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-Sierra Leone
Maringa or Palmwine Music (2:47) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WQmNtSyHy0) Palmwine is popular across West Africa. In Sierra Leone they call it maringa. It was developed by the Kru people of Liberia and Sierra Leone who used Portuguese guitars brought by sailors. It combines local melodies and rhythms with calypso. This woman can play a guitar!
Sorie Kondi-Without Money, No Family (5:07) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhxXgX-wA-w&list=PLznGl36cea4uiItx50VJiyCc3tZlnjiJz&index=10) Born blind in the Sierra Leone village of Mangiloko, Sorie took the name 'Kondi' as that is what the lamellophone he learned to play is called in his country. He is an influential and inspirational musician.
Gumbe Dance/Rhythm (0:39) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7euRJMFeD0) Gumbe is a popular form or rhythm and dance done with drums from the Creole culture in West Africa. This was labelled Nijah's Solo on Youtube and we see an excellent example of the dance and rhythm with a young person!
Salone Cool J-Prove Them Wrong Ft. Innocent Kuti (4:53) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnKkYHmcjKs&list=RDtnKkYHmcjKs&start_radio=1) Salone Cool J or Cool J is a very popular hip hop artist in Sierra Leone.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.