This time no theme, just another Music Break for your weekend! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLseDnIPw8h8KFi_a-MymUblhuSb1uS0CG Weekend Music Break No.108 1) This week starts out with Morocco via Bronx rapper French Montana's approach to the current Afropop zeitgeist in the USA, and obligatory accompanying video shot in Africa... a trip surely inspired by Ugandan youth's propensity towards "viral dance videos," Nice, but what's up with that ending French!? 2) Awesome Tapes From Africa recently reissued the hit 1980s album from South African Bubblegum artist Umoja. Here is the original video for the hit double platinum song "707." 3) Up next J Hus, the catchy-hook-laden UK street rapper of Gambian origin, releases the long awaited first single from his forthcoming major label debut. 4) Fellow UK Afrobeats artists, Omo Frenchie, Kwamz, Flava, Sona, Selimax and GB team up for an Africa Is a Country all star lineup. The results are hypnotically spectacular. 5) Then, we head to Nigeria, with Burna Boy, and the visuals for his new single "Hallelujah." 6) That is followed by another standout performance from Nigerian artist YCEE, "Juice," featuring production by super producer Maleek Berry. 7) We love anything that brings together the Americas with Africa. So, Sean Tizzle, and his salsa-afropop hybrid "Latin Lover" takes us to Central America and the Caribbean. 8) Heading a bit South from there to the Pacific Coast border of Ecuador and Colombia, Rio Mira play "Román, Román" live at the Petronio Alvarez festival in Cali. 9) Cuban Hip Hop is getting a lot of attention these days. Last week saw the release of the Afro Razones album. This week, we have Cuban Hip Hopper La Dame Blanche showing us a bit of her recent trip to SXSW in Austin, Texas. (Side note, it's amazing for me to hear the connections between traditional Pacific coast Afro-American music and the Cuban melodies in La Dame Blanche's flow.) 10) Finally, we have to pay homage to the cradle of contemporary global pop music, Jamaica, with Alkaline and his new single "After All." Have a very happy weekend!

Paris, even though I've never lived there, has perhaps been more important in my formation as a DJ than any other city (ok maybe New York is tied). Its diverse immigrant communities have created a rich cultural mix, the impact of which has spread across the globe. For example, without France's African communities, the global Afropop (Afrobeats) industry from Lagos to Johannesburg wouldn't have the reach or aesthetic it touts today. Standing on the front lines of the global battle against European supremacy, and redefining what belonging means in the global North in general, I believe we all owe France's immigrant communities a deep debt. This playlist is dedicated to all my French immigrant whatever generation brothers and sisters living up and down the country. My thoughts and heart are with you this weekend.

We're returning to the older format of Weekend Music Break (a series of embeds rather than a playlist) for this very special guest selection from proud Sudanese-American Ahmed "Sinkane" Gallab. We reached out to Ahmed to give us a selection of tunes from his parents' homeland, one of the seven countries on US President Donald Trump's visa ban list. It's been a trying couple weeks for our global community, particularly for those of us who understand (and enjoy the benefits of) an interconnected world. We understand that the current form of globalization's ills stem from the twinned trends of freedom for money and limits for people. We thought an attempt to humanize Sudan and Sudanese people, by experiencing their folk, youth and online culture (freedom for information), would allow some folks to understand a bit of what's at stake when borders are hardened for people. We don't imagine Africa Is a Country readers are amongst the population who don't understand this, but remember 49% of American support the ban, so share this post widely on social media! We also want to do our part to assuage some of the panic going on via the mainstream media, so for those of us who don't need such perspective as above, this perhaps can be just a bit of an escape from the deluge of negative news and tweets. Check out Ahmed's selection of classic and new Sudanese sounds below and preview his new album "Life & Livin' It" which he is currently on the road supporting. 1 ) Sammany - "Dyarom" 2 ) Salah Mohamed Al-bashir 3) JVLS - "Enemies" 4) Qurashi & Salah Mohamed Al-Bashir 5) MaMan - "Brain Wars" 6) Ibrahim Awad 7) Rainy Day feat. Rotation - "All Night, All Summer" 8) Salah Bin Al-Badia 9) Rotation - "Rota$ion" 10) Sufyn - "Moon Dance" 11) Bonez, Skripter, SP a.k.a Sporadic - "All I Can"

