On Air This Week on Afropop Worldwide: The Afro-Mexican Roots of 'La Bamba'

How African rhythms shaped a Mexican classic. Also: Seun Kuti and Damian Marley's new collaboration, and a list of African music in NYC this week.

SUMMER 2024 JULY 5 WEEK No 28 The Afropop Worldwide Weekly Newsletter Hey TheBlackList! From Nigeria to Jamaica to Mexico, this week's musical journey spans continents and generations. We're unpacking the historic collaboration between Afrobeat scion Seun Kuti and reggae heir Damian Marley, proving that musical rebellion runs in the family. Then, prepare to be surprised as we reveal the African roots of the Latin classic 'La Bamba'. As always, we've got our finger on the pulse of NYC's  music scene - check out our curated list of upcoming African and/or Afro-centric inspired gigs. Your voice matters to us, so don't forget to weigh in via the survey at the bottom of the page. La Bamba The Afro-Mexican Story Uncover the hidden African pulse beating at the heart of Mexican music in our captivating Hip Deep journey. From the shores of Veracruz to the streets of Mexico City, we'll chase the echoes of a forgotten heritage that's shaped the nation's sound for centuries. Prepare to have your perceptions challenged as we reveal the thrilling story of Mexico's "Third Root" through the voices of scholars, the rhythms of son jarocho, and the melodies that have traveled from Africa to become uniquely Mexican. LISTEN NOW PLANET AFROPOP with Noise Cans and the Swanky Kitchen Band Season Finale Last week's season finale of Planet Afropop was a banger! We wrapped up with fresh beats handpicked by Mukwae and Banning, while Georges took us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Mukwae chopped it up with Bermuda's own DJ Noise Cans, and Banning got the lowdown from Samuel Rose of the Cayman Islands' Swanky Kitchen Band. If you missed this last week, catch up now! LISTEN NOW RECENT ARTICLES Iness Mezel: Fusing Tamazight with Rock Iness Mezel, a French-Algerian musician, brings Tamazight rhythms to life with a mix of rock, funk, and jazz, celebrating Amazigh culture and female empowerment. Her album "Beyond the Trance" combines traditional North African sounds with modern beats, creating an unforgettable musical experience. Don't miss out on this unique fusion—explore more about her journey and music. Sons of Legends Unite: The Story Behind Kuti & Marley's 'Dey'" Seun Kuti and Damian Marley just dropped "Dey," and it's turning heads. This isn't your average collab - it's Afrobeat royalty meets reggae legacy, creating something fresh and bold. Seun brings that funky Lagos heat, while Damian adds his signature Kingston flavor. They're not just echoing their famous fathers; they're cooking up a whole new sound. "Dey" feels like a jam session between continents, proving these musical heirs are nowhere near done innovating. Give it a listen - your playlist will thank you. Manu Chao Drops New Video "São Paulo Motoboy Manu Chao's new video, "São Paulo Motoboy," is a dynamic ride through the bustling streets of São Paulo, capturing the city's vibrant energy and the spirit of its motoboys (motorcycle couriers) with his unique, infectious sound. Dive into this exhilarating visual journey and experience the pulse of São Paulo. UPCOMING EVENTS Sidiki Diabate, Malian kora player and singer Sidiki Diabaté, part of a long family tradition of griots, will be performing on July 5 at the New York Palladium in Times Square. (JULY 5, 2024) Seun Kuti & Egypt 80,  Enjoy the powerful desert blues of Grammy-nominated Tuareg guitarist Bombino, supported by the vibrant sounds of Etran De L'Air and dj.henri.   (JULY 13, 2024) Federation Sound 25TH Anniversary ft. Sister Nancy + more, Celebrate a quarter-century of Jamaican dancehall, reggae, and roots music with NYC's cultural pioneers. Featuring legendary Shaggy ("It Wasn't Me"), dancehall's first lady Sister Nancy ("Bam Bam"), and chart-toppers Tanto Metro & Devonte ("Everyone Falls in Love"). With Kenny Meez, Max Glazer, DJ Danglez, DJ Mace, and Alric & Boyd. More artists TBA. (JULY 20, 2024) World Music Institute: Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Ghanaian music legend Gyedu-Blay Ambolley brings his iconic 1975 album "Simigwa" to life on the American stage for the first time. Don't miss this historic musical event! (AUG 16, 2024) SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT TANZANIA AND ZANZIBAR '25 ZOOM INFORMATION SESSION #5 JULY 11, 2024   8:30 PM EST         Get a sneak peek of what awaits you on our Afropop Tour to Tanzania and Zanzibar from February 4-18, 2025. More info on the Afropop Tour to Tanzania and Zanzibar 2025 and e-brochure HERE Meet your tour co-leaders Sean Barlow and Banning Eyre, along with Trip Advisor Sarah Sponzo. Sign up by clicking "RSVP" below or by sending an email to info@afropop.org with "Afropop TZ" as the subject. We're excited to share more details about the tour and answer all your questions! Time for a quick survey? Thank you for being part of the Afropop Worldwide community. We value your input and invite you to take a brief 2-minute survey to help us improve our content and events. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of Afropop Worldwide. Start Survey Copyright (C) 2024 Afropop Worldwide. All rights reserved. Hey there, you're receiving this e-mail because you signed up via our website or in person. We send out weekly newsletters to keep our listeners and followers updated with the latest in music from Africa and the diaspora. Our mailing address is: Afropop Worldwide 463 Lincoln Place, Unit # 246 Brooklyn, New York 11238 USA View In Browser