Global Voices · Citizen media stories about Music

To protest against the border wall that divides the U.S. and Mexico, Germany's Dresden Symphonic Orchestra will stage an international concert with musicians on June 3, 2017, at the border.

9 May 2017

Russian Pensioners Troll Opposition Leader in Awkward Rap Video

Written by William Cohen · Russia

The video was produced by a fringe activist organization in Krasnodar called "Social Justice."

7 May 2017

Singer Teddy Afro's New Album Holds Fast to His Vision of a Diverse, Yet United Ethiopia

Written by Endalk · Sub-Saharan Africa

Known as the Bob Marley of Ethiopia, some claim that Teddy Afro’s songs represent a defeated ideology -- but his albums are generating record sales.

30 April 2017

Police Raid on Kingston Dub Club Puts Noise Pollution Issue on Replay

Written by Emma Lewis · Caribbean

One of Jamaica's "music/tourism gems" gets shut down by police after neighbours complain about the noise levels. But is there a compromise to be had?

29 April 2017

Despite Some Ambivalence, the Expanded Jamaica Carnival of 2017 Was a Hit

Written by Emma Lewis · Caribbean

Jamaica Carnival is still considered an import from Trinidad and Tobago, but that doesn't mean that Jamaicans haven't been embracing the festival and its economic benefits.

21 April 2017

Japanese Metal Legends LOUDNESS Turned Away at US Border

Written by Nevin Thompson · East Asia

"After spending 27 hours in the air I'm back in Osaka. Just devastated."

4 April 2017

Tributes Flow in for Kishori Amonkar, One of the Great Voices of Indian Classical Music

Written by Rezwan · South Asia

"There are certain voices that have the ability to mesmerise and Kishori Amonkar’s is one."

23 March 2017

There Are ‘No Borders to Music,’ But the U.S. Consulate Still Rejected These Indonesian Choir Members’ Visas

Written by Juke Carolina Rumuat · East Asia

"Regardless of the “borders” instilled by politics, there are no borders to music, no borders to unity through artistry, no borders from humanity that thrives from singing of the heart."

Meet Ara Malikian, the Cosmopolitan With a Violin

Written by Nevena Borisova · Eastern & Central Europe

Global Voices interviews Ara Malikian, an Armenian violinist who grew up in Lebanon, about the influences that shaped his life and his music.

14 March 2017

Remembering Soviet Pop: the USSR's Vocal-Instrumental Ensembles

Written by Ryan Wauson · Russia

While the West twisted, discoed, and boogied, the people of the Soviet Union were treated to a bland but charming, state-censored version of Western music: the so-called vocal-instrumental ensembles (VIAs).

9 March 2017

Live Streaming at Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Brings Issue of Copyright Infringement Into Focus

Written by Janine Mendes-Franco · Caribbean

"While this live streaming option has been praised in providing unique perspectives for current events and breaking news...[it] has provided more opportunities for infringement of copyright laws."

8 March 2017

Nyango Star, the Apple-Shaped Mascot Who Drums for Japan's Tohoku Region

Written by Nevin Thompson · East Asia

"Anytime Nyango Star makes a public appearance it is to help Tohoku recover. The mascot isn't drumming for its personal gain but for its beloved home."

4 March 2017

An Indian American Muslim Singer Resurrects an Old Civil Rights Anthem

Written by Public Radio International · North America

Chicago-based singer Zeshan Bagewadi, better known as Zeshan B, has embraced the music his Indian father introduced him to: soul, gospel and R&B.

3 March 2017

Vybz Kartel Supporters Threaten Former Jamaican Culture Minister Over Remarks About Dancehall's Violent Lyrics

Written by Emma Lewis · Caribbean

"I pray that Jamaicans who value common decency will push back against this new normal and defend Jamaica’s true culture. If we lose this battle, we will have lost Jamaica."