Will Africa ever shine?

Just listening to some of those Nneka songs as well as a conversation i had with somebody has got me thinking. Firstly i've been reflecting a lot lately and have begun to realise just how short life if (cliche i know). It's true, as human beings we have a tendancy to be slightly selfish in our thoughts, whats more the media only adds to this allowing us to feel as though where we stand at this moment in time is the most important thing the universe has ever experienced, as if we will all be here forever. Yet in the context of Africa i was pondering on whether the troubles that have become embedded in the continent since the days of colonisation will ever in my life time be resolved.
I came to the conclusion probably not, sad though it may seem i will most likely never see a triumphant Africa. Though don't mistake triumphant for huge industries and bustling economies, in fact far from it. An Africa that is happy in it's current situation and status is far more triumphant than an Africa that merely copies the Western template for society. A society comfortable and secure in it's environment would be in my eyes, be much more of a triumph. Yet as most know, no drastic action or change ever happens in the world of the economy or poliitics. Economies have to build and social opinions develop over time for any change to occur. And i can't help but feel Africa is a victim, 'well duhh' you may be thinking with slavery and colonialism in mind, though i'm referring more to the likes of education, civilisation and economy, all of which Africa gave to the world in it's early stages. Though all of which was taken developed and then used against the motherland at a later date. The Romans did it, the British did it and are still currently doing it along with the Americans and Chinese to mention a few.

This may just be one of those problems that our childrens children might find themselves trying to solve, but until someone acts decisively and drastically no change will take place and Africa will remain the dark continent in all sense of the word. However i atleast hold on to the hope that some day, we wil recognise a change even if on the smallest scale. It's time for newscaster such as CNN to stop reporting in depth on the problem and start suggesting possibilities for a solution.


I may keep adding to this one,

Peace.

J. Cole Back to the Topic Freestyle....

FRESH!!!

zSHARE - J. Cole- Back to the Topic Freestyle.mp3

Shared via AddThis


I'll up some of my favourite tracks and get some albums links in a sec...

Nneka , the Nigerian soul sensation from the Motherland!!

Let me introduce you to Nneka one of the latest talents all the way from Nigeria. Her unique husky voice mixed with reggae, hip hop and soul blends has drawn such comparisons with the likes of Lauryn Hill (who by the way has become a huge fan) and Erykah Badu.

With a mother of German descent and a Nigerian father her looks are striking aswell as unique. Raised in Nigeria Nneka is most definately African and makes no point of hiding this in her music with such titles as 'wake up Africa'. She hopes to draw attention to the corruption embedded in the oil producing regions of Niger Delta (the worlds 4th largest provider of oil). Moving to germany as a teen and then progressing to the U.S gives the soul star a unique blend of accents as well as a melting pot of influences which becomes obvious listening to her beats and adlibs.




Available on Amazon here.

Her first album 'Victim of Truth' Went by largely unnoticed despite acclaimed British newspaper The Sunday Times stating 'Victim of Truth is as good as The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.'

One of the standout favourites for me is the song 'Africans', watch the video below to judge for yourself....


Follow up albums include 'No Longer at Ease'



Available on Amazon here.

And 'To and Fro' which is a Triple CD set featuring all 3 albums in one set...



Available here on itunes.
Amazon here

Ultimately this girl is dope and i would advise you to check her myspace which fatures music, videos all that usual stuff! http://www.myspace.com/nnekaworld
Here's a couple vids to give you more of a taste....

Mr Bongo's Brazilian Beats....

Not enough people are hip to the Mr.Bongo revolution that has been taking place for the best part of a decade now. I have long been fascinated with Brazil, their brillian on the football field and their seemingly care free, fun-loving approach to life. It was therefore enevitable that Brazilian music would hold a place close to my heart. Music that encapsulates all the energy, history and spirit of brazilian people.

David Bongo, the man behind Mr Bongo Records hatched a plan to develope a whole compilation of Brazil inspired tracks. A quote from the brazilian beats website explains,
' With a unique outlook open to Brazilian artists playing international forms of music and international artists playing Brazilian forms of music and equally embracing all newly emerging sub-genres of modern music, the concept of Brazilian Beats was born.'

Therefore the complete 8 Disk compilation pictured below is not only offering the best of Brazil but also the best of those influenced by Brazililian music. Any budding Brazil fanatics will recognize the likes of Jorge Ben, argueably Brazil's most famous (undoubtably most talented) musical export among the more modern faces such as sergio mendes.
This collection really does have something for all, some songs are so chilled they make perfect relaxation or work music. Others are so energetic they provide the perfect soundtrack for summer cruises in the car or long arduous workout sessions that could do with a bit of brazilian spice to keep you motivated.

Ultimately i would suggest you read some of the reviews and desciptions of the official brazilian beats site http://brazilianbeats.info/, containing some great info on how the compilations came to be, tracklisting and where you can pick up your copy.



The best place to buy in terms of value at the moment is Amazon who currently have great deals for the whole boxset of 8 CD's all coming in one for £15.98 click here which is an amazing deal considering the fact that the indivdual CD's themselves probably started out at around that price. Your saving yourself near enough 60 or 70 pounds. Check out some of the reviews for further clarification.
If your in the U.S its a lot dearer costing $64.99 which is strange yet tough luck, i wonder if Amazon knows that there is such a differencial.

- Enjoy this great free audio sample -

REAKWON ONLY BUILT FOR CUBAN LINX 2!!!! THE RETURN OF THE PURPLE TAPE..

That time is getting nearer, here's a lil taster produced by Dre.....

http://limelinx.com/files/1a474d176c6fdafcd50241a6587ead99