artist - afrocultureblog.com

Marvin, the most versatile and popular Zouk Artist

10 Juillet 2022 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #marvinzouk, #music, #artist, #ENG, #carosika, #zouklovelondon

We were delighted to meet Marvin, an accomplished artist who incidentally grew a passion for Zouk music, a hugely popular Caribbean sound from Guadeloupe and Martinique, for close to two decades now and made it his own. Over his 16 years career span, he had the opportunity to tour the world and collaborate with many international artists such as Priscilla, Phylissia Ross from Haiti and Yasmine from Portugal. If you have ever listened or danced to Zouk music, then you are familiar with Marvin's music. That's how popular he is.

However, it's with great humility and simplicity that he converses in the lobby of his hotel in Farringdon on Sunday 2nd July whilst talking to two Caribbean bloggers asking him a wide range of questions on Zouk music. His manager is equally as humble. That night, Marvin will be performing at a Zouk Love event in a nearby venue called The Piano Works amongst the London Caribbean community. It's a huge night for the London Caribbean community since it is the first time in over 10 years that Marvin will perform in London and he is eager to reconnect with his fanbase and public over here.

Marvin has got a very interesting background. It was really interesting for us to discover that he actually is of mixed heritage, his dad being Ivorian and his mother from Brittany, France; which means that unlike most Zouk artists, he is not of Caribbean descent. Yet, from the day Marvin toured for the very first time in the French West Indies in 2006, he was warmly welcome and his music appreciated by all. His first album was called "Corps et Âme" which means Body and Soul. Followed 4 albums and hits, one of the most recent being 'Je serais là', in 2018 with Yasmine. Click below to watch the clip.

However, for the last couple of years, Marvin took some time out during the lockdown, spending time with his loved ones and recharging for what is to come. In 2022, Marvin resumed touring and is back in the studio working on some fresh sounds and diverse collaborations. From the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Sea across to the Atlantic and the Channel for those of us in the UK, Marvin tirelessly shares his passion of music, gives love and receive it from his fanbase all over the world.

So without further ado, make sure to check Marvin's music on all different platforms.

MARVIN - Je veux te...

Nouvelle sortie le 20 août 2021

https://bfan.link/Je-veux-te-

Marvin was interviewed by Caro Sika, our cultural mediator.

Joyful Noise Productions are taking us into a festive and unforgettable 2022 celebrating African Music

13 Décembre 2021 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #music, #ENG, #artist, #events, #UK

5 shows in the first 3 months of 2022 - sounds promising, doesn't it?

Continue to read on to find out more about the artists and to book your tickets.

The Yoruba Women Choir will be at the Jazz Cafe on 7th January 2021

Described as Africa’s greatest vocal ensemble and renowned as one of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports, The Yoruba Women Choir always delivers a spectacular show bursting with passion and astounding power. Boasting eleven joyful singers who together create exquisite harmonies, the group is also backed by a six piece band playing traditional Yoruba rhythms and melodies that will keep you dancing all night long.

Yoruba Music was highly influential in the development of Afrobeat, Highlife and Afro-Cuban styles, making this an unmissable show for fans of Fela Kuti, Ebo Taylor or Buena Vista Social Club. Click below to book your ticket and get a feel of who they are.

The Yoruba Women Choir - The Jazz Cafe

This show is a rescheduled show. All tickets from the previous date remain valid. Described as Africa's greatest vocal ensemble and renowned as one of Nigeria's biggest musical exports, The Yoruba ...

https://thejazzcafelondon.com/event/the-yoruba-women-choir/

Joyful Noise presents The Yoruba Women Choir on Sat 26 May 2018

Africa's greatest choir THE YORUBA WOMEN CHOIR live on Saturday 26 May in Brewhouse Arts Centre Taunton TA1 1JL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6ZTYf7v33s

Afrocentrics will be a the Richmix on 25th January 2022, more info to come in the New Year.

The Hi-Life orchestra will be at the Richmix on Tuesday 22nd February 2022, more info to come in the New Year.

Osibisa will be at the RichMix on Tuesday 15th March 2022, more info to come in the New Year.

Horns Unlimited will be at the RichMix on Wednesday 23rd March 2022, more info to come in the New Year.

Stay connected for more.

