© 2026 NPR Illinois
For your right to be curious.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Build a transformational philanthropy program for this trusted NPR affiliate.
Seeking a 100% major gift fundraiser passionate about public media to develop relationships with people who support an informed and civil central Illinois.
Hire will have community visibility, many prospects, and professional resources.
Interviews in progress, open until filled. Apply now.

Nigerian-American Writer Teju Cole Shares His Personal Playlist

Courtesy of Teju Cole

Nigerian-American writer Teju Cole's fans and followers — especially on Twitter — are scattered across the globe.

For Tell Me More's "In Your Ear" series, he shares the music that's a part of his world.

"Lately I've been listening a lot to Nigerian dance music," he says about Naeto C's 5 & 6. "Nigerian pop music is very, very big in Lagos right now."

Cole describes American jazz musician Vijay Iyer as "one of the best composers in any genre today." He lists Iyer's cover of The Star of the Story as "something that I listen to over and over and over again."

He also points out the art collective Just a Band, "who are anything but just a band." He loves their song Migingo Express. "They are four young Kenyans who just seem to have the pulse of the world at their fingertips," he explains.


Teju Cole's Playlist

5 & 6 by Naeto C

The Star of The Story by Vijay Iyer

Migingo Express by Just a Band

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.