Saturday, March 20, 2010

NAACP Image Award Winner Sila Visits Radio Afrodicia

Recording Artist/Producer and recent NAACP winner Sila Mutungi stopped by Radio Afrodicia to discuss his win and update us on his current and future projects. Make sure you tune in to 90.7 FM KPFK Los Angeles today from 2-4 pm to hear the interview.

Sila will also be doing a special show tonight in San Francisco to celebrate his win! Tune in for more details!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Real Vocal String Quartet



LOCATION: BERKELEY, CA — With hints of West Africa, the Appalachian Mountains and Brazilian Folk.

Real Vocal String Quartet is a music supervisor’s dream! RVSQ’s smooth, tranquil, and yet soulful compositions could easily be the perfect marriage for any film or television score. Formed in 2003 by premiere violinist/composer Irene Sazer, who has worked with everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to Bjork, the quartet includes fellow violinist Alisa Rose, Dina Maccabee on viola, and cellist Jessica Ivry. Collectively, RVSQ has seamlessly fused their classical training with the hypnotic rhythms and tranquil melodies from around the world.



Currently, my favorite track off their self-titled debut album Real Vocal String Quartet is the first song entitled Kothbiro. It was written by  Kenyan artist Ayub Ogada. The plucked strings immediately hook your ears and the hand claps seem to mirror one’s own heartbeat. Now enter the vocals; melodies so entrancing, it may have you feeling like you are slowly being drifted away down a calm river.

Listen to KothbiroHERE!

If you will be in the Los Angeles area this Sunday, March 14th, please check out RVSQ’s live show at the Bootleg Theatre on 2220 Beverly Blvd at 7:00 pm. They will also be at SXSW on March 20th!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Razia Calls For An End To Environmental and Cultural Destruction Through Her Music!


Seeking to raise awareness of the critical impact of slash and burn agriculture and climate change in her native Madagascar, singer Razia Said has created a stunning and moving album of original songs entitled Zebu Nation. Now available worldwide, the album celebrates the wealth of Malagasy musical culture and environmental biodiversity. 10% of the net profits from the sale of Zebu Nation will be used to plant trees in Madagascar.

"evocative new fusion... rooted firmly in Malagasy tradition." - Nat Geo Music
"A disk with sincerity and heart." - Songlines,  4 stars
"An album of rare beauty and commitment." - Music-News, 4 stars
"Insistent, hypnotic rhythms share the bill with ethereal ballads...
consistently seductive." - Boston Globe
"4 stars" - Financial Times








Connect with Razia and learn more at: 

Tabou Combo to perform with Wyclef Jean and Carlos Santana at the 41st. NAACP IMAGE award in LA this Friday


This friday February 26, Haitians all over the world should focus their attention on FOX channel 5 at 8 pm Eastern standard time as our legendary WYCLEF JEAN is going to be honored at the 41 annual NAACP image award ,one of the most prestigious ever discerned by this institution .To back up his performance Wycleff has chosen Tabou Combo, Jerry Duplessis and Carlos Santana for this event ." I wanted the people of the world to know the best Konpa group that my Country has ever produced , I am proud to share the stage with them .Jerry and I were kicked out of my father's church for playing Tabou Combo's music during the services .My uncle Samuel was a great fan of this legendary group .They deserve all my respect "

http://www.naacpimageawards.net/41/home/

The Aperture Foundation and The Hammer Museum presents Zwelethu Mthethwa

South African photographer Zwelethu Mthethwa, whose work addresses the economic and political realities of present-day South Africa, will be at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, March 7, 2010 at 7pm for his Artist Talk and Book Signing Event.

Mthethwa's work documents multiple aspects of South Africa -- from domestic life and the environment, to landscape and labor issues. His stunning large-scale portraits often portray rural immigrants on the margins of South African cities, revealing the efforts of his subjects to maintain their cultural identities through their choices in clothing, and the decoration of their dwellings and places of worship. The artists' later works also address the evolving relation of South Africa to neighboring nations and to the global context.

This event will mark Zwelethu Mthethwa's long-awaited first comprehensive monograph, providing an overview of his work to date. This is not one to be missed. Check it out and let us know what you think!

