The 30th anniversary of the death of one of the world’s most politically influential musicians was marked around the world yesterday, highlighted by the opening of an exhibition on the reggae singer’s life at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. Music fans and political observers around the world marked the occasion by reflecting on the […]
Not really sure what to make of this bizarre video of virtuoso guitar playing, North Korean six-year-olds. The skill level is amazing, though one has to dig deep in any attempt to understand the context that their training and performance must have taken place in. One commentator noticed that the physical features of the performers […]
This morning the Internet is abuzz with news that musician Wyclef Jean was shot in Haiti the night before historic presidential elections. The drama follows the return of former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide from exile in South Africa just days before the polls. Reports indicate Jean, who has thrown his international clout behind front runner […]
These fellas took home first prize in the 1 minute to save the world film competition. Kudos to GOOD, where I picked this up.
Egypt: Rise to Freedom is a video and music tribute to the people of Egypt by Basha Beats and Natacha Atlas Via Six Degrees Records blog, Globalnoize
What better way to close out the year than with a list of the best in global music for 2010? Such lists abound, of course, from NPR to your favorite music blogs. We, like other modern day followers of music that spans the globe, try to avoid the term “world music” due to the sort […]
So all of you are familiar with the Buena Vista Social Club right? The film, the soundtrack, the impact made by reuniting some of Cuba’s most experienced musicians. Well, Afrocubism is the record that was supposed to get made back in 1997, but, for a number of reasons, didn’t happen. Now, Nick Gold has […]
Welcome to our newest feature that has (almost) nothing to do with politics, but a lot to do with sampling new and exciting music from around globe. This week, the podcast features the electronic beats of Colombian cumbia and its various interpretations in Nueva York and Los Angeles. Enjoy the weekend! Track Listings: Chico Systema […]
NPR this morning had a great spot on a new music Web site that showcases underground music from across the Middle East. The site, Mideast Tunes, is in English, and offers a gateway into jazz from Palestine, punk rock from Saudi Arabia, hip-hop from Lebanon and metal from Iran. Check it out here.
New York-based dj Nikodemus of Turntables on the Hudson, along with a host of other key players in the global dance music scene, have teamed up with NextAid for what has been dubbed the Earthchild Project. Proceeds from the 6-songs, available as an $8.99 download here, go to Lovelife’s Go-getters program, which is working to […]
By now you’ve heard perhaps the biggest buzz filling the August news hole nationwide – that rapper Wyclef Jean is considering a bid for the presidency of Haiti. I’d say he’s got a heck of a chance of winning aside from any legal issues that may prevent him from partaking in the poles. And why […]
Much needed relief from eurocratic Brussels was provided over the weekend by the folks at Festival Couleur Cafe. Founded in 1990 to highlight music from Africa and the Caribbean against the diverse background of Brussels, the promoters offer the somewhat confusing description of their carnival as it exists today: ” Couleur Café can no longer be rightfully […]
Alors, it was a wonderful Fête de la Musique here in Paris last night, thanks to the rollicking sounds of the brass band ensemble known as the Monty Pistons, pictured below. Fun for the kids and the whole family! Covers of Dandy Livingston’s ska classic “Message to You Rudy” and Dr. Dre beats spiced […]
In 2010, 16 countries in Africa celebrate their independence, each achieved to its own unique soundtrack. With this (and a renewed global and American interest in Afro-pop) in mind, a number of compilations and online gems are sure to be found throughout the year. We’ll dedicated a post along the way to each of Africa’s […]
Scheduling meetings here in Brussels and Paris has been suspiciously tough this week, with one person I met with actually admitting he was late because staff was gathered round the conference room television watching, yup, you guessed it, World Cup matches! If you have not checked out Africa blogger Derek Catsam’s posts from SA, now […]