John Peel Wiki

Changes to the look of John Peel Wiki will take place in the near future due to a new skin being rolled out over Oct/Nov across Wikia. Please see the Wikia Staff Blog for further details. On this site, the changes will affect the navigation from the left menu, as well as introduce a fixed page width with narrower content space. Please be patient while adjustments are made for the switch to the new system.

UPDATE: As the change is now in force for some users, I have switched the navigation to the simplified one for the new system. Please check Navigation in the Help section if you can't find things. I also initially made small adjustments to the front page layout, but have now reverted to the old look until all users are on the new system.

COUNTDOWN: Just a reminder for people still using Monaco that the final switch to the new skin is due on Nov. 3. After that, it will no longer be offered as an option. Sorry. Nothing to do with me.

Steve W

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John Peel Wiki
Suns of Arqa (emblem)

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[]

GD_Magick

GD Magick

1983
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
1989
1990
1992
1993
1995
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[]