalist, as the Cameroonian-born writer, author, guitarist, and composer, was also one of the best-known singer-songwriters of Africa. While the gramophone may have a needle in the past, the work moves the needle between Classical Music in the western traditions, while making room for the UNESCO honored author, surveyor of African Heritage and authority of African traditional music.