· April, 2008

Stories about Music from April, 2008

Ethiopia: Teddy Afro denied bail

Nazret links to an article about the Ethiopian musician Teddy Afro: “The Federal High Court of Ethiopia has this morning denied bail for the release of Tewodros Kassahun (Teddy Afro)....

30 April 2008

D.R. of Congo: Kinshasa Soundtrack

A musical gift from the Democratic Republic of Congo: “To celebrate a couple of years in the Congo, here’s a mixtape just for Extra Extra readers. (Songs should stream when...

30 April 2008

Jamaica: Bob Goes Home

Montego Bay Day by Day reports that a controversial statue of reggae icon Bob Marley has finally found a home in Ocho Rios, but insists: “I have looked at this...

30 April 2008

Armenia: Sirusho in London

Unzipped: Gay Armenia reports on the visit to London by Armenia's entry to the Eurovision Song Contest, Sirusho. The blog notes that the young Armenian singer is one of the...

29 April 2008

Nigeria: The Next Fela

Ladybrille interviews the Nigerian musician, 9nice: “A self proclaimed “artist, poet and custodian of tradition and the Nigerian culture,” 9ice, like the great African musical icon-Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is dynamic,...

28 April 2008

Ethiopian bloggers defend charged pop star

Ethiopian bloggers rushed to the defence of their country's top pop singer Teddy Afro, after he appeared in court charged with the hit-and-run killing of a youth in capital Addis Ababa. Many writers were convinced Afro was being framed by Ethiopian authorities who, they said, resented the singer's huge popularity and veiled anti-government lyrics.

26 April 2008

PangeaDay: Videos to change the world on May 10th

On May 10th 2008 at 18:00 GMT, 24 films will be broadcast during a 4 hour event. What makes this different is that this event, PangeaDay will be broadcast from six locations worldwide in seven different languages worldwide to be viewed through internet, television or cellphones with one unique purpose: to make each other know about the lives of others and focus on what makes us similar, instead of what makes us different and let us work together towards peace.

26 April 2008

Venezuela: Kusturica's Visit Becomes Political

Acclaimed film director Emir Kusturica visited Caracas to close out the week of celebrations for the city with a concert by his No Smoking Orchestra. However, his visit and his concert became overly political when the Serbian filmmaker applauded the Venezuelan government's fight against imperialism during the free event, and at a local conference. Bloggers react to the disorganization of the concert and the political tone of the festivities.

25 April 2008

Morocco: Chellah Festival

“For the 13th year, the historic site of Chellah will play home to a musical dialogue among cultures, as a number of European and Arab musicians are taking part in...

24 April 2008

Armenia: Support Eurovision

Unzipped weighs in with its own opinion on whether or not Armenia's entry to the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest should be supported given the active involvement of local pop stars...

16 April 2008

Zimbabwe: Bread and Roses

Comrade Fatso is a blogger as well as a musician in Zimbabwe. Listen to his song, Bread and Roses: “The hit song from Comrade Fatso and Chabvondoka's new album, House...

15 April 2008

Armenia: Opposition Boycott Eurovision

The Armenian Observer reports that the politicization of the Eurovision Song Contest is continuing with the opposition in Armenia considering a boycott of the music competition and Armenia's entry, Sirusho....

13 April 2008

Cape Verde: Ave Mayra

Virgílio Brandão [pt] is one of the many bloggers celebrating today: Cape Verdean singer Mayra Andrade, at just 23, won the best newcomer in the BBC Radio 3 World Music...

11 April 2008

Jamaica: Red Stripe Pulls Support

Jamaican beer Red Stripe has ceased sponsorship of one of island's biggest musical events, Reggae Sumfest, “which it describes as facilitators of ‘violent and anti-social’ lyrics”. Stunner's Afflictions says: “I...

11 April 2008

Africa: Idols Africa

Siasa Duni reviews Idols Africa: “If Idols Africa won’t bring us the “next big thing” it promises, then it has succeeded beyond doubt in riskily exposing us to Africa’s deadly...

10 April 2008