Rock group The Foo Fighters led by former Nirvana member Dave Grohl have – over a 16 year career, built a dedicated and passionate following that reaches across the globe, often transcending race, nationality and gender. As homage to the people that have helped them reach the heights they have, they ran a competition in the US where fans could win a private concert in their garage. They had eight winners and, as part of the Garage Tour, they also filmed a 40 minute documentary giving insight into the journey as well as themselves. How many people can say they had their favourite band play in their house?
Wanlov – A Fokn African Gypsy
With his latest album, African Gypsy, Ghanaian / Romanian musician Wanlov embraces all aspects of his heritage, musical and culture, bringing them into the music in unique and creative ways whether it is in terms of instrument, language or attitude. A lot more of the Romanian in him is reflected in the album which could also be attributed to the fact that he produced the whole album except for one track, which was done by often-time collaborator Kweku Ananse – who produced his first album Green Card. Witty, intelligent and insightful, Wanlov, lyrically, builds layers that can be missed if one doesn’t engage fully. It is often easy to get lost in the humour and lose connection to the social-consciousness and awareness in his content. Definitely worth a listen.
Museke Online Africa Music Awards
Museke, an online portal for African music, started the Museke Online Africa Music Awards (MOAMAs) in 2010 and, in 2011, they have worked to improve the reach, size and administration of these awards as part of the journey to become the pre-eminent Africa music awards.
Sandbloom Serves Music For The Soul
US artist / musician Kevin Sandbloom embraces the extent of his creative ability with music that is soulful and stripped down to its bare essence. From R&B and soul to folk, he does not limit himself. And to watch him live, building beat, melody, sound with guitar and voice is amazing. I saw him by chance at the Nuyorican Poetry Café in New York and left with two of his albums. He is about the creation of good music, as opposed to dumbing down or selling oneself short. His cover of Sade’s Is It A Crime is simply beautiful.
A Fokn Boi from No 1 Mango Street
M3nsa is a UK-based Ghanaian artist/producer M3nsa has, after years of working in the industry producing for the likes of hiplife godfather Reggie Rockstone and performing with artists like Nneka, The Roots and The Gorillaz, finally released a solo project No. 1 Mango Street. Coming off the back of his film and album – Coz Ov Moni – with Wanlov, childhood friend and other half of the group Fokn Bois, M3nsa’s album wonderfully marries his influences, whether it is hip hop, Twi and Pidgen English and Ghana, and is a sign of what happens when African artists are able to create balance.
Win A John Legend Hamper
The second half of last year saw the release of a project that brought together exceptional musicians and timeless music. Wake Up!, a collaborative album recorded by John Legend & The Roots, is the perfect example of what can happen when it is about the music and not ego. John Legend, in his relatively short career, has created some beautiful music, both alone and in collaboration with other artists, and has already built the foundation to a solid discography. I am a fan and have had the fortune of seeing him perform live twice. I would comfortably go again and again. I've been able to...
