Video: Meta and The Cornerstones ft. Peetah – “Somewhere in Africa” Remix

The last video we posted by Meta and The Cornerstones was a short film that was moving and thought provoking.  The “Somewhere in Africa” remix featuring Peetah, frontman of Morgan Heritage, is more of a straightforward, feel good reggae track.  While we encourage you to jam out to it now, you should also be thinking ahead – I’m saying, it’s time to start programming your spring/summer ’11 playlists already and this song is ripe for some sunny day summertime energy.  Enjoy the video above, and for more on Meta and the Cornerstones visit their website.

OKAYAFRICA Halloween w/ Meta and Cornerstones, Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew and more!

within the land of ash

OKAYAFRICA joins with The Danger, 3rd Ward, Xango Tribe, Wolf + Lamb, and Cumba Mela to bring you WITHIN THE LAND OF ASH. This party will be an all-night, exquisitely out-of-control masquerade, featuring 13 interactive visions of “the afterlife” and over 150 artists – spread over 4 warehouses in Brooklyn. OKAYAFRICA will be curating the entire 2nd floor of 3rd Ward in Buskwick to create the Shrine stage, inspired by Fela Kuti’s “Shrine” in Nigeria. The OKA stage will host Reggie Watts, Das Racist, Meta & the Cornerstones, O’Nkosi Rhythms Wizards, Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew, Ishmael Kouyate Waraba Band (from FELA!), and the FELA! dancers. Also, sets from DJ Dhundee, OP!, Sabine, and Aqbt. Finally, expect Sierra Leonian devils and a performance by an aerialist! There will be blacklights – wear a white costume and you will glow! See you there!! Details after the jump: Read More »

Video: Meta and The Cornerstones “Cornerstone”

Music videos are great for a variety of reasons.  Some have state of the art graphics and effects, some are comedic, some have a viral element that makes them spread quickly through the internet, and others tell great stories and are thought provoking.   The video above by Meta and The Cornerstones, for the song “Cornerstone” from there album Forward Music, fits comfortably in the last category.  Senegalese lead singer Meta Dia turns in an impressive acting job in this moving tale of a young man who decides to get out of selling drugs after a very close call with the cops.  Director Toni Comas (Uoon Productions) matched the feelings delivered by the song with precision, without any special effects.  Check out more from Meta and the Cornerstones at www.metaandthecornerstones.com.  Also, keep watching for the credits, it’s cute.

Video: Meta Dia “Anywhere for Love”

This lovely little clip just showed up in my inbox, and it’s worth sharing.  Watch Meta Dia, from Meta and the Cornerstones, jam along to his song “Anywhere For Love.”  His unique Afro-reggae style, and slightly raspy vocals mixed with that acoustic guitar have me starting this Monday morning off right.

Video: Meta & The Cornerstones “Somewhere in Africa”

Meta & The Cornerstones are on the verge. Led by the never-tiring Meta Dia, who is Senegalese and sings in a mixture of French, English, Wolof and Fulani, the Cornerstones, whose members hail from parts of Africa, North America, Asia and the Middle East, carry a sound that is a literal unification of the world’s musical experience. With a classic feel-good reggae sound that also channels the smoothness of soul, the political fire of hip-hop, and the energy of Afropop, the band has carved a niche for itself, especially here in New York City where they just announced a monthly residency at the 92Y Tribeca.  The other day, National Geographic Music premiered the group’s first official video, featured above, shot in Meta’s hometown of Jaffa for the track “Somewhere in Africa.”  This colorful masterpiece gets at the heart of Meta’s music – African inspired reggae goodness.

NYC, See Konono No 1 Live All Weekend!

konono no 1

New York City, check out Congo’s own Konono No 1 live two times this weekend. They first hit on Saturday, July 17th, as part of Celebrate Brooklyn, joining Meta and the Cornerstones at Prospect Park, gates open at 2, FREE show. If you can’t make Saturday, make sure to catch them this Sunday, July 18th at Le Poisson Rouge for a much more intimate vibe. Doors open at 7pm, and it’s 18+. Combining unique sounds of electronica, world, afrobeat and avant-rock, Konono No 1′s high energy performance is definitely something you don’t want to miss. Follow me after the jump for Konono No 1 featuring Baloji in their video Karibu ya Bintou. Read More »