AFRICAN ODYSSEY, from Putumayo, is an expedition through the Mother Continent that lets listeners experience a few of the many colorful styles that comprise the African musical spectrum. This compilation samples the cultural richness of the indigenous people of the continent's Southern (non-Arabic) regions, exploring styles that are more acoustic and folk-based. Artists like Habib Koite and Oliver Mtukudzi (both of whom have solo albums through Putumayo) provide vibrance with their soulful vocals and sunny laid-back charm, while others, including Manecas Costa, Aura Msimang and Seydu, are getting their first (and much overdue) taste of international exposure.