Videos Below
Popularity: 2% [?]
Archive for the ‘African’ Category
Zap Mama
On August - 7 - 2009
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
On July - 30 - 2009
Lionel Loueke with Somi
On June - 11 - 2008
Angelique Kidjo and Zap Mama
On August - 13 - 2007
Angelique Kidjo and Zap Mama Videos
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Today’s concert featured Afro-pop sensation Angelique Kidjo and a group in a class by themselves, Zap Mama. The weather was warm and beautiful. The people were friendly and partying. And, the music was rhythmic and unique. We got to the concert towards the end of Angelique Kidjo’s performance. I’ve been a fan of Angelique every since I first saw her many years ago on a Public TV world music program called Mahogany. I was always impressed with her catchy rhythmic dance music. When I got up to the front of the stage there were many members of the audience, most of them kids, on stage with the band having a party. The videos give a good sense of the party atmosphere.I first saw Zap Mama on another Public TV music special called ‘Doing it A Capella’. Their musical style has changed a bit since then. When I first saw them they were an A Capella group with unique Pygmy infused vocal harmonies. They have now evolved into a musical band with varied styles that include Acid Jazz, Calypso, Zouk, and some of their original Pygmy inspired vocals. There latest CD, Supermoon
Nycsummer
Popularity: 7% [?]
Toumani Diabate Symmetric Orchestra
On July - 20 - 2007
Toumani Diabate Symmetric Orchestra Videos
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Toumani Diabate and his Symmetric Orchestra came to Brooklyn to entertain and to teach. He is describe as a Malian Kora master, and master of the Kora he is. The Kora is a 21 stringed instrument from West Africa that has the sound quality of a harp mixed with a guitar. A skilled player, like Toumani, has the ability to play the bass line while simultaneously playing the melody and improvising on the melody, much like a jazz player. While he was playing a solo I was looking around to see who else was playing. I swore more that one person was playing, but it was just him. The song he was playing was a rich, melodic, almost hypnotic piece. It was simply beautiful, you have to see the video. Overall, the music they played was rhythmic with heavy percussion. But, that’s what you would expect with music from West Africa. The band gets into it on stage. The songs go on seemingly forever. They get faster and more energetic until the big climax. The crowds at Metrotech tend to be more subdued that at other venues. Probably because of the business atmosphere around there. But, they loved it just the same. It’s hard not to move when these guys are jamming. Another great New York City Summer performance!Enjoy,
NycSummer.
Popularity: 1% [?]