South African singer songwriter Nomfusi releases her single “IQAQA”on 25th June 2021

19 Juin 2021 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #music, #nomfusi, #artist

IQAQA is the first single from Nomfusi’s forthcoming album which will be released later in August 2021. It is a song about a love relationship. The Xhosa idiom “Iqaqa aliziva kunuka” means “the skunk does not smell itself” which refers to the fact that people often are unable to recognize their own faults. The song highlights this in a playful way. IQAQA is driven by danceable Afro Pop sounds with a strong vocal performance, melodic guitar riffs and groovy drums. Nomfusi ́s songs are mostly inspired by stories from her life.
IQAQA was written during an European tour in the mountains of Austria, when she was going through an argument and conflict with her partner. Away from her relationship frustration, she created a fictional story line of a woman leaving her relationship because of a man being too much of “Iqaqa". Also Nomfusi loves using Xhosa clicks as much as possible in her writing as part of preserving the Xhosa language.
Together with the single release, here is the official music video for IQAQA, which was shot in Brixton, a historically rich district in the heart of Johannesburg and at the legendary Roving Bantu venue. A social media campaign is also launched with IQAQA dance challenges, as well as IQAQA merchandise range and radio promotion in South Africa and Germany. The song was recorded in Johannesburg within the album recording process.

Click below to save or buy IQAQA by Nomfusi.

IQAQA (Trend Mix) by Nomfusi

Choose your preferred music service

https://orcd.co/iqaqa-trendmix

Fuse ODG, a Pan-African Artist and Philanthropist

19 Mai 2021 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #fuseodg, #music, #artist, #ghana, #carosika, #ENG, #uk

Photo Source: Web

Fuse ODG, born Nana Richard Abiona on 2nd December 1988, is a Ghanian Afrobeats rapper, singer and songwriter born in Tooting, London. He is a two-time winner of the Best African Act at the MOBO Awards and came to international fame with his 2012 single 'Antenna'. Working with the likes of Wyclef Jean, Sean Paul and Ed Sheeran, FUSE ODG brought Afrobeats to the general public.

Fuse ODG was raised in Ghana and returned to South London to complete his secondary school. In 2011, a trip back to his homeland started off his musical career. He released a string of Afrobeats singles that melded old African highlife rhythms with western rap and R&B melodies and came to fame with his song 'Antenna' in 2012. His chosen stage name "Fuse" comes from his fusion of musical styles, as he is known for his unusual combination of genres such as Afro-pop, hip-hop, R&B, funk and rock, whilst "ODG" stands for 'Off Da Ground'.

At 30 years old, FUSE ODG released his second album, New Africa Nation, which encompassed a more ambitious project: building schools to enable children in rural areas in Ghana and Jamaica to access quality education. Besides, his movement TINA 'This is New Africa' (which is also the name of his first album) is all about changing how Africa is perceived internationally. His take is:

"If you are from Africa, your mission should be loving yourself and developing a love for where you are from."

Watch Antenna, FUSE ODG single, that shot him to fame.

Understandably, FUSE ODG has been instrumental in promoting 'the Year of Return', a 2019 initiative of the Ghanaian government, along with the U.S. based Adinkra Group, that is intended to encourage African diasporans to come to Africa (specifically Ghana) to settle and invest in the continent. In support of the year of Return Campaign, he launched Nana Dolls in December 2018, a black doll line for young African girls on the continent. In his announcement, the singer stated that the doll line was an important addition to the cultural representation of the true African girl. He went on to address the problem Africa is facing as Black dolls in Africa only represent 1% of the market. 99% of the toys being sold in Africa are white dolls which condition children to believe that being white is better. His contributions were recognised the same year at The African Diaspora Awards, which celebrates the accomplishments of exemplary individuals from the African Diaspora who excel in various spheres of life, as well as individuals in society working towards the advancement of Africans in the Diaspora and Africa as a whole.

FUSE ODG has now embarked on the new mission of building a high school in Akosombo, Ghana and refurbishing a secondary school in Jamaica with Reggae artist Chronixx, fitness entrepreneur Chakabars and artist Donisha (who also happens to be Bob Marley's granddaughter). Students will be equipped with various vocational skills to find work, upon graduation, in industries such as construction, or health and beauty for instance.

For more info, watch one of his latest interview below:

Our cultural mediator, Caro Sika, got a selfie snapshot with FUSE ODG at the latest Black Magic Awards.

Legendary Soul Singer Omar

21 Avril 2021 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #music, #artist, #omar, #2021, #carosika, #interview, #ENG, #uk

Photo Source: Web

Omar Christopher Lye-Fook, known professionally as Omar, is an internationally acclaimed and exceptional soul singer, songwriter and musician, who has been praised by the likes of Maxwell, Erykah Badu and Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder actually wrote him a song which they recorded together as a duet 15 years later.