WHEN AND WHERE:

_______________________________________ 

Zwelethu Mthethwa
Los Angeles, California
         
                 
Thursday, March 4, 2010              

7:00 p.m.

Hammer Museum
1089 Wilshire Blvd. Gallery Six
Los Angeles, California
(310) 443-7000
http://hammer.ucla.edu/programs/detail/program_id/435

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Angélique Kidjo at the Walt Disney Concert Hall


The unique and electrifying Angelique Kidjo will be at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sunday, Feb 28th. Hailing from Benin, Africa, Angélique seamlessly combines the traditional music of her country with American R&B, funk and jazz.


Her latest Grammy-award winning project, Djin Djin features guest artists like Alicia Keyes, Branford Marsalis, Carlos Santana, and Josh Groban, just to name a few. Djin Djin can be downloaded on iTunes, HERE.


This is sure to be a fantastic show. Make sure you do not miss out! For more info, go to LAPhil.com or call (323) 850-2000.


Friday, February 19, 2010

29th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival


The 29th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival will be held this Saturday, Feb 20th and Sunday, Feb 21st at the Long Beach Arena. Doors open at 12 Noon and show starts at 1pm. For more info, call (310) 515-3322 or go to raggamuffinsfestival.com. Should be a good show!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Tinariwen Will Be At UCLA Feb 20th!

Tinariwen are a band of Tuareg soul rockers whose music is a hypnotic blend of electric blues and sounds from their homeland in the Southern Sahara desert. They have a growing and dedicated following, including Robert Plant and Bono from U2. Tinariwen's latest album, Imidiwan Companionsreleased in October of 2009,  has received rave reviews from Rolling StoneEntertainment Weekly, and Pitchfork just to name a few. My favorite track off the album is Tahult InIt's been on constant replay in my iTunes for weeks now.

You can catch them live at UCLA Royce Hall on  February 20, 2010 at 8PM. Can't wait for this show!

                      







Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Choreographer Titus Fotso Talks About New Dance



Titus Fotso stops by Radio Afrodicia to talk about the new dance he created for the Adidas soccer ball unveiling in Santa Monica, CA. The new dance is called Vuvuzela Kwaito or VK for short. WATCH the video to learn more about this fun dance and Titus' inspiration in developing it for the 2010 World Cup South Africa.


Sunday, February 7, 2010

Mamadou Diabate Wins Grammy!

                          DJ Nnamdi Moweta and Mamdou Diabate

Master kora player, Mamadou Diabate took home the Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album, which aired live on January 31, 2010. Mr. Diabate won for his solo recording Douga Mansa.

This morning, Mamadou sat down with DJ Nnamdi for an interview on the Sunday Edition of Weekend Network Africa on BBC Africa. The interview aired all over Africa and the internet. To listen, CLICK HERE

Friday, February 5, 2010

Brazilian Carnaval 2010


The BIGGEST and most EXTRAVAGANT CARNAVAL party in Southern California! The 10th annual Brazilian Carnaval will be held at Club Nokia @ L.A. Live on Feb. 20, 2010 from 8pm -2am. The event will be hosted by DJ Garth Trinidad, other musical guests and promises to have non-stop floor entertainment! For more info, call (818) 566-1111 or go to www.braziliannites.com.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Akon and Keri Hilson - Oh Africa!

Akon debuts a new song called Oh Africa for the 2010 Soccer World Cup that will be held in South Africa this year. The high-energy track features American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson. Check out the video below!

The Complete Interview With Fally Ipupa @ Radio Afrodica

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Today on Radio Afrodicia



Radio Afrodicia will talk African Soccer with our soccer specialist Mr Kwabena Offori from Accra Ghana. Egypt will take on Ghana on sunday for the African Cup of NationsFinals. Radio Afrodicia has been following the tounament from the first game the past shows.





Mr Yves Joseph also known as Fanfan... Leader of Haitian Compa band Tabou Combo will join us in the first hour to talk about the new tracks from Tabou's upcoming CD . Ayiti will never Die and Independence Chacha, a famous Congolese song. Tabou Combo will play two fund raiser shows for Haiti in Los Angeles Feb 12 & 13. These will be exclusive tracks for Radio Afrodicia.

