Stories about Music from May, 2016
Farewell to Holly Betaudier, a Man Who Dedicated His Life to Promoting Trinidad & Tobago's Cultural Diversity
"He created the bridge between successive generations and offered [...] the experiences of many of our early artists who painted the tapestry of life in Trinidad and Tobago!"
Giant David Bowie Mural Unveiled in Sarajevo
The mural recognises Bowie's participation in humanitarian efforts during the siege in the Balkan city in the 1990s.
How a Hmong Song Tradition Is Kept Alive in the American Midwest
Kwv txhiaj has its origins in southern China and Southeast Asia, is several centuries old and is kept alive through its singers. One of them calls the US Midwest home.
A Celebration of Sri Lanka's Musical Diversity, From Traditional Drumming to Urban Rap
Let this collection of photos and audio transport you to the recent Galle Music Festival of Sri Lanka.
He'd Never Seen Jukeboxes Before Immigrating to the US. Now He's a Master at Repairing Them.
Magdi Hanna grew up in Egypt, but when he moved to the United States, he found a calling fixing the decades-old musical machines.
Brazilian Musicians Mount an Orchestra Against Brazil's Interim Government
Late German composer Carl Off's "Carmina Burana" was turned into a chant of "Fora Temer" (Temer Out), against Michel Temer's interim government.
Cameroonian Rapper Valsero Launches a Scathing Musical Attack on President Biya's 33-Year Rule
"Look at these youths! All they dream of is to go far away / Look at these youths! They’ve lost the will to fight because it’s not worth it"
South Africa Is Telling Some Radio Stations They Need to Play Almost All Local Music
It's an effort to encourage people to support more local musicians.
Kyrgyz Musicians Deliver a Stirring Rendition of Game of Thrones’ Opening Theme
Watching this on loop might just be the perfect between-episodes-fix for compulsive addicts of the cult HBO show.
Macedonia’s Government Is Subsidizing Bad Patriotic Rock Music and People Aren’t Happy
The selection of music involves categories such as "compositions that affirm the history of Macedonia" and "compositions that affirm family values and families with multiple children."
The King of Congolese Rumba Has Died. This Is His Legacy.
We have lost Papa Wemba, Congolese rumba pioneer and the “King of Sape”. “Farewell to the artist and thank you,” says Global Voices.
Iranians Lip-Sync Their Love for Music Maestro Mohammed-Reza Shajarian in Tribute Video
"Shajarian, voice of the people of Iran: #Maestro_we_love_you #Shajarian"