Omar was born on 14th October 1968 in London. His father, Byron Lye-Fook was a studio musician and drummer who worked with reggae legends Bob Marley and Horace Andy, as well as the Rolling Stones. At age five, Omar was already learning how to play the drums. During his school years, he completed formal training in piano, trumpet/coronet, and other percussion instruments. He also spent two years at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, and the Guildhall School of Music in London. Recording for his father's Kongo label, Omar debuted in 1985 with the single "Mr. Postman" at age 16. He shot to fame in 1991 with his single "There’s Nothing Like This". It reached number 14 in the UK Singles Chart.

In the 1990s, He recorded the albums There's Nothig Like This, Music, For Pleasure and This is Not a Love Song in and towards the end of that decade moved on to major-label RCA. When he parted ways with the label, Omar constructed his own studio and established the record label Blunt Music. He released Sing (If you want it) in 2006. Omar received the Best Neo-soul Act and Outstanding Achievement Awards at the Urban Music Awards, which acknowledges urban music artists around the globe. He was also appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2012. The next year, he released The Man and in 2017 Love In Beats on the Freestyle label, which took three years to make with the collaboration of his baby brother, known professionaly as Scratch Professor (aka Roland). Roland is a Grammy Winning producer, remixer and DJ.

Omar's voice is extra soulful and distinctive although he hated the sound of his voice when he first started performing. He is now described by some as the father of British Neo soul. However, Omar knows no musical boundaries.His influences are wide and varied, including ragga, hip-hop, funk, jazz-pop, rock, and Latin/Caribbean music.

More recently, before the pandemic, Omar was awarded the Music Honour at the Black Magic Awards 2019 at the Criterion Theatre in the heart of London.

Watch his interview and his word of advice for upcoming artists.

The EP "A Guy Like Me" by Tanzanian artist Tofa Jaxx

9 Avril 2021 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #music, #tofajaxx, #artist, #ENG, #tanzania

NEW ALBUM RELEASE The EP "A Guy Like Me" by Tanzanian artist Tofa Jaxx

"A Guy Like Me" brings together Tofa Jaxx's first songs, which he wrote between 2016 and 2017. It was the time when he decided to completely dedicate his life to music. In the four songs, Tofa experiments with his extraordinary smokey voice and combines it with a sense of Neo soul harmonies and emotional soul-vocals. The lyrics of the songs are all about a young man from Tanzania, who is burning to set off to new shores.

2021 is going to be an interesting year for the young songwriter. Over the last month, he has been working tirelessly on new music.
UMENIKAA was just released a couple of weeks ago. More songs are already lined up and he is working on his first international album which is planned to come out later this year.
With his music, Tofa Jaxx is daring a different path from the Tanzanian norm, away from Bongo Flava and other mainstream sounds.

Here is one of our favorite EP track just released : I WANT YOU

You want so support African artists and African music, check out #soulidarity.

Beverley Knight - Powerful and Beautiful

20 Mars 2021 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #beverleyknight, #awards, #music, #artist, #interview, #carosika, #ENG, #uk

In this edition of 'Black Legacy', we will be presenting the charming and powerful singer, Beverley Knight.

Beverley Knight is an English recording artist and musical theatre actress who released her first album The B-Funk in 1995. Heavily influenced by American soul music icons such as Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin, Beverley Knight has released eight studio albums. Widely labelled as one of Britain's greatest soul singers, she is best known for her hit singles "Greatest Day", "Get Up", "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" and "Come as You Are".

After more than a decade in the music industry, she was appointed a MBE in 2006 in recognition of her contribution to British music. In September 2005, Knight was made an honorary Doctor of Music by the University of Wolverhampton. After receiving a host of awards, including three MOBO Awards Beverley Knight was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 at the Urban Music Award in London.Beverley Knight supported Prince during his residency at the O2 Arena and also performed at the concert after parties. As a result of this, she was flown to perform at his Oscars party in front of A-list stars and received a standing ovation from stars such as Quincy Jones.

In 2019, Knight celebrated 25 years in music with the release of the live album BK25.

Click on the video below to see Beverley Knight's interview by our cultural mediator Caro Sika at the Black Magic Awards Ceremony in London at the Criterion Theatre, as she received her Music Honour.

FLAVIA COELHO DNA TOUR

18 Février 2020 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #music, #artist, #2020, #flaviacoelho, #ENG, #brazil

DNA Tour : JAZZ CAFE / LONDON Feb 20

WHO'S FLAVIA COELHO ?