It's the last music break of the year, and we leave 2016 with the 101st edition. It's been a pleasure for me to do these playlist. If you've been enjoying them as well, make sure to donate to our end of the year funds drive, so we can continue to expand our coverage of the global African pop culture map! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLseDnIPw8h8Kfr4QfZP3Gc1Qx_Ga0t7oF Weekend Music Break No.101 1) This edition we kick things off with Blitz the Ambassador who has a new album out this week. The above video, shot in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, is the final installment of his self-directed Diasporadical video triology (we've featured part 1 and part 2 here before). Be sure to check out the album that perfectly accompanies this video short collection. 2) Next up, we head to Nigeria with Santi and Odunsi and their "Gangster Fear" video, shot in Lagos' streets and teenage house parties. 3) After that we get some rhythmic fire from Cameroon's Reniss, who teaches us about the joys of Cameroonian cooking. 4) We have a habit of posting Booba videos here on the Weekend Music Break, why break with tradition? Headed to DKR (and once again linking with Sidiki Diabate) to represent his Senegalese roots, Booba certainly shows he has no intention to. 5) UK Afrobeats og Silvastone teams up with Frank T Blucas in the video for "Remedy" showing a warmer side of London that is probably being missed by that city's residents right now. 6) Teddy Yo and Joe Lox take us to Addis Ababa showing what might be the exciting growth of an indigenous Ethiopian Hip Hop scene? (Take back those samples brothers!) 7) A UK-raised Sierra Leonean, Brother Portrait reflects on the Black British experience in this video poem for "Seeview/Rearview". 8) Next up Ghalileo attends a funeral in Ghana, and channels a history of pan-African leadership in the process. 9) Then, Vic Mensa takes on police brutality in Chicago. 10) And finally, Star Zee takes on "2 Much" corruption and general social malaise in Sierra Leone. Have a great weekend and a very happy holiday season wherever you are, and whatever you believe!

Music Break number 100 is here!!! Let's celebrate the occasion with a playlist of classic African music from our younger years. I know that for me, many of these songs soundtracked long car rides and late night parties at home. Sean Jacobs also puts in some of his own favorites to reminisce on. No description this week, just enjoy some classic sounds from around the continent. And if anything sounds new, go ahead and follow the Youtube wormhole! https://youtu.be/0y6BjNJD0ZM?list=PLseDnIPw8h8KikTzE5p-XPu61Y5qQae8P Music Break No.100 Have a happy weekend!

After a bit of a vacation, our end of the week round up of 10 videos from or attached to the continent of Africa are back! Enjoy this catch up edition of the Weekend Music Break, curated by your resident praise DJ on our Youtube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLseDnIPw8h8L0MokdO-qTCuzWy0GCfsA3 Weekend Music Break No.99 1) First up we have a major global music event with the release of the video for the sonic collaboration between North American First Nations deejay group A Tribe Called Red, Iraqi-Canadian rapper The Narcicyst, and the entire world's favorite local rapper Yasiin Bey. 2) Next, Al Sarah and the Nubatones release "Ya Watan" off of their latest album out on Wonderwheel Recordings. 3) I'm in awe of the choreography in the video for "Soudani" by Afrotronix from Chad, who is another Montreal-based artist showing the vibrancy of the independent and global music scene in Canada. 4) I'm really happy that Donae'o keeps pushing the UK Funky sound he helped popularize globally in Afropop directions. His "Party Hard" remains as one of if not the foundational song for the global Afrobeats craze. 5) And to illustrate that connection, Nigerians Naomi Achu and Skales come with "Gbagbe" an Afropop song tailored to the day. 6) Africa is a Country contributor Young Cardamom and his collaborator HAB provide the lead single from the Soundtrack to Disney's Uganda flick Queen of Katwe. 7) Since this writer is Rio de Janeiro based, I have to represent with the biggest Funk tune of the season here, "Malandramente". Will it's ubiquity remain through our summer into Carnival? 8) Brazil also has elections this weekend, and while we made a hesitant endorsement for the fraught presidential race in the US, we can give a much more enthusiastic thumbs up to the campaign of Marcelo Freixo who is running for mayor of Rio de Janeiro. And as this campaign jingle shows, we're not the only ones! 9) Élage Diouf is another Canada-based African artist, and shoots his video for "Mandela" an a return trip home, showcasing the beauty and vibrancy of his homeland. 10) Foresta, Royal Blu & Lila Ike show a different side of Jamaica than we're used to seeing, a nice change of pace, from the regular image pushed to outsiders by foreign media. And that laid back R&B tune is a perfect way to close out this weekend's music break, until next time!

