Stories about Music from June, 2007
Russia, U.S.: Victims of Communism Memorials
Sean's Russia Blog writes about two recently consecrated memorials to the victims of Communism – one in Russia, the other in the United States.
Africa: faking Africa
Read Black Looks on “faking Africa and stories of vanity.“
Japan: Death of a Pop Star
Blogger shisaku has a great post about the death of Sakai Izumi, singer and songwriter for the group ZARD and “the Voice of the Lost Decade” in Japan.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Sevdah Now and Then
Mirza Basic of London Sevdah Blog writes about Amira Medunjanin's recent concert – and about his mother performing all those years ago: “Bosnia's historical records have been largely destroyed during the war and outfit which my mum is wearing in this picture has been largely forgotten about, or people deem...
Jamaica: No More Homophobic Lyrics
Jamaican View reports that “three of the world’s top reggae and dancehall singers have renounced homophobia and condemned violence against lesbians and gay men.”
Moldova: Chisinau
Music and Life – Everywhere! writes about Moldova's capital Chisinau.
China: “Won't Sell Even If It Kills Me”
China has gone crazy for diverse portfolio capitalism—literally, in the case of one investor who couldn't get online to check his stocks when values dipped last week. Count on netizens, however, to find the humor in it all.
D.R. of Congo: Rhumba stars of today and yesterday
As Francois recently observed in Du Cabiau à Kinshasa [Fr], “Music and dance probably share the podium with Jesus among the top reasons for living for a majority of the Congolese people.” For a hint of the obsessive enthusiasm with which Congolese music fans trade gossip about the star musicians and debate their merits, you only have to visit forums such as AfroMix, AfricaAmbience and CongoPage [Fr]. However, despite the massive popularity of Congolese music all over Africa, the blogosphere remains relatively quiet on the subject.
Morocco: A Photo Tour
Ask any photographer - Morocco is known as one of the world's most photogenic spots. This week's post by Jillian York showcases photographs from all over the country - from the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music to the gorgeous gorges of the Dades Valley.
Iran:Copyright problem
Oham reports[Fa] about Iranian singer, Mohsen Namjoo, who in his interview with an Iranian journal talks about the copyright problem in Iran.The blogger says now that government does not support copyright laws,may be people can respect it and send money on a bank account to support artist(s).
Tanzania: musical journey to Mount Kilimanjaro
Bongoland II writes about Innocent Galinoma, a reggae artist from Tanzania living in the US: “His message is real and genuine, which you quickly pick up on when you talk to him. For example upon hearing his hit song “KILIMANJARO”, one could think that the message is about the famous...
Russia: Gorbushka
Two-Zero and The Turkish Invasion write about what looks like a semi-end of the golden age of Gorbushka, Moscow's legendary “pirate DVD empire.”
Angola: Kitanda – A Gateway to the African “Lusosphere”
If you ever want to get your way into the African “lusosphere”, one of the best places to start is the blog “Kitanda” (“Marketplace” in Kimbundu, one of Angola's national languages). Kitanda has become along the years, since its launch in 2004, an unavoidable reference in the “lusosphere”. Mainly dedicated...
Czech Rebublic: Defense Minister's Song
The Voice of Europe reports that in order “to lighten up the negative campaign, which is accompanying the radar debate,” the Czech defense minister records a song for George W. Bush.
Trinidad & Tobago: Soca Star Released on Bail
“We often hear rumors about celebrities behaving badly, but then it appears that they never suffer any repercussions for these alleged actions as no one ever comes forward to separate fact from fiction.” Trinidad Carnival Diary reports on the assault charges facing soca star Machel Montano.
Armenia: Katuner Concert Photos
Follow The Way posts photos from a recent Yerevan concert by the band Katuner.
Bahrain: Smut on MTV
“Not that I’m complaining or anything.. but has anyone noticed how much smut has now made its way to dance music videos on MTV?” wonders Bahraini Rants.
Morocco: June Brings Blogging, Festivals, and a Reopening
As June rolls in, so do many other events across Morocco and the greater Maghreb. June 1 - Blog for the Maghreb Day, The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, and celebrity sightings - all in the first few days of the month. Jillian York has the story.
Jamaica: Just Say ‘No’
“Lyrical violence has slowly spread throughout the dancehall, resulting in feuds that incite fans and ruin dances.” Jamaican Veiw reports that certain DJs have refused to play songs that promote violence.
The Michael Jackson of Gabon
Association des gabonais d'Amiens posts a video of the “Michael Jackson of Gabon.” [Fr]
Armenia: Freedom to Rock
tirami su reports that a protest for the right to organize a “rock for freedom” concert.
