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As we continue our journey to Manchester, Musical Road to Womex takes an uptempo detour to the Caribbean, diving into the vibrant reggae rhythms that pulse through the islands. This time, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on one of the most influential voices in contemporary Jamaican music: Kabaka Pyramid. Kabaka is a pioneering artist, reshaping the sound of reggae by blending its rich heritage with fresh, innovative elements while staying true to its roots. After a standout performance with […]...
Six years have passed since afrobeat torchbearer Seun Kuti released the grammy nominated Black Times with his band Egypt 80. In the interim he’s collaborated with Janelle Monáe on her album The Age of Pleasure and teamed up with TalibKweli and MadLib for the album Liberation 2. As an activist he was on the ground during the #EndSARS movement against police brutality in Nigeria and has also revived his late father’s political party the Movement of the People (M.O.P.) quashed by the military government […]...
The first time we encountered them, last October in Setúbal during EXIB Música, it was nothing short of a revelation. They swept into Mercado do Livramento, the historic indoor market at the heart of the Portuguese city, and instantly transformed the hall into a vibrant stage. As they weaved through the buzzing stalls, harmonising with the cheese, meat, fruit, and vegetable vendors, local shoppers stood in awe. Their infectious rhythmic energy immediately took over the entire space. From the very […]...
Armed with their trusty Tsugaru shamisen—a three-stringed Japanese lute once favoured by blind musicians in ancient Japan—Mitsune crafts a unique blend of storytelling, folklore, and raw emotion, all delivered with wild vocals and infectious beats. Since forming in 2018, this Berlin-based band has been traveling the world, performing at everything from folk festivals to techno stages, and even opening for Hiatus Kaiyote. With members from Japan, Australia, Germany, and Greece, Mitsune fuses traditional Japanese folk music with elements of jazz, […]...
Moonchild Sanelly burst onto the UK scene this summer with her booty-shaking rave of a show that featured big beats, catchy hooks, and some spectacular voguing from her DJ accomplice. Hailing from Durban and determined “never to go back,” the artist’s own brand of what she calls ‘Future Ghetto Funk’ combines housey electronica with alt-pop vocals covering everything from female empowerment to breakfast food. She’s playful, powerful, and provocative, and her energy is infectious. A show-stopping performance at WOMAD saw […]...
Mix: Mukambo’s Brazil Beyond Samba
Mashup of Brazilian Grooves Vol. 5
Mix: Un Weekend à Matongé
Hommage to Golden Age of Congolese music
LATEST POSTS
Musical Road to Womex 2024 – Cerys Hafana
Photo by Heledd Wyn
Event Preview: Shambala Festival (Northamptonshire; Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th August 2024)
Words by Ursula Billington
JZ:RF: Nicola Conte
Photo by Mariagrazia Giove
