African Record Center Ltd

An amazing gem of a record store! I had an incredible time browsing around their selection of records, books, and art pieces. The owners of the store are very kind and knowledgeable. I was not very familiar with African music, but the owners recommended two artists to me. I’ve already started listening to my new CDs, and I’m immediately a fan! I highly recommended going this store and chatting with the owners to get some recommendations for great music!

An amazing spot, been there since the '60s. The owner is warm and incredibly knowledgeable (and I believe he produces and issues a lot of the records here too) and happy to make recommendations and play any record you'd like. Most records are about $25, are from amazing African and Caribbean musicians, and generally not findable in other places or platforms. If you aren't a fan yet of African funk and jazz, go here and you will be. I really can't recommend this place enough.

This is my new favorite record store. I found wonderful records, CDs, and tapes there, from Guadeloupe, Dominican Rep., Haiti, Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, and Senegal. They play any record you want and they can describe the sound and style of everything they have. I love Konpa, Zouk, Fuji, Mbalax, Sabar Wolof, etc., but my exposure is limited to a few albums by a very few artists. Well, it won't be as bad after today! I even found some old Gwo Ka. Robert was a wonderful guide. PS: I would ignore the few bad reviews. One should respect their elders. Walking into someone else's space without paying attention to signs or lowering your music volume (or removing one earbud or moving your headphones off a little) so you can have situational awareness shows a lack of common sense. If you don't have the decency to not isolate yourself sensorally at all times from your surroundings, don't be surprised when someone has to find some way of getting your attention, especially if it's someone from an older generation or originally from a culture with less personal space. Instead of blaming others, H. Rosé, take responsibility for your self-centeredness.

Gen of a store that I imagine record-collectors would appreciate even more than me. Owners saw which records we picked up and played them for us! So nice

Don’t be fooled by lack of photos of this place - owner doesn’t like (or allow) photos being taken, but this is a true NY gem of a store. Great stock of original records of African music (Nigeria, Congo, Senegal etc.), 45s, CDs and a lot of original, still sealed cassettes. Wow! There’s even some original 8-tracks here, so just do youself a favour and get here to explore. It’s well worth the trip!

BEWARE! Rude and aggressive owner. I randomly walked into this store to look at their records. I was met with an angry owner who came from behind me and grabbed my arm, startling me about taking photos. I had my headphones on upon entrance listening to music and couldn’t hear anything. Nor did I see the small sign on the door that was open saying "no photos". I would not recommend this store. There’s no reason to put hands on customers over a photo. Horrible customer service.

Fantastic record store! Two owners welcomed me and played any record at my request. Mali, Congo, Haiti, you will see many rare and vintage records here.