February 2-6
This Week's Music Around the World-Traditional and Contemporary Music-Palau
Palau Performance-Women's Dance and Song (2:32) (edited from film found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPcGB-6yoQk) This is a traditional performance taken at a festival in Hawaii in 2024.
Palau Performance-Men's Dance and Song (3:08) (edited from film found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPcGB-6yoQk). As above this is a traditional performance given in Hawaii in 2024.
Kesol-Ka Dim Kengai (4:47) (Found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spglNJgQpSA&list=PLq97gWBJ2Bg4oAopa3ZgDNc5STTwAlHgg) This is a popular song from Palau from 2017. They keep giving the thumb and finger wave that is common throughout Polynesia and Micronesia-the Shaka. It originated in Hawaii and means friendliness, respect, compassion, solidarity and a laid back attitude.
Wynona-Sel Kikong (1:18) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8Py5e5fun4&list=PLE9Ogi8d64OC9xxeA4RghAY0KKu58nf4w&index=22) Wynona's songs feature on many Palauan playlists. I found this one with a bit of video showing Palau. Professional grade music videos or scarce. Most music is on playlists with just a picture. Palau's population is only around 18 000.
February 9-13
This Week's Music Around the World-Traditional and Contemporary Music-Sudan
Waza Trumpet (2:14) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjFiWHT-Hds) I don't usually put in items like this news item, but this is a fascinating musical tradition. The al Waza or Waza trumpet from the Blue Nile Region of Sudan is an elaborate wooden gourd trumpet.
Aghani al-banat (2:16) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAd0cpGIDlk) Ahgani al-banat translates to 'girls' song'. This is a loved form of music in Sudan practiced by the women for celebrations and special occasions. The music moves around the dalooka drum but there are also African water drums in this video.
Sharhabil Ahmed and Son (12:16) (edited from video found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0q24DhuDXI&list=RDi0q24DhuDXI&start_radio=1) Sharhabil Ahmed is a Sudanese musician who is known as the King of Sudanese Jazz. He has been hugely influential. This is a clip from TedX where he plays with his son.
TooDope-Shaggi Majnoon (3:30 ) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSC9cZwwPng&list=PL2IWU95B3kIu8Al5GgBn51PRf9O3j-uPw&index=3) TooDope is a popular hip hop artist today in Sudan. This song has themes of rebellion, street credibility and raw individuality.
February 16-20
This Week's Music Around the World-Traditional and Contemporary Music-Niger
Hauka Music (5:01) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUP819bDOBA&list=RDNUP819bDOBA&start_radio=1) Hauka music which is one type of Hausa music is the rhythmic music of Niger. This is the group Lingo Seini performing.
Mamar Kassey-8-Live 2008 (6:31) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKu1psiSz_A&list=RDnKu1psiSz_A&start_radio=1) Mamar Kassey is a well known band from Niger formed around singer/flautist Yacouba Moumouni.
Tal National-Madawaila (7:24) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VbD8Z7eK6I&list=RD6VbD8Z7eK6I&start_radio=1) Tal National is a popular band from Niger that fuses Hausa, Songhai, Tuareg, Afrobeat, funk and rock. Here they perform live on a non-profit radio station in Seattle.
Mdou Moctar-Imouhar (4:10) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0hxuCf8z6k&list=RDR0hxuCf8z6k&start_radio=1) Probably the best internationally known artist from Niger, Moctar is often referred to as the "Hendrix of the Sahara" due to his highly skilled guitar playing. Here he set up his gear with generators and performed to the enthusiastic students of a school built for nomadic children in Agadez, Niger.
February 23-27
This Week's Music Around the World-Traditional and Contemporary Music-Monaco
Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestre-Dvořák Cello O. 104 (41:01) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khatbX3YTXQ&list=RDkhatbX3YTXQ&start_radio=1) The Philharmonic was founded in 1863 and is described as prominent in the classical music world. Orchestral music is popular in Monte Carlo.
Little Singers of Monaco-Live in Philippines-Serve Bone et Fidelis (11:52) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqjT2qLfU3Q&list=RDYqjT2qLfU3Q&start_radio=1) An internationally renowned choir from Monaco.
Séverine-Un banc, un arbre, une rue (2:58) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1tSXCssXcQ&list=RDW1tSXCssXcQ&start_radio=1) 1971 Eurovision winner from Monaco and as I saw online still a much loved song from this singer from Monaco.
Léo Ferré-Avec le temps (4:24) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH7dG0qyzyg&list=RDZH7dG0qyzyg&start_radio=1). A legendary poet, composer and performer from Monaco Ferré had over 40 albums in the 60's and 70's. Here is an iconic song about aging and memory loss. I can't remember any more.