Putumayo World Music Releases New CD to Benefit ACCION

Putumayo World Music Releases New CD to Benefit ACCION

Latin Reggae Features Socially Conscious Artists from Latin America and Spain

BOSTON, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- ACCION International, a pioneer and leader in microfinance, is pleased to announce the release of Putumayo World Music's newest CD, Latin Reggae, a collection featuring both trailblazers and newcomers from the rock and reggae scenes of Latin America and Spain.

Adopting the rhythms and philosophy of reggae, the musicians on Latin Reggae sing socially conscious lyrics that move the feet and inspire the heart. A portion of the sales from each Latin Reggae album will be donated to ACCION in support of its efforts to provide people of Latin America and around the world with the financial tools needed to work their way out of poverty.

Putumayo World Music was established in 1993 to introduce people to the music of the world's cultures. Through the sale of its CDs, Putumayo endeavors to raise awareness and support for organizations that help improve the quality of life in regions where the music comes from.

ACCION International has supported poor men and women in Latin America since its founding in 1961. With strong roots in the region and operations in 25 countries worldwide, ACCION is expanding globally to bring economic opportunity to microentrepreneurs and their families.

"We are honored to partner with Putumayo -- a leader in global music -- on their latest collection," said Maria Otero, ACCION president and CEO. "It is our hope that the brilliant rhythms and lyrics of Latin Reggae will remind music-lovers everywhere of the millions of hardworking microentrepreneurs in Latin America and around the world who need our help."

To purchase Latin Reggae, please visit www.accion.org or www.putumayo.com.

Latin Reggae Tracks:

1. Muchachito Bombo Infierno -- Conversaciones Incompatibles (Spain)
2. Macaco -- Descolora (Spain)
3. Radio Malanga -- Charito Va (Spain)
4. Los Cafres -- La Receta (Argentina)
5. Cultura Profetica -- Reggae Rustico (Puerto Rico)
6. Go Lem System -- Pura Sangre (Spain)
7. Ticklah featuring Mayra Vega -- Si Hecho Palante (USA)
8. Black Gandhi -- Pateras (Spain)
9. Amparanoia -- Ven (Spain)
10. Gondwana -- Libros Sagrados (Chile)
11. Sarazino -- Desbaratado (Ecuador/Canada /Algeria)

About ACCION International

ACCION International is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission of giving people the financial tools they need -- microenterprise loans, business training and other financial services -- to work their way out of poverty. A world pioneer in microfinance, ACCION was founded in 1961 and issued its first microloan in 1973 in Brazil. ACCION International's partner microfinance institutions today are providing loans as low as $100 to poor men and women entrepreneurs in 25 countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the United States. In the last decade alone, ACCION partners have disbursed more than 17.9 million loans totaling more than $12.3 billion; 97 percent of the loans have been repaid. Selected for the fifth consecutive year for its pioneering approaches to poverty alleviation, ACCION was among 45 organizations awarded the 2008 Social Capitalist Award by Fast Company magazine. ACCION has also been awarded Charity Navigator's highest rating -- four stars -- for efficiency and sound fiscal management. For more information, visit www.accion.org.

About Putumayo World Music

Putumayo World Music was established in 1993 to introduce people to the music of the world's cultures. The label grew out of Putumayo clothing company, founded by Dan Storper in 1975 and sold in 1997. In the past fifteen years, Putumayo World Music has become known primarily for its upbeat and melodic compilations of great international music characterized by the company's motto: "guaranteed to make you feel good!" For more information, please visit www.putumayo.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: ACCION International

CONTACT: Caroline Mauldin of ACCION International, +1-202-393-5113, ext.
1635, cmauldin@accion.org; or Crissa Requate of Putumayo World Music,
+1-828-505-2206, crissa@putumayo.com

Web site:

http://www.accion.org/
http://www.putumayo.com/

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