TAG: Nigeria

Mar28

Nigeria Afrobeat Special – The New Explosive Sound in 1970s Nigeria (Review)

Nigeria Afrobeat Special

The New Explosive Sound in 1970s Nigeria

Released by Soundway Records


Nigeria Afrobeat Special is the fourth addition to the Nigeria Special series, a project initiated by Miles Cleret, owner of the Soundway Record label. The ambition is to distinguish the blossoming music scenes of 1970s Nigeria, and documenting the influence of western blues, rock and disco amongst artists and musicians versed in the local musical styles of highlife and juju. It was Fela Kuti and his musical and political ideals that formed the core of afrobeat's message, and with his blend of Yoruba music, funk and jazz, Fela dominated the musical tapestry of 1970s Nigeria. His influence in Nigeria and West Africa led to a craze where most of the bands of the day incorporated this new sound into their repertoires to satisfy the tastes of the audiences of the time.

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Feb27

Black Man’s Cry: The Inspiration of Fela Kuti (Review)

Various Artists

Black Man's Cry: The Inspiration of Fela Kuti

Released by Now-Again Records


To begin describing the epic importance of Fela Kuti is to write a doctoral thesis on the history of African music from before his birth to the present day. To understand the impact the music of a person such as Fela is to consider the history of struggle, prejudice, racism, and political disenfranchisement as an understandable whole.  In the music of Fela Kuti, we see these positive undercurrents of political awakening, consciousness, activism, empowerment and liberation.  These values are what make the messages embedded in the work of Fela ...

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Feb03

Live Review: Nneka @ SOB’s in NYC (02.02.10)

As told by Rhyson Hall:

I’m glad I didn’t hear all the comparisons before hand.  “She’s the new Lauryn Hill!”  “She’s the next Erykah Badu!”  “She can sing and rap!”  “Did you see her hair? It’s wonderful!”  I probably would have walked in to SOB’s as a jaded fan, diametrically opposing the warm vibe in the venue for the third stop on her first U.S. tour.  Instead, I settled in up front, between the few videographers and photographers allowed to film the performance; one that will be sure to impress critics entice new fans and empower old ones.  Nneka is here.

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Jan20

Nneka – Concrete Jungle (Review)

Nneka

Concrete Jungle

Released by Decon Inc


German hip-hop soul singer, Nneka, give us a dose of spirit and consciousness over acoustic, hip-hop, reggae, and soul beats in her newly released compilation album Concrete Jungle. Her singing voice is humble and sweet, reminiscent of fellow Nigerian singer, Ayo, mixed with the melodies and beats of alternative soul star, Res. Her rhyming ability is versatile yet non-braggadocios. And it is these ingredients that gives the music world a fresh yet veteran voice.
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