Stories about Music from January, 2023
Professor Gordon Rohlehr, the ‘finest mind regarding calypso,’ dies at age 80 in Trinidad
Rohlehr's dedicated much of his life to to researching and writing about the significance of Caribbean culture — particularly calypso — as well as its literature, oral tradition, and cricket.
Social networks make civil society voices heard in Togo
Internet in Togo enables influencers to make social networks effective promotion platforms. Journalists and civil society activists take advantage of this to make their voices heard.
Trinidad & Tobago's International Soca Monarch competition is cancelled, and Carnival lovers are either shattered or unfazed
Even as organisers cited financial constraints as the reason for the cancellation, the government called it "unconscionable" for a private event to expect the state to underwrite its full cost.
Celebrating the ex-Yugoslav music scene, hall of fame style
Inspired by the Musicians Hall of Fame, American expat Will Richard set up the EX-Yugo Rock Center (EYRC) in Sarajevo, celebrating its legacy and impact during the last decades of the 20th century.
May 14 will determine the future of Turkey
Pundits who have been watching the country's political turmoil brought by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) describe the upcoming May vote as crucial.
The band that Lukashenka declared extremist sang ‘Zhyve Belarus’ (Long live Belarus!)
Rarely covered by the international media, Lukashenka’s regime is using Stalin-like repression on its citizens. Dissidents are detained and prosecuted and, in many cases now, their family members are too.
2022 was a bittersweet year for European comics
European comics creators and fans experienced some particular wins and losses during 2022. Some of them are presented in this non extensive listicle.
Overcoming existentialist crises with music: Poland's Karolina Cicha
Polish folk artist Karolina Cicha, singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and one-woman-orchestra is trying to use the language of music to overcome historical prejudice toward minority groups in Europe.
Liked Shakira's new hit? Listen to these other empowering songs from the same DJ
Bizarrap and these artists are helping shape pop culture for a safer and empowering space for all women and LGBTQ+ people.
How the Black Star Line Festival and hip-hop could further accelerate more dynamic Pan-Africanism
The festival was not just paying homage to Garvey by christening itself to his shipping company, it was embodying his teachings and fulfilling his legacy of unifying African people by beckoning U.S. artists to Africa and sowing the seeds of cultural exchange.
The Tanabra have made a comeback after 100 years. A decline in Sudanese taste in music?
Rural Tanabra music, fostered by the military after the military coup, has returned to Khartoum at a time when Sudanese desire for the revival of culture in their daily lives.
Is Trinidad & Tobago Carnival's ‘Fantastic Friday’ big enough for two major soca events?
Performer Machel Montano has announced the staging of a concert on Carnival Friday 2023, clashing with the International Soca Monarch event traditionally held on the same day. Soca fans weigh in.
Popular Russian singer answers ‘Glory to Ukraine’. Now they want to revoke his citizenship
Singer Valerii Meladze has been openly against the war since February 2022. Now he may face harsh consequences for the words he said off-the-record in Dubai in support of Ukraine.