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Kuku, the soldier of peace from Nigeria

American born Lagos Nigeria bred singer-songwriter KUKU bridges the gap between his Yoruba roots and the western world. His haunting, genre bending rootsy sounds, and conscious songwriting is often mentioned in context with some of his diverse influences such as Richie Haven, Fela Kuti, … Following years of odd jobs, serving in the United States Army, and attaining his university degree, KUKU launched his music career in the mid 2000s with a series of independent releases, Love Sessions (2005), Unexpected Pleasures (2006), and The Absence of Cool (2007) and Love in a Time of Hope & Recession (2009). He toured in the US college and university scene, coffee houses, and busked extensively on street corners notably the Alexandria, Virginia boardwalk before relocating to Paris France in 2011. After a few failed record company connections in Paris, he self-released his 4th and what he deems his coming of age album, Soldier of Peace (Balogun ÌRÒRÙN) in 2013. Songs like “The Cure” and “Live life Now” resonated heavily with his growing French following. Also in 2013 he lent his voice to the ORANGE™ sponsored advert for the African Cup of Nationssinging the legendary Liverpool Football Club anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone‘. His collaboration with Congolese/Belgian rapper Baloji on a reprise of Fela Kuti‘s ‘Buy Africa‘ is the leading track on the 2013 ‘RED HOT + FELA’ album by Knitting Factory Records. He collaborated on legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen‘s 2015 released album “Film of LIfe.” With co-production with his long time South African musical partner Mongezi Ntaka (Lucky Dube, Vusi Mahlasela), KUKU followed suit with the album “Ballads & Blasphemy : The Areligious Gospel of Adebola Kuku“. The album was released in 2015 by Buda Musiques, an eminent French record label specializing in world music. KUKU earned critical acclaimed with the French musical press; Telerama Magazine, Le Monde newspaper, UK’s Songlines magazine, RFI radio, and France-inter radio. Lately, KUKU has lent is voice and songwriting to some dance music producers. His collaboration with Monsieur Scott on a EP called REVISITED was released in late 2015. In late 2016, Charles Schillings a renowned French House DJ and producer released the single Where Are You ?featuring the voice of KUKU. ***** INFORMATION Website: kukulive.com Facebook: KUKUMUSIC Youtube: youtube.com/user/KUKULIVE
13 February 2012

The Strides, the reggae from Sidney

With their explosive melting pot of Afrobeat, Reggae, Hip-Hop and Dancefloor jazz, 9-piece ensemble THE STRIDES has already won over a steadfast following in Australia. After a lengthy series of gigs that includes supporting afrobeat legend Tony Allen and becoming a headline act at both the Bellingen Global Carnival and Peats Ridge Festival, this dynamic outfit is ready to launch its new album “Reclamation” on Record Kicks. With a heavy rhythm section and a powerful 3-piece horn section, The Strides deliver a captivating blend of funky afrobeat, roots reggae, hip hop grooves, dubbed out beats, and hypnotic rhythms. Featuring vocals by reggae master Ras Roni from Trinidad via London and rising hip hop star from Fiji MC Lil Gzeus (Little Jesus) over the super skanky, infectious, horn-heavy grooves of the band, “Reclamation” perfectly showcases the mighty force of The Strides’ innovative sound. From afrobeat-infused instrumental romps such as “Umbi Gumbi” and “Well Hung Parliament” to hip hop stormers such as first single “Reclamation”, to hints of roots reggae on “Storm Cloud” and “Fresh Lady”, Australia’s best kept secret The Strides impressively mix and combine a series of genres, and the result is something special, indeed! ********** INFORMATION Facebook: facebook.com/thestridesband Myspace: myspace.com/thestridesband Youtube: youtube.com/user/thestridesmusic Website: thestridesband.com
14 November 2011

Anofela, The Golden Boy of Ivory Coast

Sorry, this entry is only available in French. For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.Anofela est un artiste d'afro/ hip-hop né en Côte d’Ivoire. Auteur, interprète et  compositeur, il a notamment écrit et réalisé, en 2007, en collaboration avec Kaysha et Kamnouze, l’album du jeune trio féminin, Les Déesses, intitulé « Saveurs exotiques ». Il participera activement également à l’élaboration de l’album « Avec ou sans toi » de Lylah, la leader du groupe, sorti en 2009 chez Nouvelle Donne. En avant-goût de son album solo tant attendu, The Blackprez nous livre une véritable pépite avec sa blackmixtape « The Jaypre’z », sortie en août 2010. Ce projet rencontre déjà un énorme succès auprès de la communauté afro-antillaise internationale, notamment avec « Empire State of Blackprez ». Son album qu’il prépare entre Paris, Abidjan et les Etats-Unis et qui s’annonce très éclectique, sortira au printemps 2012. Il sera teinté de ses influences musicales et de ses convictions politiques et sociales. Anofela est « un homme du peuple, dans le peuple et toujours pour le peuple », comme il aime à se définir. D’où son titre de Blackprez, le président noir, tel que se nommait lui-même le grand Fela Kuti, sa référence, son inspiration. Anofela The Blackprez n’a pas fini de faire parler de lui !   ***** Myspace : www.myspace.com/anofela You Tube : www.youtube.com/user/anofela
5 August 2010