I never get tired of reviewing Putumayo World Music’s new releases. I don’t buy a lot of children’s CDs; in fact, I think Raffi’s Bananaphone was the last one I purchased. For me the amount of children’s music out there is overwhelming, but if I were to buy a CD or two I would want the most bang for my buck (i.e. something Mom actually enjoys hearing over and over again). And if the music exposes my children to other cultures, that’s just icing on the cake. No wonder I absolutely love Putumayo Kids and their Dreamland and Playground collections.

Their latest in the Dreamland collection is a relaxing, soothing compilation of African music. African Dreamland is the fourth CD and just as interesting yet calming as the other three (Dreamland, Asian Dreamland and Celtic Dreamland). African Dreamland’s soothing sounds feature vocal and instrumental blends from Cameroon to Cape Verde. Putumayo calls it a “cultural lullaby experience” and the CD lives up to its claim. I’ve actually been a fan of African music ever since I saw The Power of One and bought the soundtrack (”Penny Whistle Song” is one of my all-time favorites), and I fell in love with the music all over again after listening to African Dreamland.

The CD also features new artists as well as longtime Putumayo favorites: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Toumani Diabaté and Samite. New artist Mapumba, from the Congo, and Chiwoniso, from Zimbabwe, are featured not only on African Dreamland but also on African Party, which celebrates Putumayo World Music’s 15th Anniversary. If introducing your children to other cultures is important to you, then add African Dreamland and a few other Putumayo Kids CDs to your collection. You never know…they may actually prefer them to the Disney culture they know so well. –Emily

P.S. A portion of proceeds from the sale of African Dreamland will be donated to NextAid, a non-profit organization committed to developing and implementing innovative solutions to the challenges facing African children.

** Giveaway! Putumayo Kids is giving away 3 copies of African Dreamland! Please leave a comment with a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winners from the comments and contact them via email. Deadline: June 5, 2008 (midnight). The winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen.

** Congratulations to Michelle R., Suzanne B. and Cindi H., the winners of the Putumayo giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!