Today, is the last official day of summer in our Northern Hemisphere headquarters of New York. So, let's mark the passing of the earthly seasons by revisiting our Africa is a Radio live broadcast from The Lot Radio in Brooklyn this past June. Africa is a Country contributor, New York city resident, social media guru, and Zimbabwe specialist Shona Kambarami was our very special and enthusiastic guest. Listen back, and check the track list below.

1. Rihanna - Work (DJ Bboy Afrobeats Remix)
2. J Hus - Lean and Bop
3. P2J Music - T.O.T.T  ft Moelogo
4. Wizkid - Ojuelegba (Uproot Andy Remix)
5. Booba - Validee feat. Benash
6. Sali Sabibe - Wale Gnouma Don
7. Jojo Abot - Stop the Violence
8. Al Sarah - Soukura (Boddhi Satva Ancenstral Soul Remix)
9. Indigenes - Da Hoti (Osunlade Yoruba Soul Mix)
10. DRC Music - Lingala
11. DJ X-Trio - Africa (Rancido Noite Angola Remix)
12. Kondi Band - Belle Wahalla
13. J Martins - Touchin Body feat. DJ Arafat
14. MHD - Afro Trap pt. 3 (Champions League)
15. Tchobari - Quem Mando me Nascer?
16. Djeff - Piluka (DJ Satxibala Remix)
17. Ziminino - Intermitência (Boima’s Capoeira Angola Remix)
18. Baiana System - Playsom (Remix)
19. Mauro Telefunksoul - AjeumbaSS (Tributo ao Cortejo Afro)
20. - Interview and song selects with Shona Kamari -
21. Nonku Phiri - Things we do on the Weekend
22. Poe - Who You Epp? [T.A.P Remix]
23. Oga'Silachi - Leona
24. Burna Boy - Soke
25. Sarkodie - Dumsor
26. Jules Henry Malaki - Makiyaj

In the shadow of the Brexit vote, on this episode of Africa is a Radio, we celebrate the UK Afrobeats scene - another homegrown, immigrant enriched culture out of London and its surrounding environs. Along with that, we do the usual visit to the African continent and its diaspora to see what's going on around the various towns. Also, be sure to tune into TheLotRadio.com this Sunday at 6pm New York time, where Africa is a Radio will be broadcast live! Tracklist

1 DJ Juls - Teef Teef feat. Mr Eazi, Eugy & Sarkodie 2 Kano - My Sound 3 Los Rakas - Me Enamoró 4 Geko - Baba 5 Belly Squad - Banana 6 MHD - Afro Trap pt. 4 (Fais le mouv) 7 Cobhams Asuquo - Boosit feat. Falz 8 Rihanna - Bitch Better Have My Raba (DJ Triplet & DJ Shabsy Remix) 9 Reniss - La Sauce (prod. by Le Monstre) 10 H Name - We Live Together (Nga Yan) feat. Stanley Enow 11 DJ X-Trio - Africa 12 Luke Howard - Lo Life 13 Novalima - San Antonio (Aero Manyelo Remix) 14 John Sofakole - Sofakole

 