Coelho has an effortless, relaxed style that almost disguises her skill at easing between the slinky melodies and bursts of rapid-fire hip-hop – The Guardian

Flavia has traveled all over the world. From the morros of Rio de Janeiro to the paved streets of Paris. The nomad is at home where she feels welcomed, and her music is made of this alchemy. It is immaterial, a cosmic vibration that moves in the air: from hot flashes of heat to icy breezes, it resonates at all latitudes. Flavia knows that too. Her singing has rang from raids to bus shelters, from café-concerts to the world's biggest festivals.

Flavia Coelho - Billy Django (Official Video)

Taken from her album "DNA", order now : https://FlaviaCoelho.lnk.to/AlbumDNAID 🎬 - Video credits Choreography : Fabio Aragão Choreography assistant : Mélodie...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDgmwlSDdUo

Welcome to Flavia Coelho's official website.

"I've never felt better in my life," she says with her irresistible smile. Flavia Coelho is living her best days, both personal and artistic. This is reflected in her fourth album, DNA. A title as ...

https://www.flaviacoelhomusic.com

NEW ALBUM RELEASE NEMO BY KADIALY KOUYATE

12 Février 2020 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #music, #artist, #2020, #kora, #ENG, #kadialykouyate, #senegal, #africa

ALBUM RELEASE 17th April 2020

The name of the new album of Kadialy Kouyate "NEMO" means blessings. It's message is that it is the human values that bring prosperity to any country or place.

"This album is a combination of songs that define, in my opinion, the blessings︎ and sustenance back home" says Kadialy Kouyate.

Kadialy Kouyate is a musician, a singer songwriter inspired by the West African Griot repertoire. Born into the great line of Kouyate Griot in Southern Senegal, Kadialy︎’s mesmerising Kora playing and singing style have been appreciated in many prestigious venues as both a soloist and in different ensembles.

Jim Palmer is an English songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist based in Buckinghamshire UK.

Credit: all songs written & performed by Kadialy Kouyate and produced by Jim Palmer

For more info please visit the website or email your enquiries to kouyatekadialy@yahoo.fr

KADIALY KOUYATE

https://kouyatekadialy.com/

Kalakuta Republik: A place where freedom lives on !!

1 Juin 2019 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #carosika, #art, #artist, #2019, #kalakutarepublik, #ENG, #burkinafaso, #uk

Part 1 "Without a story, we would go mad"

Provoking and non-conformist, Serge Aimé Coulibaly is transporting us in a world where Fela Kuti, the revolutionary icon that inspired the piece Kalakuta Republik, is displayed in 3D through his musical greatness, his murky and superstitious genius, his enduring creativity pushing off boundaries and his unwavering defiance. Kalakuta Republik offers no escape to facing the crude realities of revolutionary acts : the sublime and the chaos.

Part 1 " Without a story we would go mad" peaks away from codes, from what is predictable into continuous individual movements that take us into a disjointed trance. The dancers are dressed in black and white as if presenting a manichaean view and isolated experience of the world. Yet Serge Coulibaly through his appearances on stage becomes a conductor who connects with the dancers.

Part 2 "You always need a poet"

In Part 2 « You always need a poet », we are firstly confronted with moral decadence and the absurd. Sexual depravity, drugs, madness punctuate the sounds of jazz-infused Afrobeat. One dancer is hurt, heavyloaded while others are intoxicated, used, hurt, abused. The colours remind us of Fela Kuti’s Shrine which was both a temple and a night club. Yet, the poignant and enduring message of hope and political resistance clearly resonates throughout the piece.

The dancers keep on marching, clenched-fists in the air. And the fight goes on !!!

Kalakuta Republik will show one more night at the Barbican on 1st June and at the Edinburgh International Festival from 8th to 11th August 2019. See links below to book your tickets now.

Kalakuta Republik | Barbican

Dizzying movement, revolutionary ideas and the sounds of jazz-infused Afrobeat recreate the Kalakuta Republik, Fela Kuti's communal compound in Lagos.

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2019/event/serge-aime-coulibaly-kalakuta-republik

Kalakuta Republik | Edinburgh International Festival

A dizzying fusion of dance, music and revolution, inspired by the supercharged music and scandalous life of Fela Kuti from Faso Danse Théâtre. 8-11 August 2019.

https://www.eif.co.uk/whats-on/2019/kalakuta