Digging vs. Digitising

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So, how exactly do you unearth hundreds of rare vinyl from across Africa, get it to the UK, restore, translate, catalogue, digitise and get the royalties back to the artists? Welcome to episode 2 of the Unearthed African Recordings Podcast: Digging vs. Digitising. In this episode, Stephen Budd, Ed Keazor, Dele Sosimi, and James Barnett tell you all about the mechanics behind this mammoth project, the technicalities (ever heard of a record bath?), and the unexpected plot twists along the way. We are so grateful and honoured that you’ve taken the time to watch our first ever podcast. If you’re enjoying this series, please share with a music-loving friend, leave a comment (we’re open to feedback!) or even better, become a Patreon to our project (link below).

This is just the beginning…

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USEFUL LINKS

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/UnearthedAfricanRecordingsOfficial

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STREAM: https://xelon.ffm.to/ap8ylxb

PURCHASE: https://unearthedafricanrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/unearthed-african-recordings-vol-1

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NEWSLETTER: https://www.unearthedafricanrecordings.com/join/

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HOSTS

Dele Sosimi - Curator / A&R

Dele Sosimi is a Nigerian-British musician, educator and Afrobeat ambassador who is widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on Afrobeat. Dele began his career as a teenager with Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80, and later co-founded Femi Kuti’s Positive Force. Since relocating to the UK in 1995 he has been central to the global Afrobeat movement, and has spent more than four decades touring, recording, and championing the music around the world.

Ed Keazor - Historian, Advisor, and Curator

Ed Emeka Keazor is an Anglo-Nigerian historian, lawyer, archivist, and filmmaker dedicated to reinterpreting Nigerian and African history. He is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a Fellow of the RSA and author of acclaimed works including The Lagos Hamburg Line, 120 Great Nigerians We Never Knew, and The Federation Cup and Nigerian Football, alongside over 100 publications.

James Barnett - Label Manager

James is a platinum-selling producer and artist with over 30 years’ experience. As co-founder of Mi7 Music, board member at Openstage, and Entertainment Director for Greenpeace at Glastonbury, James’s work spans artist development, A&R, digital marketing and audience innovation, creating systems that connect culture with lasting impact.

Stephen Budd - Director & Head of Music

Stephen Budd is a long-time manager and former chairman of the MMF (Music Managers Forum) who has guided multiple BRIT and Grammy-winning producers to hundreds of Gold and Platinum certifications. He