African Tapestries Kusasa is an exceptional addition to the African Tapestries series created by Hennie Bekker. The album is inspired by his homeland and is a blend of world music interwoven with Afri...can sounds. Kusasa, which means "tomorrow" in Zulu, takes the listener on an exciting musical journey that showcases Bekker's talent as a multi-genre artist.
The album is an eclectic mix of instrumental, relaxation, and world music tracks that fuse together to create a unique and captivating experience. Each track is carefully crafted to take the listener on a journey through different soundscapes, rhythms, and cultures. From the soothing sounds of "At the End of the Day" to the upbeat rhythm of "African Safari," the album captures the essence of Africa and its diverse cultures.
Kusasa is the third release in the African Tapestries series, following Tranquility and Temba. The album was produced, arranged, and composed by Hennie Bekker, who is a master of his craft. With over 50 albums in his discography, Bekker is an experienced musician, composer, arranger, and producer.
Born in Zambia and based in Toronto, Hennie Bekker has won numerous awards for his work as a new age/ambient musician. He is also a multi-platinum-selling recording artist, known for his Tranquility, African Tapestries, and Kaleidoscopes series. He has helped to shape the genre of new age music with his innovative style and creative approach.
Overall, African Tapestries Kusasa is an outstanding product that will appeal to lovers of world music, relaxation music, and African culture. It is a testament to the talent of Hennie Bekker and his ability to create music that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences. Whether you are looking for music to relax or to invigorate your senses, Kusasa is a must-have album that is sure to delight your ears and soothe your soul.
The Putumayo Kids African Dreamland CD is a must-have for any parent who wants to create a calming and soothing atmosphere for their child. This CD features a collection of tranquil lullabies and soot...hing songs from Africa that are sure to help your little one relax and drift off to sleep.
The CD includes a variety of soothing sounds that feature vocal and instrumental blends from Cameroon to Cape Verde. From the gentle rhythms of the kora to the melodic tones of the mbira, the music on this CD is both uplifting and calming at the same time.
Putumayo World Music, the label that produces this CD, was established in 1993 to introduce people to the music of the world's cultures. The label has become known primarily for its upbeat and melodic compilations of great international music, characterized by the company's motto: "guaranteed to make you feel good!"
The CD covers of Putumayo's music are also distinctive and unique, featuring the colorful and folkloric style of Nicola Heindl. This art style represents Putumayo's goal of connecting the traditional to the contemporary, making it the perfect companion to the soothing and harmonious sounds of the African Dreamland CD.
With this CD, parents can create a peaceful and calming atmosphere for their kids, whether it's for nap time, bedtime, or just some relaxation time during the day. The African Dreamland CD is an excellent way to introduce children to the music of other cultures while also providing a soothing and calming experience.
African Tapestries is a fascinating musical journey into the heart of Africa, featuring the first release of the series, "Temba." The album is created by Toronto-based Hennie Bekker, known for his uni...que style of world music that blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary sounds, resulting in a distinct and captivating listening experience.
With "Temba," the listener is taken on a musical journey through the diverse landscapes of Africa. From the bustling streets of Soweto to the serene Okavango Delta, African Tapestries offers a fusion of instrumental, relaxation, and world music. The album showcases Bekker's talent as a versatile artist who can effortlessly blend different genres to create a cohesive production.
Through his brilliant compositions, Bekker invites the listener to experience Africa like never before. His music reflects the rich cultural heritage of the continent, combined with modern-day influences, resulting in a sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary. The tracks are infused with intricate African rhythms, soothing melodies, and soulful instrumentation, providing an immersive musical experience.
Bekker's music has resonated with listeners worldwide, earning him multiple platinum and gold records over his extensive career. His mastery of composition and arrangement is evident in his diverse discography that spans over 50 albums. He has also worked with notable South African artists and created music for film and television.
The "Temba" album is the perfect introduction to the African Tapestries series, providing an immersive, uplifting, and joyful musical experience. Whether you're a fan of world music or simply looking for a new and refreshing sound, "Temba" is an album you don't want to miss. Prepare to be transported to the heart of Africa through the pulsating rhythms, soulful melodies, and hypnotic sounds of Hennie Bekker's African Tapestries.
Lift Every Voice: The History of African American Music
Music has always played a significant role in African American culture. From old spirituals sung by enslaved Africans to the modern-day hip hop... beats played by urban youth, black people have always used music to tell their stories and express their emotions.
In the book "Lift Every Voice: The History of African American Music," author Burton W. Peretti explores the roots of black music in Africa and slavery, and its evolution in the United States from the end of slavery to the present day. Through this comprehensive and fascinating work, we get a glimpse into how the African American experience is deeply entwined with the evolution of music.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Lift Every Voice" is its rich selection of documents that help to define the place of music within African American communities and the nation as a whole. We get to see how black people created, consumed, and distributed music throughout history, leading to the birth of musical genres such as spirituals, ragtime, the blues, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, rock, soul, and hip-hop.
Through these musical genres, we see the continuities and innovations that mark both the music and the history of African Americans. We see how these genres served as a form of protest, allowing black people to express their pain, frustration, and desire for freedom. We also see how music played a role in black life, not just as a source of entertainment but also as a form of worship, therapy, and social commentary.
In addition to the exploration of musical genres, "Lift Every Voice" also showcases the contributions of black people to classical, country, and other American music forms. We see how black musicians have elevated these genres by infusing them with their unique style and flavor.
Overall, "Lift Every Voice" is a powerful and informative book that provides an unforgettable journey through the history of African American music. It not only showcases the evolution of musical genres but also highlights how music has always played a crucial role in the African American experience, serving as a tool for expression, resistance, and liberation.
"Graceland - The African Concert DVD" is a remarkable piece of music and history. It features the iconic Paul Simon performing alongside talented African musicians and groups in the heart of South Afr...ica. This concert was both a celebration of music and a political statement against apartheid, as Simon defied boycotts to participate in the concert.
The DVD takes you right back to the concert in 1987, featuring Simon singing songs from his Grammy-winning album, "Graceland", such as "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" and "You Can Call Me Al". The performance is nothing short of spectacular, with the energy and excitement of the crowd palpable even through the screen.
The African musicians who participated in the concert also join Simon on stage, adding their own unique flavor to the mix. The Ladysmith Black Mambazo, for instance, brings their traditional Zulu harmonies to "Homeless", while the Boyoyo Boys jazz up "Gumboots" with their brass section.
"Graceland - The African Concert DVD" is more than just a music performance, however. It is a testament to the power of music to cross cultural boundaries and bring people together. The concert was not without controversy, as Simon had faced criticism for breaking the cultural boycott against South Africa at the time. However, many South African musicians and activists saw the concert as a positive step towards breaking down the barriers of apartheid.
This DVD is a must-watch for Paul Simon fans, as well as anyone interested in the history and politics of music in South Africa. The concert is a celebration of African music and culture, and a powerful reminder of the role that music can play in breaking down barriers and promoting unity.