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· January, 2012

Stories about Music from January, 2012

US, Russia: The Flying Balalaika Brothers Bridge Cultural Gaps in Texas

Like many of their compatriots, musicians Zhenya Kolykhanov and Sergey Vaschenko emigrated from Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s and have since established themselves in Austin, Texas. Through their band, The Flying Balalaika Brothers, and a non-profit called Musical Connections, they work to bridge cultural gaps by exposing Texans to international art.

Written by Donna Welles
30 January 2012

Jamaica: Gully versus Gaza

Jamaica Salt considers “how Jamaican music superstars, Vybz Kartel and Mavado have taken their different paths”, suggesting: “Kartel [is] more real in a way but when it comes to survival...

Written by Janine Mendes-Franco
27 January 2012

Caribbean: TEDx Shows “Ideas Worth Spreading”

“Ideas worth spreading.” With this simple slogan, TED.com, which began in 1984 as an annual conference devoted to technology, entertainment and design, has infiltrated the Internet and empowered people in various countries to spark discussions in local, self-organised TED-branded events, dubbed TEDx. This sharing of ideas has found its way to the Caribbean - in 2011, five TEDx events were held: two in Jamaica, two in Trinidad and one in Puerto Rico. Here's a look back on the events that helped change the region...

Written by Karel McIntosh
25 January 2012

Venezuela: The Essence of African Music in Videos

Venezuela’s African origins can be strongly felt in the music and culture of the country’s coastal regions. Social networking sites play an important role in helping people to become more familiar with the drum festivals. Citizen media sites, particularly YouTube, feature videos of the music and dancing performed during events such as family parties and national celebrations.

Written by Laura Vidal
Translated by Chellsy Alis Manning
25 January 2012

Peru: Cápac Raymi, The Andean Christmas

Before the introduction of Christmas festivities to Peru, the Incas celebrated Cápac Inti Raymi Killa, a religious festival that took place in honour of the Sun. Cápac Raymi is no longer celebrated as it once was, but today Inca an Christian elements mix during the end of the year festivities in various towns of the Peruvian Andes.

Written by Juan Arellano
Translated by Rebecca Knaggs
16 January 2012

Morocco: Activist Rapper Freed

Mouad Belghouat "Al Haked" (The Indignant), a 24-year-old Moroccan rap artist and outspoken critic of Morocco's monarchy, was released on Thursday from prison where he had been held since last September. The announcement of Mouad's release spread like fire on Facebook and Twitter as several supporters rushed to the prison to welcome him.

Written by Hisham Almiraat
15 January 2012

Trinidad & Tobago: Drum Culture

In a guest post at Trinidad and Tobago News Blog, rapso artiste Brother Resistance remembers one of the country's “musical pioneers”, percussionist Ja Jah Oga Onilu, who recently passed away.

Written by Janine Mendes-Franco
12 January 2012

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