0 The Case for World Music

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There are few things in this World that unite culture and people more than the Arts. There is beauty to be found in art that speaks a universal language, music with rhythm and emotion that speaks to the humanity in all of us, literature bursting with stories we could have never imagined, but can visualize and enter and learn.

The World is awash with beautiful voices that belt out tunes played to instruments that may or may not sound like the instruments we are used to and in languages we do not understand, but is there a chance that we might connect to the emotion beneath?

Why is it that we relegate ourselves, almost exclusively, to music sung in languages that we understand? Is our connection to the music through the words, or is there a possibility that we can transcend the literal meaning of the words (or ignore them) and enjoy the emotion, the musicality of the voices and the sounds of the instruments?

It is possible that the World must rethink what globalization has done to the music experience of a moderate internet surfer. Some people are way ahead of the fray, like Beyonce choosing to use the dance routine of a little known group called Tofo Tofo probably found on YouTube by one of her choreographers. Shakira fully embraced African dance in the video that was composed for FIFA held in South Africa most recently.

Qalil challenges you to give it a try. KTRU, "which airs on Mondays 7-9 pm (CST) on 90.1 KPFT-HD2 or online at www.ktru.org has a program called Routes D’Afrique which explores the diversity of African music" (according to their site). If you crave the African flavor including folkloric and traditional recordings, please tune in to listen!

A recent furor over the reduction in number of awards for the Grammys certainly brings what has been called "World Music" to the forefront. World music is a label that cannot be used to describe the affluence and diversity of the music the World produces.

It is possible that it is time for the World to abandon the Grammys and leave large portions of the Western World to the constrictions they have placed upon their music choices. Maybe it is time the rest of the World celebrates, show cases and shares their talents with each other and form a different kind of award that surpasses the minor squabbles that form the complex politics of Hollywood.

On that note today Qalil brings you some of the "World Music" that has been on our favorite list. Enjoy!

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0 Proof that Hollywood is out of ideas

Someone recently connected the dots for me. If you like investigating, follow us kindly to this video

Okay, like the routine? Think it's a little too dorky African? Okay...

Now take a moment and turn up the volume on your computer and listen to these beats for a minute or two. You may remember them...

Okay? Heard some of it?

Now take some time and watch this video (if you have no patience for this, just forward it to minute 1:06  to watch the routine and listen to the beat).

No new ideas!! NONE! No one is coming up with anything new, just remixing like the excuse given by the young German writer.

Boo!

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0 Mama Africa at Tribeca

Nearly two and half years after her sudden death, South Africa's Miriam Makeba ('Mama Africa') will be brought to a wide audience in Tribeca through a documentary by Mika Kaurismäki, titled Mama Africa (2011).

The legendary Makeba left her indelible mark on 20th century music. Mama Africa was born in 1932 in Johannesburg and began singing in her teens. In the 1950s, she sang with the South African band the Manhattan Brothers. As an activist and widely-known singer, she had fans and followers throughout the world. She had also known both triumph and tragedy in her life.

In 1963, Makeba spoke at the United Nations against the apartheid regime of South Africa which prompted the regime to revoke her citizenship. Unable to return home, Mama Africa continued to sing and delight audiences the world over.

And in 1985, her only daughter, Bongi Makeba, died during childbirth. Shortly afterward, Mama Africa settled in Brussels.

In a career that spanned more than a half century, Mama Africa released 23 studio albums, numerous studio and compilation albums, and over 15 singles. She is especially known for the worldwide hit, Pata Pata, which she first recorded in 1957 and released in the United States in 1967. Her numerous awards over the decades included Grammys. Mama Africa also toured with the likes of Harry Belafonte and Paul Simon.

Tragically, this was the very song she was singing in Italy when she collapsed of a heart attack, dying later that evening.

Mama Africa's distinctive, powerful voice complemented her beautiful, resilient spirit.

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0 Jill Scott & Eve - Shame

Enjoy!

Jill Scott - Shame (feat. Eve) (Behind The Scenes) (2011)

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0 Lookout: New Music

Mara Hruby

If you like this, you'll love the rest of her music that you can download here for free!

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0 Hip Hop Hits from 1993

A little levity and enjoyment for your day. Remember way back when!

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0 MY PAGE!

I came across a video that I loved!



So being the sharer I am I put it on my facebook. A music video celebrating black love?! I'M IN!

Then some fool comes on my page quoting scripture. This was what he put up on my clean ass page.

Rom 1:25-28 for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due.
28 And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. 28 And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. 28 And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. 28 And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

Nigga WHAT?!


First of all, isn't this scripture used to attack people in the homosexual community? Secondly, what is unnatural in this video? Is he feeling guilty? 


