via  Africa is a Country

I can’t tell you how much I love this song.  The first time I heard it, it was the powerful storytelling of K’naan accompanied by a simple African drum.

Although it’s been commercialized (peace to FIFA, right?), this song is still beautiful to me.

Besides, Banky W and MI? Yes, please!

Check out The Inspiration of Fela released by Now Again Records for sounds around the world that have taken their cues from Fela.  There’s also the two Nigerian Gangster mixtapes (one produced by Mike Love and the other by KidKonnect) featuring Jay-Z and Fela.  And also, if you’re in the California Bay Area, you can enjoy Afrobeat Na Go Die and Diaspora Rising Friday and Saturday nights in San Francisco and Oakland.

Voxafrica put together this awesome video of Nneka during her UK tour.  The good stuff starts at 6:40. Enjoy!

In the middle of my fascination with Nneka, I came across the beautiful and talented singer, Somi.

A true multicultural woman, Somi was born in Illinois to immigrants from Rwanda and Uganda, then spent her early childhood in Zambia. The African cultural legacy, always crucial to her sound, is as vital as ever in her current music, which Somi likes to call New African Soul.

At this moment, I’d like to flash my late pass because Soul Discoveries and ymib each have interviewed Somi over a year ago. Somi herself blogs fairly regularly about her travels, music and life.

Her latest album, If The Rains Come first definitely complements Nneka’s hip hop sounds and lyrics.  Check out Somi’s website and enjoy this video playlist of her performances!

I’m so excited to announce T.I.M.E.L E S S! Made of cousins REAL.8 and Jamie L., this project is pure, raw, delicious music. Classic lyrics, melodies and beats and… why don’t y’all just have a listen?

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Visit We Are T.I.M.E.L E S S Music for more music!