I’ve been following Cut Chemist ever since I saw him do the unimaginable on two turntables years ago. Since then he’s worked with countless artists and done remixes for some of hip hop’s most notable acts. This new project, however, is inspired by his 2009 concert with Ethiopian music legend Mulatu Astatke. In case you are unfamiliar, check out OKA’s in-depth interview with the legend here. This new CC track, properly titled “Adidas to Addis,” is a cut off his upcoming album. Check it out!
The name Mujava probably doesn’t sound familiar unless you follow South African Kwaito music. But as of late, Mujava has been poppin’ up on various blogs and sites due to his recent collabos and remixes. This M.I.A. remix is his latest. To me it’s way better than the original, but judge for yourself. Also, for more Mujava, check out my upcoming Passport to Global Sound show on South Africa.
M.I.A. – XXXO (DJ Mujava and DJ Qness Remix) by Hypetrak
K-16, otherwise known as Mouth MC, is back with a new mixtape . If you’re not up on K-16, he’s an old school Nigerian rapper that made his first appearance with a group called Emphasis. Their 1991 release “Which One You Dey” was a break from traditional Nigerian rap at the time, but was nonetheless widely embraced in the streets of Nigeria.
After moving to London and a long hiatus from music, K-16 has dropped a new mixtape called Tribute to the South in anticipation of his new album Oya set to come out later this year. Why “Mouth of the South”? K-16 says he’s inspired by Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. The mixtape has few traces of either, but is still worth the listen.
Download: K-16 – Tribute to the South Mixtape
Modenine has been buzzing within the Nigerian hip hop scene for quite some time now. Some might remember the mixtape he put out last year over some DJ Premier beats (Modenine Over Premo, see link below). His newest video, “Rhyme Tight,” is a track off his Da Vinci Mode album. The track takes the classic Biggie line and flips it into a hook. Check the video above and the link to his mixtape below.
Download: Modenine – Modenine Over Premo
Even though I couldn’t make the games in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth I still made a point to get into the World Cup spirit. I figured what better way to do so than play some music from one of my favorite South African artists, Brown Dash.
For those who aren’t familiar, Dash is known for his Kwaito style of music (South African mix of house, hip hop and R&B). The track above is called “Back to Kasi”, and has a classic mid-90s Kwaito sound. It’s off Dash’s 2008 album with the same title. Enjoy.
With the “Black Stars” one kick away from becoming the first African team to reach a semifinal in the World Cup, we were all heartbroken when Ghana lost to Uruguay. But Ghana’s momentum going into their final game generated a tremendous response, including this Ghana Anthem by Blitz the Ambassador entitled “Ye da mo ase” (Black Stars).
Blitz, as usual, does the track justice and reminds us that although the Bafana Bafana lost, Africa came together as a continent to support Ghana. Above is the video with soccer footage as well as the reaction of the infamous shot.
Soccer isn’t the only thing that’s benefiting from all of the media coverage coming out of South Africa this month as millions of viewers worldwide have also been exposed to some to some of Africa’s most talented musicians — especially those who were featured in the kick-off concert. Among the artists included in this category are the likes of Angelique Kidjo, Amadou & Mariam and Vieux Farka Touré to name a few. Read More
Dancer Jeffrey Page makes moves for Africa
Who is Jeffrey Page? While the name might not sound familiar, in the professional dance world Jeffrey Page is one of the most sought out stars. His resume includes work with Beyonce, Cirque de Soleil, Fatima Robinson, Debbie Allen, Bill T. Jones and the FOX reality series So You Think You Can Dance. More recently, many will recognize Jeffrey’s talents from the Tony Award winning Broadway musical FELA! While the accolades are great, Jeffrey has a true passion and specialization in West African dance. He stresses authenticity in his choreography stating, “this will not be Hollywood Africa” when referring to his work on So You Think You Can Dance. Jeffrey will soon be traveling to Mali for a project celebrating one of the greatest dancers of all time, the legendary James Brown. Additionally, you can catch him on the FELA! World Tour in Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt. If you haven’t seen FELA! on Broadway check it out and familiarize yourself with the talent of Jeffrey Page - check the above video for a taste.