Tuesday, May 27, 2008

New Music From Africa



Africa Unite! Check out some groups from the continent that are gaining some notoriety here in the states by fusing traditional African elements with Western rock, hip-hop and electronic styles.

BLK JKS (South Africa) wowed crowds at SXSW with the variety of their sounds, moving back and forth between punk, pop and African chant-style music.

Esau Mwamwaya (Malawi), described to me as "the African Phil Collins" brings a smoother vocal sound (check him out flowing over M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" below on "Tengazako").

And Seun Kuti (Nigeria) , the son of the late great Fela Kuti burst on to the scene this year with his debut Many Ways. The title track from that album is below, and manages to recount horrible events in his country's history while still managing to show optimism through upbeat, danceable rhythms. Highly Recommended.

This ain't your old Lion King Soundtrack.

Download: BLK JKS- Lakeside
(Buy)

Download: Seun Kuti and Egypt 80- Many Things
(Buy)

Download: Esau Mwamwaya- Tengazako
(Buy)

Download: Esau Mwamwaya- Chalo
(Buy)

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