Tabou Combo has been mixing funk, African ,Cuban and uniquely Haitian Creole sounds since 1968. Tabou Combo is one of the most famous Haitian bands of all time.





In the second hour Fally Ipupa a major Congolese Super Star will join us live in the studio to talk about his visit to Southern California and play tracks from his new CD and the state of Congolese music today.




Fally Ipupa is one of the new generation of Congolese singers who have recieved quite a lot of focus recently. Fally Ipupa made his name with Koffi Olomide's Quartier Latin Band.



Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Nneka Is The Itunes Free Single Of The Week!



Remember: we brought you to her music first! You can download Nneka's single "The Uncomfortable Truth" from Itunes for free! Enjoy!

"More Tears For Haiti"

















Dedicated to the people of Haiti....

and to those who are there to help


"More Tears For Haiti"


and once again it's more tears for haiti

as the rivers flow

so does the blood


haiti, oh my haiti

where can we go?

what can we do?

haiti is me, haiti is you


for this one

you may need to cover your eyes

unless you want to see me cry


haiti oh my haiti

haiti oh my haiti

oh my haiti

oh my my my


there is death and dying

screamin' and cryin'

in haiti oh my haiti

oh my haiti oh my haiti

oh my my my


this is no vacation

this is no fun in the sun

the haitian people are on the run


we dig through the rock and rumble for signs of life

from sun up to sun down and

we bury the dead from can see to can't see


oh my haiti oh my haiti

oh my haiti oh my my my


tell God we would like an appointment

we are here waiting...waiting...waiting...

some say he soon come but until then

will you?


inspired after hearing Wyclef Jean speak about the

apocalyptic earthquake tragedy in Haiti


carmen efferson- Sowell

copyright ...2010



http://celebritiesforafrica.blogspot.com/2010/01/more-tears-for-haiti.html




One Thousand Tents For Haiti


On March 1st, Maria de Barros will be traveling to Haiti to bring supplies to the survivors of the tragic earthquake that hit Haiti on January 19, 2010. Maria is asking that we donate as many tents and supplies as we can. The goal is to raise 1,000 tents. She says,

 "My dear friends, please join me in donating Tents to Haiti.  I am traveling to Haiti on March 1, 2010 and will bring as many supplies as possible.  Let's help our brothers and sisters -- they need us so much !!".

For more info, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=291647260140&mid=1c94032G23f242bfG3cb5b31G6



Remember: You can also donate $5 to help the victims of the earthquake by texting "YELE" to 501501. Let's do everything we can. Every little bit counts.


[Image by Moya Fagalar, (c) 2010]

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Show Recap - January 16, 2010


In light of the disastrous 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12, 2010, DJ Nnamdi took us on a musical journey through Haiti. We began the show with a Haitian artist by the name of Belo. We played a track off his Reference album called Ayiti.

If you would like to help Haiti, please donate to Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation.  Text "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5 or "HAITI" to 501501 to make a donation of $10. For more information, CLICK HERE.

We also had a special guest in the studio. Her name is Cornelia Pesendorfer, a musician from Austria. Cornelia dropped by to tell us about her latest projects and the music of Zambia. Listen to the full interview, HERE.



For the complete playlist, click after the JUMP!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Lovely Maria de Barros!


                          Photo by Moya Fagalar (c) 2010

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Grupo De Rua In Action

Grupo De Rua: H3 at REDCAT!



Grupo De Rua will be kicking off their U.S. tour at REDCAT January 19, 2010. The Brazilian ten-member group will be presenting their latest work, H3. A piece that elaborates "on a churning, crossover movement style that brings in elements of krumping, popping and breakdance while at the same time deconstructing the clichés of contemporary dance."

Our very on DJ Nnamdi will be playing a few tunes for you on the Jan. 22nd show. We will be giving away tickets for that show to a few lucky listeners this Saturday, so make sure you tune into 90.7fm KPFK from 2 - 4 PM.

Follow us on Twitter!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Maria de Barros LIVE!