FINE I baited folks like this (weed them out while I can) but daymn! It's my page!

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0 Spotlight: Melinda Doolittle

(from blackchristiannews.com)

We all remember how Melinda Doolittle, the demure, petite woman with the power house voice, became a huge sensation on American Idol in 2007. Her singing brought tears to my eyes, made me jump out of my seat and clap along or brought goosebumps to my skin. It has been a while since American Idol has had the same kind of singing sensation on the show.
Even though America (wink wink) did not think her worthy of the Title of American Idol, Melinda joined the big ranks of powerful singers in the Christian gospel singing circles where she continues to dazzle with her voice and beautiful smile.
With her website she continues to communicate with fans and allows them to get to know her, the real her, quirky and fun.
Her Album, Coming Back to You, was released in 2009 and her powerful vocals can be heard in the songs. That is not her only accomplishment, she has also written a book titled Beyond Me.
Find out what Melinda is doing today.

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0 Our Own Idol: Tiara Thomas

Watching American Idol one would think that black women fall into three categories:

1. Girl who thinks she can sing but can't
2. Girl who screams at the microphone but can't sing
3. Good but not quite as good otherwise she'd have more time on camera.

Well, I think it is time to debunk those theories. I know the general American public was a little tired of hearing black women with gorgeous gospel choir voices taking up the stage on American Idol (coz someone dun stole the title from Melinda Dolittle!) but still... no reason not to hear them.

In light of that fact, we are going to bring to you different black female artists, making their mark on YouTube, bringing much needed fresh music, light and soul to the music scene!

Introducing Tiara Thomas!

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0 Young Musician of the Day!

Happy Monday to you all!

I believe that music is something that is born in your soul. Sure it can be taught and expertise with an instrument can be carefully bred, but the little extra something that makes a few notes into a melody that makes you close your eyes in order to enjoy it is something that cannot be trained into a body.

I found a video in my inbox of a girl singing Anthony Dodson's now famous "Hide Your Kids" song. While her voice was certainly lovely it kinda left me feeling a little meh. One of the other videos that showed after it was of this young man playing his violin.

According to his YouTube Page, he learned to play the violin at 12 after watching his brother play it. His family is musically inclined so I guess it helps, but it is very nice to see this kind of talent.

I gotta say, I love videos of black children playing instruments and he does not disappoint! Press Play, see for yourself whether this is something you may actually like!

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0 Hey Soul Sistah

Hey Soul Sistah!

Okay, so I have a theory. A pretty good one. It will leave a HUGE smile on your face.

The song Hey Soul Sistah by Train is about a black woman.

(See! I told you I'd make you smile!)

You know when you catch someone off guard and they stumble around trying to answer your question? Train frontman Pat Monahan told Billboard in the Fall of 2009: "It’s kind of about, I’ve always thought of women as being beautiful, in other ways rather than the obvious, and so the picture of Hey, Soul Sister to me was *a group of beautiful, diverse women* kind of dancing around a bonfire, and the idea of just wanting to be around that energy."

Tell me you don't think that is a round about way of saying YES!

Not to mean any disrespect to our sisters of other shades but my argument is based partly on the lyrics.

• Soul Sistah is a term usually applied to a black woman, just type "soul sister" into google and see what you get!
• we're known for our cool moves (the way you can cut a rug)
• historically the majority of women impressed by a guy calling himself a gangsta or thug tend to be black
• I want the World to see you'll be with me, no need to question that if she's the same race as he is!

So in honor of all lovers of black women Worldwide (yes we know you're there) this one is for you to listen to and enjoy!

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0 Hey Soul Sistah

Hey Soul Sistah!

Okay, so I have a theory. A pretty good one. It will leave a HUGE smile on your face.

The song Hey Soul Sistah by Train is about a black woman.

(See! I told you I'd make you smile!)

You know when you catch someone off guard and they stumble around trying to answer your question? Train frontman Pat Monahan told Billboard in the Fall of 2009: "It’s kind of about, I’ve always thought of women as being beautiful, in other ways rather than the obvious, and so the picture of Hey, Soul Sister to me was *a group of beautiful, diverse women* kind of dancing around a bonfire, and the idea of just wanting to be around that energy."

Tell me you don't think that is a round about way of saying YES!

Not to mean any disrespect to our sisters of other shades but my argument is based partly on the lyrics.

• Soul Sistah is a term usually applied to a black woman, just type "soul sister" into google and see what you get!
• we're known for our cool moves (the way you can cut a rug)
• historically the majority of women impressed by a guy calling himself a gangsta or thug tend to be black
• I want the World to see you'll be with me, no need to question that if she's the same race as he is!

So in honor of all lovers of black women Worldwide (yes we know you're there) this one is for you to listen to and enjoy!

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