November 4-8
This Week's Music Around the World-Traditional and Contemporary Music-Suriname
Kawina Music-The Karinha Brothers-Watra ing (5:22) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCP9rLiEX9k&list=PLzh4-fo9FYTnZh2YfSxWjUvI7o1JV-vkp&index=10) Kawina music originated in Suriname at the end of the 19th century (late 1800's). It is heavily influenced by African music.
Maroon Music of Suriname (3:23) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2PD6tpHvwQ) In the 1600's and 1700's many slaves brought to South America escaped into the jungles and formed free communities finding a way to survive together. They and their descendants are known as 'Maroons' and they have a distinct Suriname music.
Gamelan in Suriname (10:43) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9CEMuNCpAs) The Dutch colonized Suriname and they also colonized Indonesia-so they brought labourers from Indonesia to Suriname centuries ago and these labourers brought their music. Thus the very Indonesian Gamelan orchestras and music remain popular in Suriname today.
Kaseko Music-Sabroso ft. Biki Poku Toppers-Kaseko Medley (4:214) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXZE2tqfxfw) Many speak Dutch in Suriname but Kaseko is a creole form of music so I believe they're singing in Sranan Tongo-and English based Creole spoken in Suriname. Kaseko is pop and folk music with an African, European and American twist from Suriname.
November 13-15
This Week's Music Around the World-Traditional and Contemporary Music-Andorra
Contrapàs (2:11) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr1FPFqPhYY) Nestled between Spain and France the tiny Principality of Andorra has many ancient traditional folk dances including the Contrapàs. There were lots of videos of this dance to choose from!
Folk Music (3:44) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHGka2htbnE&list=PLnOSH5j1sQh_7nfqNpCjCojqxOG7C8UR1&index=33) The folk music of Andorra is very Catalan in character. This is a band playing traditional music at a street festival. Excuse the firecrackers being set off-but it was the best example I could find!
Street Dancing (2:03) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1qLmJbCpM8) Here is another example of street dancing and folk music. I notice that all the versions of folk and dance are heavy in accordion and violin influence! I liked this video for the costumed dancers being joined by young people.
Persefone-Katabasis (5:13) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSlYrbibiD4) Persefone is a progressive metal band that was note on the Wiki article on Andorran music to be the best known band out of Andorra.
November 18-22
This Week's Music Around the World-Traditional and Contemporary Music-Micronesia
Stick Dancing (1:41) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nppTIzuv7Sgz) Stick Dancing is popular in the Micronesian states of Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap. This is a student organization from Pohnpei.
Chuukese Chant and Dance (0:59) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEn5iYRe7FQ) I believe this is an example of a standing dance popular in Chuuk.
Mountain Boyz-Lovely Days by Polo and Assi Ray ft. Duwa (4:38) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PkvF1jjmBo) Here is an artist from the island of Chuuk-population about 50 000.
V6 Production-Mwomwehda (5:16) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbHAARqzWK8) The population of Micronesia is only 114 000 so I found only small local artists had music videos. There was a strong reggae influence in the locally produced music.
November 25-29
This Week's Music Around the World-Traditional and Contemporary Music-Azerbaijan
The Tar (1:23) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sylDCsl0Kd4) the tar is a skin-faced lute traditionally popular in Azerbaijan and other Persian countries. Here is a phenomenal player.
The Ashiqs (1:00) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6GqkGypT20) I usually don't use small documentaries like this but it was very short and informative. Ashiqs are traditional traveling bards who play an instrument called the saz. This is a UNESCO intangible heritage art tradition.
Meykkhana (0:48) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwmEo_AfJNQ) Meykhana is a traditional folk rap tradition from Azerbaijan. It is free style poetry performed in time to a beat or rhythm.
Mugam or Mughal (2:09) (found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGBBz7BzWEQ) Mugham is the traditional folk poetry with music of Azerbaijan. Again-this small documentary was very music-heavy so I included it.