Maria de Barros will be joining us this Saturday, Jan 9, 2010, to talk about her nomination and the new CD Morabeza. We will also be giving away a few copies of the album so make sure you tune into 90.7fm KPFK Los Angeles from 2- 4 PM. Or listen to us online at http://www.kpfk.org/listen-live.html.


You can also follow us on Twitter for live playlist updates, giveaways, and events!

2010 NAACP Outstanding World Music Album Nominees!








The nominations are in for the 41st NAACP Image Awards! Radio Afrodicia is extremely excited to see the nominations for the Outstanding World Music Album category. Check it out!



Congratulations to them all! Make sure you tune in for the live taping on February 26, 2010 from 8 - 10 PM ET/PT on FOX!



Follow us on Twitter for live playlist updates, giveaways, and events!


Monday, January 4, 2010

Upcoming Event: Nick Cave Opening at the UCLA Fowler Museum

NICK CAVE SOUNDSUITS, WOW. 
Nick Cave: Meet Me at the Center of the Earth will be the latest installation at the UCLA Fowler Museum. Nick Cave's art installation will be on display from January 10 - May 30, 2010. It is the largest presentation of work by the Chicago-based artist, featuring thirty-five of his "Soundsuits" -multi-layered, mixed-media sculptures named for the sounds made when the "suits" are performed. The Opening Night Party is this Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010 and will be hosted by KCRW's Jason Bentley. Check out the videos below to see Nick Cave and his "Soundsuits" in action.




Our First Show Recap - 1/2/2010 of the New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! Last Saturday was our first broadcast of the new year 2010. It was a beautiful warm sunny day in Los Angeles, so it only seemed right that we kicked off the show by playing "L.A. Sunshine" by War. Radio Afrodicia also gave away some CDs by african artists Shiko Mawatu and Chief Osadebe. Congratulations, once again, to our winners! Hope you enjoy the new music.

We also connected with Soukous Master Guitarist from the Congo Diblo Dibala. If you missed the show or want to listen to it again, CLICK HERE!

REMEMBER: Follow us on Twitter for our live playlist, event updates and gift give-aways! And become our friend on Facebook!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Best of 2009!

We here at Radio Afrodicia would like to thank all of our listeners and wish them a Happy New Year! As we all look forward to new beginnings with 2010, we would also like to reflect upon what we consider to be the best of 2009, musically. Take a look!


Radio Afrodicia Top Ten 2009


1- Baba Tony Allen – Secret Agent – World Circuit Nonesuch UK

2- Oumou Sangare- Seya – World Circuit Nonesuch

3- Asa – Asa – Mercer Street Records

4- Staff Benda Bilili- Tres Fort , Tres Fort- Crammed Disc

5- Cheick Tidiane Seck- Sabaly- Universal Music France

6- Cesaria Evora- Nha Sentimento – LusAfrica

7- Gilles Peterson –Havana Cultura – Brownswood Recording

8- Kimi Djabate- Karam- Cumbancha Records

9- Biso Na Biso – Africa- Warner Music France

10- Maria De Barros –Morabeza- Sheer Music South Africa


Best Compilation


1- Fela Anikulapo Kuti – Best Of The Black President- Knitting Factory Records

2- Franco & TP OK Jazz- Francophonic Vol 2 – Sterns Records

3- Ghana Special –Modern Highlife Afro Sounds Ghana Blues 1968-Soundway

4- Babatunde Olatunji-Olatunji Drums Of Passion 2CD Set-Columbia/Legacy


Best Of Africa In America


1-Sila And The Afro Funk Experience- Black President- Visila Records San Francisco

2- Rocky Dawuni-Hymns For The Rebel Soul- Aquarian Records

3- Mamadou Diabate – Douga Mansa- World Village/ Harmonia Mundi

4-Extra Golden –Thank You Very Quickly – Thrill Jockey Records


Best New Artist- Nneka Egbuna -Nigeria / Germany

Best Concert LA 2009- Zap Mama Grand Performances Los Angeles

Best Digital Music Label – Akwaaba Music / Benjamin Lebrave

Best Music Label- Cumbancha Records

Best African Producer – Cheick Tidiane Seck- Sabaly & Seya


Eku Odun