Suns Of Arqa

Suns of Arqa are a world music collective founded in 1979 by Michael Wadada. Since the group's formation, over 200 people from around the world have played and recorded with them, and in many cases these were like-minded musicians Wadada met as he travelled the world. Pioneers of World Beat, Ambient, Downtempo and Electro-Dub, Suns of Arqa draw inspiration from around the world, interpreting indigenous, tribal and classical folk traditions. They have created an impressive legacy and earned worldwide recognition.
Suns of Arqa started out in the World Music scene in 1979, recording their debut album Revenge of the Mozabites which was produced by Adrian Sherwood, who later became known for On-U Sound Records. In 1982, they were invited to play at the first WOMAD Festival by Peter Gabriel. They performed with Prince Far-I at Band on the Wall, his last concert before his death in 1983. Since then, they have gone on to work with a variety of musicians and performers, such as John Cooper Clarke, Professor Stanley Unwin, flautist Tim Wheater, Adrian Sherwood, singer Helen Watson and a great many others.
==Links to Peel==
According to available tracklistings on this site, Peel seemed to have discovered the Suns Of Arqa in 1983 where he played tracks from their 'Vol. 5: Ark Of The Arqans, Heaven And Hell And Other Strange Faces' album. Further material from the group were played on his shows until the late 90's. Peel's friend and colleague, Andy Kershaw, often played their music on his shows, including a couple of session that were broadcast on his shows. 
==Shows Played==
;thumb|220x220px1983
*Peel August September November 1983 (feat. Prince Far-I:): G. D. Magick (12") Antler
;1985
*19 August 1985 (BBC World Service): Heavenly Bodies (LP - Vol. 5: Ark Of The Arqans, Heaven And Hell And Other Strange Faces) Scarface
*26 August 1985 (BFBS): Heavenly Bodies (v/a album - Vol. 5: Ark Of The Arqans, Heaven And Hell And Other Strange Faces) Scarface 
*03 September 1985: Heavenly Bodies (LP - Vol. 5: Ark Of The Arqans, Heaven And Hell And Other Strange Faces) Scarface
;1988
*09 April 1988 (Radio Bremen): Libera Me (album - Seven) Arka
;1989
*12 July 1989: Govinda's House (v/a album - Freak Beats - Volume 1) Scam / Bop Cassettes
*18 July 1989 (Radio Bremen): Govinda's House (v/a album - Freak Beats - Volume 1) Scam / Bop Cassettes
;1990
*27 March 1990: Govinda Go (808 Massey Mix) (12") Cut Deep
;1992
*24 October 1992 (& Astralasia): 'Sul-E-Stomp (Ceilidh Mix) (12")' (Magick Eye) 
*30 October 1992 (& Astralasia): Sul-E-Stomp (Ceilidh Mix) (12") Magick Eye 
*13 November 1992 (& Astralasia): Sul-E-Stomp (Ceilidh Mix) (12") Magick Eye 
;1993
*13 November 1993 (BFBS) (& Astralasia): Sul-E-Stomp (Ceilidh Mix) (12") Magick Eye 
;1995
*16 September 1995: Bhairavi Live (album - Shabda) Arka Sound 
;1997
*01 February 1997: ‘Tabla School [Zombie Mix] (Various Artists LP – Dubitamin)’ Rountrip
;1998
*24 March 1998: GD Magick (comp album - A Brief History Of SOA) Arka Sound
==External Links==
*Wikipedia
*Discogs
*Official Website
Category:Artists