Here's another Music Break to soundtrack your weekend! This round up is the "other countries" edition with a selection of tunes starting out in Latin America from Cuba to Brazil, and ending up around the rest of the African diaspora. Check it all out via the Youtube playlist below! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLseDnIPw8h8LDAhgGmBQ-NZFcXgpEkh4U Music Break No.97 1) We kick it off with what I've been told is Cuba's biggest tune of 2016, "Hasta que seque el Malecón." 2) Then we go to Puerto Rico with Ifé and their Orisha-tronica sound (h/t Pablo Medina Uribe). 3) Next up, inspired by the movie "Manos Sucias," and one of the most heartwarming scenes about music I've ever seen recorded on film, Grupo Niche and their classic salsa tune "Buenaventura y Camey." 4) Then we move from Colombia's Buenaventura, to the Chocó and rap group ChocQuibTown's "Nuqui (Te Quiero Para Mi)." 5) I love the idea from a recent article in Globo that Funk is more Baiano then ever -- MC Menor da VG runs with that idea and visits Salvador da Bahia during carnival, at the same time showing how o cavaquinho ta conquistando o Funk. 6) UKs Afrobeats don, Fuse ODG, turns in a new video for his tune "Only." 7) Brussels residents Badi and Boddhi Satva team up on an Afro-Hip-House anthem on "Integration." 8) South Africans scattered about the world Mo Laudi, Gazelle, and DJ InviZAble unite in the Pantzula dancer featuring "Speak Up." 9) South African originated Norweigian Nosizwe teams up with Georgia Anne Muldrow on "The Beat." 10) And finally, Nigerian-American Tunji Ige takes it from Philly to LA with both a West Coast visual and sonic vibe on "War." Have a happy weekend, and sports fans, enjoy the many tournaments going on around the world!

Back to our regularly scheduled music break for your weekend! Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that what we're taking a break from, so this week labor is a theme. However, so is liberation, and therefore perhaps fittingly, Haiti is too. To kick the series of videos off, we have a nice premiere from Burkina Faso's Art Melody! Check that out and the rest of this week's music break via the Youtube playlist below. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLseDnIPw8h8LMY3QWP3M8QDeFiDV_bYal Music Break No.96 1) Like mentioned above the first video is a special premiere of Art Melody's "Ki Kanga." The video, directed by Bastien Papillier, likens the struggle of life to hard labor, and connects the drive needed for liberation to the discipline of a boxer. 2) Up next, a really nice surprise out of Nigeria from Dremo, I'll let you reveal that one on your own. 3) Then, Stonebwoy goes global reggae with a shout out to the various Black Atlantic cultures the genre has touched down, as well as drawn from. 4) Chance The Rapper has what might be one of the most surreal major label debuts I've seen, turning in the most positive song I've ever had the pleasure to hear 2 Chains or Lil' Wayne grace. 5) Then we change pace a bit and head to Haiti... Lakou Mizik warms us up with a bit of a live jam, and visual preview of their album. 6) Then, Poirier and Fwonte leave the Montreal cold and head to Haiti showing us a side of Port Au Prince we might not be used to seeing. 7) Next, we get to a little more mainstream fare from the island of Haiti, with X-Men and Carimi and their Zouk-dancehall cross over party jam. 8) Finally, from Haiti, the island goes afrobeat, tying Yoruba to Voodoo culture on this monster jam from the Afro-Haitian Experimental Orchestra. 9) Switching pace once again, Afro-Mexican rapper Bocafloja riffs on the liberation theme in a new video with "Dystopia" featuring Immasoul. 10) And last, but not least, Filastine's "The Cleaner" bookends our theme with a dance meditation on domestic laborers. Enjoy your weekend!

Fresh of a trip to the UK and Germany, with stops in Afro-European strongholds of London and Berlin, I thought I'd theme this week's Music Break around some of what I saw and heard there. So enjoy this brief (and not comprehensive by any means) trip around young Afro-Europe, with stops in London, Paris, Berlin, Lisbon and Rome. [embed width="650"]https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLseDnIPw8h8L0IotJXYBTkZVTKtdUMoEe[/embed] Music Break No.95

