“Many Lessons” looks at Islam and Hip-Hop in West Africa

The German label Piranha takes a look at Hip-Hop and Islam on the compilation “Many Lessons”, recently released in Europe. Islam is a strong influence across West Africa, despite the fact that most countries are secular by nature. This selection of tracks looks at how Islam is incorporated into the buoyant Hip-Hop scene, which is one of young Africa’s ways of getting itself heard. The artists include General Snipe, Keur Gui, Dread Skeezo and Sister Fa. Click through for the full track list.

Kasaï Allstars and Konono N° 1 refused entry visas in Europe

Despite having toured the world already several times, the Congolese bands Kasaï Allstars and Konono N° 1 have been refused visas by several European countries, so disrupting a number of major festivals and bringing their agent to the brink of bankruptcy. The group first had problem renewing their passports in Congo, and were then sent on a labyrinthine chase for visas and paperwork from the French, Belgian and UK embassies (where they were to play). At the end of the day, these proved unsuccessful and the tours have been cancelled - over 25 dates in all.

Africa to salute James Brown this summer

This promises to be a pretty hot ticket. Pee Wee Ellis, former saxophonist of James Brown, has brought together some excellent artists for a tribute to the legendary James Brown. Among them are Fred Wesley and Tony Allen (drummer of Fela Kuti), the Nigerian-London singer Wunmi (who DJed in 2004 at Couleur Café in Brussels), The Family Stone-singer Fred Ross, the Senegalese artist Cheikh Lô and the still very young but already celebrated South-African jazz singer Simphiwe Dana.

They will be playing under the banner, “Still Black, Still proud” (a reference to the James Brown track “Say it Loud”). They recently got a three-star review in the UK’s Independent. Look out for them in your local press.

Movaizhaleine parodies French and Gabonese leaders

Movaizhaleine, probably the best hip-hop outfit on Africa’s West Coast, have created a viral hit with “Quaffffoutre”. They used a sample of the Gabonese president saying “Moi, je n’ai qu’à foutre” (me, I don’t give a shit) and looped it. As France and Gabon are having a little push and pull for the moment, the clip features the Gabonese president, Nicolas Sarkozy, Jacques Chirac and the French Socialist Ségolène Royal. Fun.

Wendo Kolosoy: return of the king of rumba

Wendo Kolosoy, the veteran World music star, has released an album of material recorded in 2004 on the IglooMondo label. Kolosoy is hailed as the father of the rumba, having helped shape the style already in the fifties and sixties. “Banaya Papa Wendo” features 10 tracks with old sparring partners such as Jean-Louis Kayala Bikunda on bass and Vula Diankatu Missy on guitar.
Wendo Kolosoy on Amazon.fr

Baloji brings African rap to Paris

Although it was only released in Belgium, one of our favourite albums in 2007 was “Hotel Impala” by Baloji. This Belgian rapper of Congolese origin has created an album that spans Hip-Hop, 70s soul, Afro Beat and chanson - quite a programme. The breakout single was “Congo”, a 7-minute masterpiece.

Baloji will be bringing his show to the Cafe de la Danse in Paris (5 Passage Louis Philippe, 75011) on February 15 before travelling around France later.

Click through for the full dates in France and Switzerland and the full version of “Congo”.

Didier Awadi stands against EU-African pact

Senegal’s Didier Awadi, formerly of the pioneering Hip-Hop act Positive Black Soul, has made a strong stand against the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) countries. Like many people, he feels it is too heavily balanced in favour of the EU. The debate is a very complex one, involving international trade, aid, GATT and the World Trade Organisation.

Awadi has recorded “On ne signe pas” (we’re not signing) to highlight the issue, which has already been addressed by numerous bodies. Ultimately, Awadi feels that the pact will make African more dependent on Europe rather than more independent. It requires substantial access to African markets in exchange for freer trade. Many people argue that what is needed is more support for African business rather than the arrival of well-financed competitors. To see the clip of “On ne signe pas”, visit Studio Sankara.

