Ms Lira – The songstress
I’v always said from the time her album dropped that her single “Feel Good” should be some kind of a daily anthem as its lyrics carry with them a message of truth, simplicity, and profoundness.
Ms Lira’s “Feel Good” album is a joyful and energetic life filled experience birthed with an exciting amount of passion. Its mix of music genres and languages are all beautifully blended in to capture one’s attention. This jazz-fusion artist took me through an unforgettable journeyto a carefree world were the only language that existed was laughter that echoed the beautiful languages of Africa. » Read more…
Nonini – Arguably ” The King Of Genge Music”
This is one man who needs no introduction in the Kenyan music industry. Nonini is dubbed “The African King of Genge music” ( ‘Genge’ a Swahili word meaning ‘masses’). First I must admit that because of my below average Swahili , it took me some time to fully tap into his music and allow my musical self to indulge in a Nonini musical experience but as soon as I successfully got through the first track from his latest album “Hanyaring Game“, I was hooked. “Hanyaring Game” is a a love experience from the first meeting of his Nairobi girl, through the courting stages, to him realizing that she might just be the potential life partner. But before taking the ultimate step they endure hardships that unexpectedly reveal an interesting ending to their union.
It is always exciting to witness a hardcore artist like Nonini letting loose and letting society know that even guys like him go through love and that its okay to get “whipped” at times. The rest of the songs in his 14-track album are dedicated to paying tribute to those who have passed, including his brother, and musical legends who have passed on. The last track on the album is a celebration of his journey in the industry from his starting point to his achievements. » Read more…
Akon Puts New Kids On the Block on “The Block”
The New Kids on the Block are back with a new album and Akon’s collaboration with them, ‘Put It On My Tab‘ is already being heralded as a smash hit-in-waiting. The song is very T-Pain in style and shows the smart choices the New Kids on the Block made in collaborating with some of the hottest names in music to create a comeback album.
The New Kids on the Block have definitely grown up. Their album is edgy, features Ne-Yo, Akon, Timbaland, the Pussycat Dolls, and Teddy Riley, to name a few. Not bad. ‘Single‘ is a collaboration with Ne-Yo, and showcases their vocal talent. ‘Grown Man‘ is a pretty hot dance piece in collaboration with Teddy Riley and the Pussycat Dolls. The album is in stores now. You can purchase their album here. » Read more…
Ssuuna – Abakazi Mayinja (Women Are Rocks)
Daniel Ssuuna is a dancer, percussionist, singer, songwriter and story teller who puts together a wonderful array of traditional instruments to create contemporary music. He has performed with different artists and is dedicated to showcasing the spirit of Africa through his music.
Soulfege – Take Back the Mic
Soulfege is an afropolitan group with a great 70-ish vibe to their music. The band founded a movement called “Take Back The Mic” to use music as the medium through which positive activism can be implemented. Their latest album is a wonderful mix of music styles and beats that will have you grooving, nodding, and tapping your feet. They are led by Ashong, a YouTube phenom according to New York Times. » Read more…
Tumi: No Guarantee
Itumeleng Ramailane, better known as Tumi, is a newcomer on the South African music scene that plays like a veteran. His debut album,”No Guarantee“, is a soulful mix of R&B and funk. Tumi’s voice is like silky chocolate, embracing the notes and drawing them smoothly over your eardrums like a sinfully delightful dessert. » Read more…
Wayna – Higher Ground
Wayna is a very talented singer, based in Washington DC, who is making waves (although, after listening to Higher Ground, I am not sure why she isn’t signed to a major label yet) on the local scene. We had talked to her previously, and now have the privilege of reviewing her latest album, Higher Ground. » Read more…
Ayo Ogunmakin – Joyful
Daughter of a Romanian mother and a Nigerian father, she learned how to deal with disappointment early as she watched her mother fight her heroin addiction. Heralded as a mix between Minnie Ripperton and Sade, her latest offering, Joyful, is drawing accolades and shining the spotlight on this relative unknown. » Read more…
RJ Benjamin – Swimming in the Soul of Music
The sound of this mans voice is filled with so much soul, that it often gets people mistaken him to be a black African man but RJ Benjamin is a captivating white native South African. RJ is a singer, song writer and a producer whose skills have definitely redefined the R&B and Neo-soul perspective of things in the South African music industry. He’s music sound is food to the souls but yet somehow you find yourself dancing to the rhythms from the different instruments that are intertwined together. RJ Benjamin has really raised the bar with his music and his current album “Swimming in the Soul of Music” is truly an affirmation that he’s the next big thing (Quincy Jones watch out!) . » Read more…
Putumayo Presents – The Women Of Africa
The Women of Africa album is a mixture of soulful and jazzy traditional and contemporary sounds from 10 different regions of the African diaspora. » Read more…
Putumayo Presents – African Party
Putumayo has a remarkable ability to locate the best of what there is, musically, on any continent and put it on an album. African Party celebrates the laughter and sunshine that is Africa. Perenperen has a zouk feel to it and will have you swaying in time to the music, imagining that you are at the beach. Kunze Kwadoka by Oliver Mtukudzi has a great traditional beat. » Read more…
African Events Calendar
Upcoming Events
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April 10, 2010
RUNWAY LIBERIA: Silver Spring,MD
USA - North East
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Urban Couture: The Platform for World Class Indie Fashion Labels.
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February 19, 2010
Africa Business Conference/Fashion Show & Naeto C: Boston, MA (Harvard Business School)
USA - North East
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February 11, 2010
Chris Deshield Opening For Melanie Fiona: Washington, DC
USA - North East
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