negrita's chronicles: storytellers

Showing posts with label storytellers. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

video: 'matatizo' by just a band

incredibly powerful video from just a band.

'matatizo' is the first video from the group's sorry for the delay and it's dedicated to the memory of issa juma, the composer of the song, and 'all the kenyans who have their hears and bodies so their children could be free'. via their youtube page, the band urges all to read more about the story behind the video: 'we lived to tell - the nyayao house story'.

Friday, March 6, 2009

inspired: celebrating africa

one of the loveliest discoveries i've made in a while: Celebrate Africa!

the project was started by two sisters, Chioma and Oluchi Ogwuegbu:

having had enough of 'images of starving children, stories of corrupt politicians, famines, etc,' they decided to embark on a road trip around africa in an attempt to 'celebrate all that is beautiful on the continent from her peoples to her cultures, languages and religions.'

their mission is to: 'contribute to changing the negative image of Africa and encourage Africans and the world to begin to see the beauty in the continent [and to] promote a sense of identity and unity for Africa’s people.'

a noble mission indeed. rather than complain about the lack of positive images of africa in the media, these women are actually doing something about changing these images. about shedding light on the positive aspects of this struggling continent. in addition, they're giving back to the countries that host them throughout this journey.

they now intend to visit 22 countries in Africa, by road, over the period of 15 months. they intend to volunteer for non-profit organizations in each country, and will film their journey along the way.

you can follow their blog on their site and check out the photos, as well.

this is something i've always wanted to do, but never had the courage.
for those who have never been to the continent, this is a beautiful introduction. for those of us who live here, it is a brilliant reminder.

all images (c) Chioma Young 2008

Currently listening:
The Dusty Foot Philosopher
By: K'naan
Release date: 2005-06-23

Friday, February 6, 2009

soul food: afropolitana: k'naan--'waving flag' and 'somalia (live)'

a glimpse into the forthcoming album from K'naan: Troubador

'waving flag'

when i get older

i will be stronger

they'll call me freedom

just like a waving flag.

a melodious tapestry of tragedy and hope encapsulated in a such simple refrain.

'somalia--live'

so what you know about the pirates terrorize the ocean

to a never know a simple day without a big commotion

it can't be healthy just to live with such a steep emotion

and when i try to sleep...i see coffins closing.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

soul food: the afropolitan Grammy edition

there's nothing i love more than the discovery of a new artist who brings with them a much needed cleansing breath of fresh air. and in the face of the epidemic that is the re-birth of the vocoder (somewhere Roger Troutum is like, 'um, HELLO? REMEMBER ME???), fresh air is exactly what is required. ok, wait. i lied. there is something i love more, and that is the discovery of a new [or new to me] afropolitan artist.

when the Grammy nominations were announced last week, not one, but TWO Afropolitans were nominated in the category of Best Urban/Alternative Performance: Ethiopian-born artists, Kenna and Wayna.

i've been waxing poetic about Kenna since i first heard his 2003 album 'The Sacred Cow', which floored me with it's totally and completely blatant non-categorizationability. his very N.E.R.D infused sound was the definition of thinking outside the box and i began singing his praises far and wide to any and all that would listen.

with his next album, 'Make Sure They See My Face' (2007), he finally started to get the recognition he deserved. the tracks i cannot get enough of are 'Hell Bent', 'Free Time', and 'Say Goodbye to Love'.

and for about two weeks now, i have been captivated by the pure light that is singer/songwriter Wayna. Her rendition of Minnie Ripperton's 'Loving You' is captivating and the comparison to all the soul queens--both past and present--is inevitable.

i personally find her sound too unique to start comparing her to anyone. she's a storyteller who effortlessly combines classic soul, jazz, funk, blues, and hip hop and the result is incomparable. here are three of my favorite tracks from Higher Ground:

Daydream