There is one artist whose music really means something. Not only does the music groove for days and days, but this artist always says something important and it's usually heavy. Once again, very proud to feature a real global artist of substance, Nneka, as she talks about the Occupy Nigeria movement where she spent time on the ground in early 2012. Nneka's music consistently challenges the status quo of where corruption in government meets crony capitalism, as she stumps for the common country folk in her native homeland of the Niger Delta region of Africa. Some of her songs start off, and you think you are hearing a love song, to hear it evolve into a heavy geo-political statement. And, if you think, you go .... Wow. Think!
Short Documentary - Occupy Nigeria: Nneka on the "Vagabonds in Power"
Here is Nneka performing Vagabond in Power at Les Vieilles Charrues Festival (LIVE - 2009)
The Wattstax music festival took place on August 20, 1972, at the Los Angeles Coliseum on the seven year anniversary of The Watts Riots. The festival was organized by the legendary Memphis record label, Stax Records. Tickets were priced at $1.00 each. Nearly the entire Stax artist/band roster performed at the festival. 100,000 people showed up for what was been dubbed by many as the "Black Woodstock".
A documentary film entitled WATTSTAX was released in 1973. All of the music and speeches from social activists was beautiful captured. One performance which was added to the documentary was not shot at the concert itself, but from a church in the heart of Watts. The first time I heard this track, tears streamed from my eyes. This is the real deal, gospel that will take you there.... all the way. Enjoy!
The Emotions - Peace Be Still (Live church performance for Wattstax Documentary - 1972)
Bob Lefsetz, a leading music industry analyst, wrote a story the other day about the man behind this bubblegum pop group out of the U.K. and simultaneously calls it "the hottest act in the business today". I look up the group, One Direction, even though my connection was slow that day on the beach. And after finally hearing a few of their songs, could not help be be a bit sad about the fact that this could be considered "the hottest act in the business today" by someone as important as Lefsetz.
Sly Johnson, not to be confused with Syl Johnson, is a artist we learned about via our love for the music of Ayo. Ayo's vocals are featured on this Sly Johnson song titled I'm Calling You released by Universal Music's Decca Records division in France.
Please press the play button on the video below and choose the high
resolution & full screen options. At the conclusion of this song,
over one hour of handpicked music videos will continue to play
automatically.
Sly Johnson with Ayo - I'm Calling You (Music Video)