1. MHD was a revelation for me on this trip, first getting hipped to his #AfroTrap series by a friend in Bristol, and then being treated to an onslaught of it in Berlin for their Carnival weekend.
2. Belly Squad out of London come with a bit of a naughty song and video to show the youthful energy of the UK-Afrobeats scene.
3. Amsterdam via London's Jaij Hollands's gravely flow is taking Afrobeats in a little harder edged direction.
4. Maître Gims' Sapés comme jamais was also on repeat in Berlin, also coming from the Paris scene.
5. YCEE who bursted on to the scene with Jagaban last year takes his new video to the streets of London, showing how many artists, even those based in Africa, prefer to go to London for their aesthetics.
6. Aina More is killing it over this beat by DJ Juls!
7. On the other side of Berlin, Daniel Haaksman recruits Spoek Mathambo for this chugging Mbaqnga influenced Afro-house jam.
8. Lisbon's Throes + The Shine recruit Argentina's La Yegros for this high tempo Afro-latin-rock number.
9. A few years old classic out of Rome, Pepe Soup's Pump Tire!
10. And finally, the absolute Dona of the Lisbon Afro-electronic scene in her Boiler Room Lisbon appearance to take you out!

Happy week's end!

A break from the routine of the work week, a weekend music break for you all to enjoy this May Day! https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLseDnIPw8h8JvQ-b3bY16Igjx3mqvG7mr&v=c5GwxKs3yTA   1) Rest in peace Papa Wemba 2) Netherlands-based Cape Verdean singer Gery Mendes asks if our world is really ready for positive change, is it? 3) I'm in the UK right now, so I had to share Stormzy's latest. 4) London Global Hip Hop outfit Subculture Sage's video for "Gold" stars two Zimbabwean gold miners. 5) There's an H&M in Brixton now -- M.I.A. invites AIAC profile subject Dope Saint Jude along for her collaboration with the brand. 6) Sean Jacobs spotted this, trap rap video from Northern Nigeria. 7) I've noted Kahli Abdu as one to watch for awhile, and he did not disappoint with this banger! 8) The Mavin Records crew out of Nigeria dropped a new one this week. 9) I don't know much about them, but Chloe and Halle are interesting. 10) And finally, a new Azaelia Banks video just for the hell of it. Happy weekend!

Africa is a Radio is back for April with both classic and contemporary sounds out of Africa and its diaspora. Tracklist: 1 Ricardo Lemvo - Habari Yako (Rumba Rock) 2 Papa Noel - Bon Samaritain 3 Fuego & Sango - Se Me Nota 4 Wyclef Jean - Leve'l Pi Wo feat. Power Surge 5 Willie Colon - Eso Se Baila Asi (Uproot Andy Remix) 6 Shadow - Killing Me (Subculture Sounds Remix) 7 Hugh Masekela - In the Jungle 8 Carlos Lamertine - O Dipanda Sondo Tula Kia 9 Amara Toure - Salamouti 10 Neg'Marrons - La Voix du Peuple 11 Booba - Validee feat Benash 12 MC Soffia - Menina Pretinha 13 Khuli Chana - Money 14 Serge Beynaud - Okeninkpin 15 Linegras - Malandra

Welcome back to our Music Break, after it took a bit of a break itself. Enjoy this selection of tunes from around the African diaspora, and beyond. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBkZ0xQcXKI&feature=youtu.be&list=PLseDnIPw8h8IqjMoMC-4YDmWPRUsZaJbF This week, we kick off with Afrikan Boy and his latest video for his song "Kunta Kinte"; then, Eazzy brings the neo-Alkaida Hiplife vibes via Ghana; Tanzania's Vanessa Mdee goes neo-Soukous Afrobeats style with "Niroge"; and Temi DollFace rounds out our Afrobeats section with School Your Face. Off to the Francophone world where Collectif Bassam brings Coupe Decale uplifment vibes after the March attack by extremists on their beach in Cote d'Ivoire; Uganda via London's Michael Kiwanuka travels to LA, channels Mississippi, and contemplates being a "Black Man in a White World"; then, Africa is a Country favorite Badi performs "Na Lingi Yo" on the Dan Late Show to great effect. Bahrain via London psychedelic rock act Flamingods give us insight into a cultural side of Dubai that is not only often overlooked, but difficult to see in their video for "Rhama"; and we round it out with some cool Latin vibes -- joining in the Cuba fever sweeping the former Western Bloc nations with Alexander Abreu y Havana D'Primera's "Me dicen Cuba"; and Paulo Mac on his sweet Kizomba tune "Perfeita Demais". Enjoy!

