FAARROW - Somebody That I Used To Know / Can't Get Enough

Just had to do a quick post on the hottest duo in my books. Originally from Somalia,talented singer/songwriting sisters Iman and Siham Hashi did a mash up cover of two of my favourite songs, Gotye Somebody that I used to know / J Cole Can't get enough. Love it!
Looking forward to more from the girls.

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AFRO HOUSE INDULDGENCE

EDGAR - Sinto saudades


DJ AKA-M - Bayeye

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Blaya

Karla aka Blaya, born in Brazil, brought up in Portugal, is proving to be my current girl crush, her style, musical flare and dance moves are giving me life...



Honestly, I think its about time she branched of on her own and I cannot wait for her solo mixtape, which is mixed my J Wow from Buraka.

Here are a couple of her previous tracks..

DIA A DIA


MINHA FORTULEZA:


SENTIMENTOS:

Watch this space.

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Sara Tavares - Ginga

Beautiful performance from the beautiful Sara Tavares....



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Barbara Kanam - Djarabi

Thought I would take us back a couple of years with one of Africa's prime beauties... Barbara Kanam from Congo DRC.



Djarabi J'taime
Djarabi Motema na nga,
Djarabi na lingi yo

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COMPILATION MIX #2

Here is a little Afrobeats/Azonto compilation I made a little while back.

Enjoy!

AfroBeats Mix from Inês_carlitos on 8tracks.

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Bruna Tatiana-Te Quero Bue

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Dji Tafinha - Cinzas

I'm a big softy when it comes to to father-child relationships, so when I heard this track by Angolan rapper Dji Tafinha, you know I immediately broke down into tears (emotional?! yeah I know).
More touching than Nas' track, 'Daughters', Dji Carvalho Junior, emotionally raps about his only son, who sadly past away.

"Quero te tocar mas não consigo

Essa dor não desejo nem pro meu pior inimigo

Essa história não era pra ser assim

Devias ser tu a fazer esse som pra mim"

"I want to hold you but I can not

This pain I do not wish for my worst enemy

This story was not to be so

It should be you making this song for me"

No one Should have to go through this :(

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Listen out for... Hollie Cook

Being the daughter of the Sex Pistols drummer, and god daughter to Boy George, Hollie has already an interesting music connection in the industry.
Her music is a contemporary dub and what she calls'Tropical Pop' with flares of reggae roots which   I love as it has that amazing summer feel to it, even when the weather can not make up it's mind here in the UK.


One to keep an eye out for.


Body Beat - 



Walking in the sand - From her new album Prince Fatty presents Hollie Cook in Dub

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INTERVIEW: A BOA VIDA MEETS FABRICE WONGA

Congo is known to produce some of the most talented music artist in Africa (just think Fally Ipupa), and now we have our own exported, home-grown talent.
Congo born singer/songwriter Fabrice Wonga is currently making his name known in the UK with his 'Congo Wifey' track.
I was lucky enough to grab Frabrice from his busy scheduled to get to know him a little and talk about his music career.

ABD: So, for those who don't know you, could you please describe your music in 3 words?

FW: First and foremost I would like to thank you for featuring me on your wonderful blog. I would describe my music as being Heartfelt, catchy & fun at times.

ABD: How and when did your passion for singing and song writing start?

FW: My passion really started when i was still in secondary at age 13. I hid it for a bit cause I went to a tough all boys school and singing wasnt really hip. So I really started sharing my songs with friends in college (looking back those songs were terrible) and from summer 2009 I really started seeing it as a carreer not just a hobby.

ABD: Your song 'Congo Wifey' has proven to be quite popular as of lately, and I personally love the way you sing in both English and Lingala. What motivated you to write this song?

FW: Thank you. Congo Wifey is a combination of two previous songs only my inner circle know about. I co-Wrote the song back in 2009 along with my friend and longterm musical partner and producer of Congo Wifey, Zoe Kassanda Ilunga (he’s a boy by the way). The motivation came from past love interests and relationships. The funny thing is that I was single when I wrote that song.

