The music of Zansa, a Nouchi slang word from Ivory Coast meaning “combination” or “blend,” is a synthesis of traditional and modern styles of West African music. The Asheville, NC-based ensemble melds modern afropop with African folk music, African drumming, and the fiery dance-oriented Ivorian street music called Zouglou. For Zansa AfroBlog, bassist Ryan Reardon will cover an array of multi-ethnic topics, from world music to exotic foods to multi-cultural happenings around town.