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Afropop Summer 2009 Dance Party!
Get to know the artists featured in our Summer 2009 Dance Party!
 Blakk Rasta (Ghana)
Blakk Rasta is Ghana's biggest Reggae star. Growing up in the slums Moshie-Zongo in Northern Ghana gave Rasta a first hand look at injustice and cruelty. This is evident in his lyrics, which are often socially councious and political. He gained international attention with his song "Barack Obama" which became the theme song for the president's recent visit to Ghana.
Visit Blakk Rasta's website
See the video for "Barack Obama"
Blakk Rasta meets his muse
 Oheneba Kissi (Ghana)
Oheneba Kissi has been a staple on the Ghanian highlife scene for almost 20 years. Since his 1990 debut "Suzie," he has consistently released a new album almost every other year without relenting. Besides being highly danceable, his music is known for complex instrumentation and inspiring messages.Though not a superstar like younger Ghanian musicians, his longevity and consistency have brought him a large and dedicated fanbase.
A biography of Oheneba Kissi
Hear some tunes by Kissi
 Yaaba Funk (UK/Ghana)
Though based in South London, Yaaba Funk draws heavily on the funk and highlife traditions of Ghana, where many of its members hail from. The 11 members of the group also boast Dub, Brazilian, and Cuban influences. With two vocalists, a horn section, and "the tightest rhythm section this side of Accra," Yaaba Funk makes it impossible to not get up and move to their funky grooves!
Yaaba Funk on Myspace
Hear their debut EP "NYASH!...'E Go Bite You!"
 Junio Barreto (Brazil)
Having lived in Recife, Pernambuco, and now Sao Paulo, Junio Barreto has been immersed in Brazilian music for most of his life. However, it wasn't until he turned 40 that he released his debut album 'Mature Freshness." Barreto's music draws on Brazil's Samba tradition, but also on Rock and Pop styles. His exceptional voice and virtuosic musicianship prove that it is never too late to make music.
Junio Barreto biography and album info
Check out Junio Barreto on Myspace
Watch Barreto's live performance of the song "Santana"
 Nacao Zumbi (Brazil)
Nacao Zumbi was a band formed by the late great Brazilian singer Chico Science. Since Chico's death in 1997, the band has been continuting the Mangue Beat Movement Chico started, as well a breaking new ground and creating funky and experimental sonic landscapes.
Check out Nacao Zumbi's official site
Nacao Zumbi on Myspace
 Jimmy Bosch (New York)
Raised in a Puerto Rican household in New York, Bosch has been bringing the sounds of Salsa to American audiences since he was 13 years old! His trombone playing has been described as "brutal" giving his sound a disitnctly raw sound that combines old school quality salsa arrangements with a modern NY aggresive edge and socially conscious lyrics.
Check out Jimmy Bosch's official website
Watch a distinctive Jimmy Bosch trombone solo
 Los Van Van (Cuba)
Widely concered the founders of Timba music, Los Van Van has been Cuba's most popular group for over 32 years! The band was founded by Juan Formell who is considered by many to be the most important figure in Cuban music. Always fearlessly experimental, they have combined Cuban rhythms with synthesizers, all types of rock, rap, Brazilian music, merengue, and just about anything else that caught their interest.
More info on Los Van Van
A short film about the band
 Buraka Som Sistema (Angola/ Portugal)
The hardest-hitting siren-song of Angola. Buraka Som Sistema comes with roots in Luanda, Lisbon and compatriots in the favelas of Brazil. It's new African music with big digital production a la M.I.A. and Diplo.
Visit Buraka Som Sistema's myspace!
New Video 'Sound of Kuduro' featuring M.I.A., DJ Znobia, Saborosa and Puto Prata
 DJ Tudo (Brazil)
DJ Tudo is at the forefront of electronic music in Brazil. Based in Sao Paulo, Tudo mixes intense Brazilian conga rhythms with out of this world sounds and experimental techniques. His music seeks to find a balance between Brazilian traditions and new artisitc expressions.
DJ Tudo on Myspace
DJ Tudo song samples and album info
 Khaled (Algeria)
The "King of Rai" has been performing and popularizing the genre since the '70s. Besides singing, he is a multi-instrumentalist proficient at banjo, violin, accordion, and numerous other instruments. He is considered the most internationally popular Algerian singer in the world. He has collaborated with many artisits during his long career and is slated to collaborate with Colombian superstar Shakira on her upcoming album!
Khaled's offical site
Unoffical Khaled fan site
Afropop's Banning Eyre interviews Khaled!
 Freshly Ground (South Africa)
This South African band is creating a huge buzz at home and abroad. Formed in Cape Town, they play an Afro-fusion that combines elements of tradtional South African Kwela music with blues, jazz, and indie rock. They are sure to gain many new fans when the World Cup comes to South Africa in 2010!
Freshly Ground's official site
Freshly Ground on Myspace
Their hot new video for "Doo Bee Doo"
 Zola (South Africa)
The voice of Zola is now more recognizable than ever thanks to the 2005 film "Tsotsi." The soundtrack consisted almost entirley of Kwaito music, a South African style of hip hop. Zola, more than any other artist, has come to define the genre. The majority of the songs on the soundtrack were his songs, including the hit song "Mdlwembe." His future seems to be in acting; he acted in "Tsotsi" and is set to perform in a couple upcoming South African films.
Zola: The Voice of South African Kwaito
Check out the "Tsotsi" soundtrack
The Video for "Mdlwembe"
First published: www.afropop.org
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