Afrolution Out Now!
May 27, 2006 | Leave a Comment
AFROLUTION VOL. 1 – Out 26 June 2006
‘Afrolution Vol. 1′ epitomises the birth of a new movement fuelled by a fervent desire to create space for new expression in global hip-hop. The CD/DVD compilation serves as the grand inauguration to African hip-hop and no doubt will occupy a historical reference point for the future of this new genre.
With hip-hop boasting a copious amount of sub genres – commercial, gangsta, conscious, Latino and UK hip-hop to name just a few – why would anyone take another new genre like African hip-hop seriously? Judging by the CD it will be by the sheer quality and innovation of the music and thus will appeal to both hip-hop lovers and curious urbanites.
With Africa being such a diverse continent with many cultural dynamics and influences, it was never going to be an easy task putting this album together. After much in-depth research the final 13 tracks that made it onto the compilation display an eclectic mix of styles. It features tracks by artists from eight African countries, both Anglophone and Francophone: Kenyan producer/writer/ performer Wawesh , Tanzania’s Maasai hip-hop group X Plastaz , UK-based Nigerian award-winners JJC & 419 Squad , Malawi’s Real Elements , Smokey from Gambia, from Senegal Omzo and the pioneering Pee Froiss , from South Africa innovators Cashless Society and Emile YX , and finally from Zimbabwe Metaphysics (plus side project Migrant Souls ), DKR (Divided Kingdom Republic) and Begotten Sun .
On the accompanying DVD there are six music videos plus some amazing footage from the B-Boy championships at the African Hip-Hop Indaba event in South Africa. There are also seven interviews with some of the artists featured on the compilation, plus other industry figures, such as Arrested Development’s Speech and Patrick Neate (award-winning British author of global hip-hop book ‘Where You’re At’) and UK’s premiere African DJ Eric Soul , all giving an insight into African hip-hop and also a perspective on how non-Africans view the scene.
‘Afrolution Vol.1′ shows that the cross-pollination of hip-hop ideology and African urban culture has given birth to a proud new generation of African artists embracing global music, while keeping true to their roots.
To download the album on Calabash Music click here!
Information courtesy of Trenton Birch and Ilka Schlockerman
Tanzanian Hip-Hop Compilation on Nomadic Wax!
May 26, 2006 | Leave a Comment
Bab Kubwa Media (Tanzania/UK based African Hip-Hop Label) has teamed up with Nomadic Wax for the release of Mapito – the illest Tanzanian Hip-Hop release of 2006..
Mapito brings you 16 Tracks of Swahili Hip Hop, featuring the likes of Tanzanian Bongo Flava legends – Sugu aka Mr 2, Solo Thang and Mr Ebbo, and a host of hot underground Mc’s from Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
The project started two years ago when Ralph Godden aka the Funkdisaster, made a visit to Grandmaster Records of Arusha to arrange a remix collaboration between GM Records’ artists and various musicians and producers from around the UK.
This was followed by Godden making a second visit to Tanzania, armed with a Laptop and a few mics. With help from Music Crossroads and a few fortunate encounters during Music Maydays B-Connected festival, a host of live underground MC’s were recorded.
Another six months of production brought all of this together in the album that is Mapito – a unique combination of Bongo and UK Flava. Hip Hop knows no borders.
Released by Bab Kubwa media and distributed by Nomadic Wax. All profits made from the sale of Maptio will be donated to the World Swim for Malaria Foundation.
To buy the CD click here….
To download songs from the album, click here…
For more about Bab Kubwa click here..
K’Naan Live at Joe’s Pub!
May 10, 2006 | Leave a Comment
K’NAAN LIVE AT JOE’S PUB FOR ONE LIVE NIGHT W/ SPECIAL GUEST.
MAY 17TH 11PM • SHOW TIME 11.30 SHARP! $10
SOMALIA STAND UP!
PRESENTED BY: OKAY PLAYER, MEAN RED, PRODUCTIONS, PEGGY JEAN LOUIS AND
WWW.JAMHURIWEAR.COM
WWW.THEDUSTYFOOT.COM
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/KNAANMUSIC
Flyer and Information courtesy of Sol Guy and Kimathi from Jamhuriwear – BIG up!