Orchestra National de Barbes release next February

From having seen them a few months ago, I can safely say that France’s Orchestre National de Barbès is one hot live band. They have been gigging for years already, spreading their raï sounds across Europe. The band recently signed with the French indie label Wagram, and a new album, “Alik”, is foreseen in February of next year.

For a sample, check the Alik mini-site.

Wyclef-Jean, Jimmy Rosemond and Akon “give back” to Haiti

On December 15, 2007, a trio of music heavyweights, Wyclef-Jean, Jimmy Rosemond and Akon will travel to Haiti for a charitable endeavor spearheaded by Mr. Rosemond and Wyclef Jean. Yele Fest will tour local schools and the notorious child prison in Port-au-Prince to shed light on the current plight in Haiti of increasing poverty, weakened education, medical care, nutrition and housing. Yele Fest was organized to bring musical artists to Haiti to help promote tourism and convey the message that the country is safe and the doors are open for people to experience the music and art of Haitian culture.

Lord Ekomy N’Dong brings African rap to Paris

One of the most impressive Hip-Hop producers outside the US happens to be one of the least known. Lord Ekomy N’dong is an innovative producer from Gabon that offers one of the savviest combinations of African sounds and a massive contemporary Hip-Hop vibe. His first album, “L’Afrikain”, played on a loop in our office two years ago. He is now back with a new one, “On détient la harpe sacrée, Tome II” (We hold the sacred harp, volume II) and a first major show in Paris at the Elysée Montmartre on December 21 with Maât Seignieur Lion. This is conscious Hip-Hop with a funky and rootsy twist. Highly recommended. For details and music, check Movaizhaleine.

Les Nubians live in New York

The French Hip-Hop duo Les Nubians will be appearing in New York before the New Year. The sisters play a neat style that has been summed up as “Afropean hip-hop with R&B”, singing in French and English. ‘Princesses Nubiennes’ (Higher Octave/Virgin) was the most successful French-language album in more than a decade of Billboard charts. Since then, they have traveled the world, soaking up the sounds of reggae, afro-beat, pop and electronica while collaborating with a host of respected musicians.

Lion’s Den, 214 Sullivan between Bleecker & W. 3rd, NYC

Fri. Dec. 28th
8:30pm Doors

“Gaza Calling”

With Middle East talks more or less on track, the Palestinian-Tunisian outfit Checkpoint 303 have released a new tune to the web called “Gaza Calling”. As a reminder, Gaza has been the subject of an air, land and sea blockade by Israel since Hamas took over there and following repeated missile attacks from the territories. “Gaza Calling” is based on a man’s attempt to get through to the UN to explain the living conditions there.

The track is typical Checkpoint 303: snappy Arabic percussion, angular electronics and the occasional oud. They appeared at a major festival in Montreal recently. For details and to hear “Gaza Calling” visit Checkpoint 303.

Taraf de Haidouks live on French radio

Romania’s Taraf de Haidouks will be making a special appearance on the France Inter radio show “Le Pont des Artistes” on Saturday Nov 24. What’s the big deal? The release of a new album, called “Maskarada”. Over the years, countless musicians have taken their inspiration from Central European gypsy music. So now this Balkan big band are turning the tables and covering the music of Bartok, Khachaturian, Manuel de Falla, Kosma, Ketelbey, Albeniz and Liszt. Click through for links

Last minute: African rap in Norway

In terms of diversity and colour, nothing beats African rap. We just got news that the South African band Black Noise will be appearing in Oslo, Norway on October 17 as part of the Oslo Celebrations. More specifically, they will be providing music, DJing and capoeira for an African fashion show at the Georg Sverdrups Hus (University Library), University of Oslo. Get more details here.

Find their three albums on iTunes:

Uman adds hip-hop to ragga stylee

We just heard the first single from Original Uman’s album “L’aventure c’est l’aventure”. Uman made a mark for himself first with la Puta Madre and later as a toaster. The single “184 centrimetres” is a Hip-Hop workout in French with notes of accordion. The rest of the album promises “Jamaican rhythms”, with the label making comparisons with Serge Gainsbourg, no less. Check his music on MySpace/Uman.