A Magical West Africa and South Africa Musical Collaboration

Last night I went to a great performance with one of my favorite African artists, Habib Koite.  The concert was a beautiful intra-African collaboration and melding of West African and South African talents.  Featuring the guitar stylings of both Habib and Afel Boucom from Mali and Oliver Mtukudzi of Zimbabwe, the show was a rare treat.  Tuku, Wassoulou and Tuareg sounds and rhythms were played by a musical group that included both the N'Goni (Malian guitar predecessor) and M'Bira (thumb piano).  Take a listen to parts of two songs above.

The Importance of Singing

Love this article from Journal of Music via Utne about why in Western culture we suddenly stop singing to our children (and in general) as soon as they're past toddlerhood and why we need to sing more.

It reminds me of my observations during my travels to countries like Portugal and Mali where I was delighted to find people taking turns singing around the holiday table, or belting out a heartfelt song while walking down the beach balancing a huge bundle of sticks on the head.

Read the full essay here