Artist Profiles: Papa Wemba
Papa Wemba was born Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba in Kazai, in the former Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). From humble village beginnings in…
Vancouver Folk Music Festival This Weekend
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is taking place this weekend, July 15-17, 2016 at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver, British Columbia. The festival schedule reflects…
Artist Profiles: Njacko Backo
Njacko Backo is a percussionist and singer. He was born in 1958 in the hillside village of Bazu, Cameroon. After studying under his village elders…
I’ve Grown Accustomed To Your Face
Listening to Spotify shuffle Cassandra Wilson songs, I stumbled upon a song that I believe spoke to me in a political way: “I’ve Grown Accustomed To His…
Artist Profiles: Manu Dibango
Emmanuel Dibango N’Djoké was born on December 12 of 1933 in Duala, Cameroon. Manu Dibango arrived to Europe as a young student. With his extraordinary…
Artist Profiles: Blick Bassy
Born in 1974, singer, songwriter, guitarist and percussionist Blick Bassy grew up with 20 siblings in Cameroon’s capital Yaunde, a city where people from all…
Artist Profiles: Drummers of Burundi
The spectacular rhythms of The Drummers of Burundi have been cited as inspirational to rock and folk musicians The Clash, Echo & The Bunnymen, Joni…
Artist Profiles: Alif Naaba
Alif Naaba has been steeped in the musical traditions of Burkina Faso, West Africa. His Afropop style combines pulsating polyrhythmic percussion, kora textures, and funky…
World Music Showcase from Montreal International Jazz Festival 2016!
The Montreal International Jazz Festival, now in its 37th edition, is regarded as the world’s largest jazz festival. The music lineup includes ambassadors of jazz…
Flamenco Visionary, El Lebrijano, Dies at 75
One of Spain’s legendary flamenco singers and trendsetters, El Lebrijano passed away in Sevilla on July 13, 2016. Juan Peña Fernández, “El Lebrijano” was born…