Blitz the Ambassador
Ghanian rapper, Blitz, the Ambassador is making a difference in the music scene in hip-hop battles around the U.S. He has released two CDs (Soul Rebel in 2004 and Double Consciousness in 2005) and is recognized as a talented rapper by both fans and people in the music industry, alike.
A-Plus’ Letter to the West
A-Plus is a Ghanaian artist best described as controversial and politically incorrect. He first made a name for himself singing about events leading to and after Ghana’s 2000 general elections. His witty and fairly accurate narration of political issues made his song an immediate hit. He followed up in the same way on the 2004 general elections and continued in a slightly different direction in 2007 when this time he specifically talked about Ghana’s Parliament in his somewhat poignant, ‘Letter to Parliament’. Letter to Parliament won him a nomination for Best Hip-life Song at the 2008 edition of the Ghana Music Awards.
In between his releases, A-Plus has also tried his hand ay stand-up comedy with relative success. He has carved a niche for himself as a politically incorrect artist but in his latest single, ‘A Letter to the West’; he makes a complete u-turn to spit conscious and politically correct lyrics about Africa’s bane of poor leadership. He talks about wars and poverty in Africa resulting from stinking political leadership. » Read more…
Chosan sets the record straight on Kanye, and the whole Blood Diamonds controversy on Jamati Radio
Jamati.com had the exclusive privilege to speak to one of Sierra Leone’s Hip Hop stars Chosan. As you may recall, we did a story on Chosan and the whole controversy behind the Blood Diamonds song that appeared on Kanye West’s album Late Registration. According to Chosan, Kanye approached him to collaborate on a track called Blood Diamonds but he did not give any credit to Chosan’s contribution to the song. A song, mind you, that contributed to an album that went double platinum. At any rate, Chosan decided to contact Jamati.com with the latest update on this whole situation and what he had to say might just surprise you. If you want to find out tune in to Jamati Radio.
Weez gives us a Verbal Massacre
One of the best things about this job is being able to highlight talent that mainstream media seems to miss all the time. Weez, a hiphop rapper from South Africa, is one such talent. Despite being recognized by several notable producers on the continent, and in the diaspora, he is still a relative unknown. This despite the fact that one of his raps is part of a compilation that has done very well in the United States, and the fact that his upcoming collaboration is with a person who was part of the reason Weez got into rap in the first place. Always ready to put on a show, he had to freestyle at the American embassy to get his visa (they weren’t convinced that he was really a rapper). Jamati caught up with Weez to find out what makes him tick.
Wale Folarin – The Next Big Thing!
Rolling Stone says he has more crossover appeal than weed (oooh, that’s serious!), and he has been featured in several magazines including the New York Times, Boston Globe, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, Vibe, Complex, Hiphopgame.com, AllHipHop.com, Entertainment Weekly, and The Source.
PiliPili – His stage name is Swahili for “pepper” and yes, his voice is just as hot
His stage name is Swahili for “pepper” and yes, his voice is just as hot. Pilipili is an African artist intent on singing his way into the hearts of everyone, everywhere. With his uniquely recognizable pipes, the singer started off his career as a rapper performing all over Nairobi, Kenya in 2002. The response of the audiences at Nairobi landmarks; ‘F2’ (Florida 2000), The ClubHouse and Vybestar, where he performed convinced him that music was, indeed, his calling.
Emmanuel Jal
Believing that being identified with the “thug life” will give them street cred and help them sell cds, some musicians and rappers hit you over the head with images of violence, greed, and misogyny. And when confronted about the themes in their music, some musicians will try to avoid responsibility by claiming that they are just “keepin’ it real”. But sometimes the music is not very real, but a marketing ploy by artists desperate to sell records. Some have gone so far as to invent criminal histories – not naming any names, just saying that it happens.
NIX – Senegal’s Rap Meister
NIX is a great rap artist from Senegal who is now based in France. Influenced by the sounds of Doug E Fresh, Kool Moe Dee, Father MC, Public Enemy, he was inspired to try and follow in their footsteps. It was the discovery of french rappers like MC Solaar, Assassin, NTM, and IAM that led him to decide to make a mark as a Senegalese rapper. He formed the group, Kantiolis, with his friends Ibrahim, Bap’ S and GeSer and they won best rap group in 1994 and 1995. » Read more…
Hip Hop Pantsula – Mr Jabba man
This two-time SAMA award winner whose name is one of the most respected in the SA music industry makes hit after hit, never disappointing and always exceeding his fans’ expectations. Jamati caught up with the man himself and this is what he had to say: » Read more…
Swahili Nation – Rapping in Swahili and Repping Africa
Swahili Nation was originally founded by two Kenyan brothers, Andrew and Ken Muturi, and a Tanzanian, Cool James. Cool James went solo in 1992 and they added two Ugandans, Ken Kayongo, and Charlie “King” Todwong to the group. They were very popular and soon signed a deal in 1996 with Dr. Alban of Dr. Records. » Read more…
X-Plastaz – Reppin Tanzania and the Maasai
X-Plastaz originally consisted of three members and was formed to address social issues in a form that could connect with the younger generation. The original members, Ruff, Gsaan, and Ziggy, worked in a haircutting salon in the heart of Maasailand in Tanzania. » Read more…
African Events Calendar
Upcoming Events
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June 22 - 24, 2010
2010 Africa Business Conference and Trade Fair
USA - North East
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July 10, 2010
Talent-ED
USA - North East
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March 22, 2010
A “Tribute to Mama Afrika: Miriam Makeba”
USA - North East
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July 14 - 17, 2010
Africa Fashion Week New York (AFWNY) in New York
USA - North East
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