It's time again for another Weekend Music Break with Africa is a Country! Enjoy this round of tunes and visuals from the continent and its sphere of cultural influence. The music thing that excited me most all week was coming to find out that Booba joined Sidiki Diabate on stage last December in Paris during his rendition of "Inianafi Debena", and launched into a live mashup of that song and "Validée", making all right in the world of Africa-Europe sampling/inspiration/dedication relations; another Bambara-themed hip hop collaboration, Kinté, Le Prince Héritier and Zarkawi Djatta are a revelation out of Cote d'Ivoire (h/t Afropop); Saharawi singer Aziza Brahim releases a video for "Calles de Dajla" to promote her latest album, and to celebrate her people still forced to live outside of their rightful land; A more explicit call to political action is embedded in the video for Jackson Wahengo's "Eliko la Namibia"; Sammus delivers a sermon on higher education (and mental health) that I'm sure some Africa is a Country readers can relate to; Show Dem Camp, show up with a sunny love-pop video; Throes + The Shine add a third leg to their team up in the form of DRC via Montreal rapper Pierre Kwenders, on their song "Capuca"; the remix of YCEE's monster hit "Jagaban" featuring Olamide, gets its own video to go alongside the original; I missed the video for this Samini and Popcaan collaboration from two years ago, so here it is now!; and finally, Runtown last year teamed up with Uhuru for a really smooth Naija and South Africa collaboration to take you into Sunday morning! Happy Weekend!

The first Africa is a Radio episode of 2016 goes to Carnival with special guests Hipsters Don't Dance! This month we run down some of the sounds of the World Carnival sound from Trinidad to Rio to Lagos and back! Tracklist Samito - Tiku la Hina Baiana System - Playsom Buju Banton - Champion (Maga Bo Remix) Angela Hunte - Mon Bon Ami Machel Montano & Timaya - Better Than Them (Jambe-An Riddim) Runtown & Walshy Fire - Bend Down Pause Remix ft Wizkid & Machel Montano Olatunji - Oh Yay Patoranking - My Woman, My Everything... (feat. Wandecoal) Banda Vingadora - Metralhadora Delano - Devagarinho Eddy Lover - Baja Pantalones feat. Aldo Ranks, JR Ranks & Mach & Daddy Wizkid - Final (Baba Nla) Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band - Amaehu

We're back with the first Weekend Music Break of 2016. A series of videos for you to enjoy as you ease into relax (or catchup) mode: https://youtu.be/zk8CmSUwopE?list=PLseDnIPw8h8IBkqsoZfPw2-7r3mneJd6v   1) Our selection this weekend starts off with a video shot by AIAC film editor Dylan Valley -- Niko10Long hips us to the real Politrix going down in Cape Town, South Africa. 2) Brooklyn staple with Guyanese roots, Jahdan Blakkamore ushers in an upliftment anthem to end all sufferation. 3) The multi-talented, Boston-based Sierra Leonean scientist/rapper David Moinina Sengeh brings a positive Afrobeat jam and video. 4) Mozambican-Canadian singer Samito releases a dance art video for his epic Tiku la hina. 5) Keeping it in the Mozambique realm, Spoek Mathambo reveals Batuk, his new partnership with Aero Manyelo, a deep house project inspired by the Afro-luso house scene based out of Maputo. 6) Daniel Haaksman proposes to Rename the Streets in the former colonial capitals (his being Berlin) to not celebrate the war criminals and crimes of the nation's past, #NamesMustFall -- respect Daniel. 7) Stephen Marley celebrates the great innovations from African history, alongside Wale and the cast from the Fela! musical. 8) Renown coreographer Maimouna and Les Ambianceuses out of Paris call for all women to take their power back via a little "Booty Therapy." 9) Christain Scott aTunde Adjuah brings us back to an age where Jazz and politics were one, via an integral #BLM lens, at NPR's Tiny Desk concert series. 10) And finally, Seattle based Zimbabwe-DRC crew Chimurenga Renaissance reveal their new EP Girlz with Gunz via a beautifully executed thematic streaming video. Have a great weekend, and enjoy!