Yesterday afternoon, I received email saying that I had been tagged in a video on Facebook. Anyone familiar with facebook knows that more often than not, you’re not actually in the video, but rather someone wants to spam you wants you to see something.
I was pleasantly surprised to see an awesome video about a yet unknown to me musician, Siji. The video promos Siji’s sophomore album project “Adesiji” that features a sharp cast of musicians and co producers including Rich Medina and King Britt.
The wonderfully chill soul sounds are a refreshing complement to his ideas on music, production and the like. Look forward to more from Siji. New album drops September 2008.
I know say this na naijajams and no be ghanajams, but I wanted to share a discovery that made my day. The artist is Wanlov. The song, “Smallest Time,” from his album Green Card (that incidentally just released today) is a savory mix of afrobeat-infused easy breezy california hiphop stylings with a mixture of pidgin and poetry. “My people, I dey greet you.”
If you’re feeling this song, be sure to pick up the album - you can order online, pay with paypal.
If you’re in the US, check out Wanlov live at his release parties in LA and NYC this week before he relocates to Ghana:
Femi Kuti’s North American tour is winding down, and photos from the event have started to surface courtesy of some excellent photographers and flickr. Below are a few of my favorites thus far.
Make all of una recognize o! Femi Kuti dey yankee o!
Femi Kuti and the Positive force band are in North America for a 5 week tour to promote the new album, Femi Kuti - The Definitive Collection. This double cd release, draws the best of his self-titled debut album, Shoki Shoki and Fight to Win. It also includes Water No Get Enemy from the Red Hot + Riot album as well as a slew of the best remixes of his work. If you want to get up to speed quickly on Femi’s music, this is the best way to do it. While you’re at it, be sure to pick up the new(ish) cd + dvd, Live at the Shrine.
Enough about that, check out the stops below to see when he’ll be in your area, and hurry to buy tickets as these shows will definitely sell out.
July 2007
1 - Toronto, Ontario - High Life Festival
2 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest
6 - Ottawa, Ontario - Ottawa Blues Festival
7 - Quebec City, Quebec - Quebec Festival
8 - Boston, MA - 9pm Paradise Rock Club
10 - Burlington, VT - 10pm - Higher Ground
11 - New York, NY - 7pm - Central Park Summerstage, Rumsey Playfield, Mid Park at 72nd Street
12 - Philadelphia, PA - 9pm - World Cafe Live
13 - Washington, DC - 10pm - 9:30 Club
14 - Atlanta, GA - 9pm - Variety Playhouse
16 - Austin, TX - 8pm - Stubb’s
18 - Flagstaff, AZ - 8pm - Orpheum
19 - San Diego, CA - 8pm - House of Blues
20 - West Hollywood, CA - 8:30pm - House of Blues
21 - San Francisco, CA - 9pm - The Fillmore
22 - Truckee, CA - 5pm - Truckee Regional Park
25 - Seattle, WA - 9pm - Showbox
26 - Vancouver, British Columbia - 9:15pm - Commodore Ballroom
27 - North Plains, OR - 5:30pm - Horning’s Hideout
30 - Aspen, CO - 9pm - Belly Up
31 - Boulder, CO - 8pm - Boulder Theater
Like many of you out there, Lagbaja is one of my favorite Nigerian artists, and has been since I heard his material almost 10 years ago. Since then, his popularity has grown with each release and he’s now at the forefront of Nigerian music, with ever increasing popularity internationally.
He’s leading the way, not only musically, but in his social awareness, use of technology and even from an aesthetics standpoint (for example, his music vidoes.) You’d also be hard pressed to find another artist whose appeal so broadly transcends age, language and culture. In short - Lágbájá is doing it right!
Locally-based Nigerians get regular doses of Lágbájá, wether playing at his club or at one of many concerts. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for those that live abroad. Performances are far & few between, and CDs almost always have to be personally purchased back home. Last week when I got news of the upcoming North American tour, I was absolutely overjoyed! I’ve compiled the dates & provided links to the affiliated organizations and/or venues below. The tour kicks off next week on August 4th in Washington DC! These concerts are not to be missed! Spread the word!
Lágbájá is at the top of my list when it comes to Nigerian artists. And as much as I’d like to write about him, I just haven’t had the time to properly tackle the topic. This was important to me because he is one of the most misunderstood Nigerian artists… and while I have several half-finished articles on him, I resolved to not post any music until I’d given him the proper introduction. Then I came upon this video today (via youtube) from his latest album, Africano… the mother of groove, and I couldn’t hold back any longer - I had to share this with the rest of you.
I won’t say anything more at this point - look for the proper Lagbaja introduction in the near future. For now, enjoy Skentele Skontolo.
Like many of you out there, Lagbaja is one of my favorite Nigerian artists, and has been since I heard his material almost 10 years ago. Since then, his popularity has grown with each release and he’s now at the forefront of Nigerian music, with ever increasing popularity internationally.
Eugene