ABD: Who would you say are your musical influences? And who would be you dream collaboration?

FW: I grew up listening to all the Congolese greats: Zaiko, Wenge musica, Papa wemba, along with the likes of Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Brain Mcknight & Lokua kanza. My dream collaboration would have to be Brian Mcknight.

ABD: I hear you are also a writer and Poet. What message do you expect your listeners to get from your music and poetry?

FW: Oh wow where did you dig that up lol. Yeah I wrote alot of poetry at some period from 2007-2010, I’ve published afew online so check that out. I expect my listeners to hear things that they can relate to, heartbreaks, falling in love, justice for my motherland Congo and a message of unity.

ABD: If you was not singing, what would you be doing?

FW: Oh wow I would probably be a simple songwriter. I also love acting and I would love to pursue that soon. If that fails Im currently a Computer science student so I would also probably be doing that instead of music.

ABD: What else can we be expecting from you in the future?

FW: I will be performing at THE OFFICIAL CONGO 52ND INDEPENDENCE DANCE & MISS CONGO UK 2012 | Hosted By EDDIE KADI @ CAMDEN CENTRE on the 30th June. I plan to also release a single called ‘Central London’ (London 2012 Olympic Games) along with a music video…I Will finally release ‘Congo Wifey’ with a music video too.

I am also currently writing my debut EP, so stay tuned as I’m going to be busy creating some beautiful music for my fans, old and new, in the next 12 months. So expect me performing at a venue near you.

Now for the quick-fire questions:

ABD: What embarrasing song might I find on your iPod?

Well the embarrassing thing is that I dont have even one Drake or Adele song in there. I like their music but won't listen to it everyday. Oh and ‘Justin Bieber –Boyfriend’ *hidesface*.

ABD: Snap! What is your guilty pleasure?

Supermalt lol

ABD: A Boa Vida! aims to promote new and up coming artists/bands, who would you suggest for us to check out at this current moment?

Mark Asari formally of the group Encore. Extremmly talented Singer/Songerwriter & Producer

Dele – Gifted singer and songwriter

J Stories – Some nice commercial RnB from his latest EP ‘Initiation’ you guys should check it out

ABV: You've been amazing, thank you for sparing A Boa Vida! the time.

FW: Thank you for having me.

Notable links

You can also check out Fabrice Live gigging @ TheComedyPub ~~ bit.ly/I5pFRb

If you love AfroBeats/AfroRnB Check out #Kitoko - Fabrice Wonga - Live @ TheComedyPub ~ bit.ly/I5pG7C

He has also done a little acting ::: CONGO50 MUSICAL EVENT - La retrospective (As Seen on Sky TV)::: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PLhYVRDkxo

Contact details

Website: Coming soon

Twitter: @FabriceMusic

For bookings/enquiries: fabricewonga@gmail.com

Fan pages: facebook.com/iamfabricewonga

Management: fullimpact@live.co.uk

New music

Youtube: youtube.com/fabricewonga

Soundcloud: Soundcloud.com/fabricewonga

Myspace: myspace.com/fabricewonga

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ChocQuibTown - Hasta El Tehno (NEW VIDEO)

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Chocquibtown

Ok, So I don't know what has recently drawn me to Colombian artists as of recently (My current obsession is Bomba Esterio), but following DJ Jimmy Valencia's conquest in South America, has introduced me to Afro-Colombian Hip-Hop group, Chocquibtown.

The trio is made up of two male rappers Goyo & Slow and, may I add, one Fierce lead female, Tostaoo, vocalist whom I love. They carry over their African traditional style, which includes folk materials (survived from times of slavery), African Marimba, rumba, Currulao added with a current flare of hip hop. The group uses their musical style to bring out and reveal their culture and heritage.

With this alone, let me just tell you... I AM SOLD!

Would definitely love to see these guys live at a festival. Fingers crossed they will be crossing over to the UK sometime soon.



3 tracks I am currently loving from Chocquibtown :

'Calentura' featuring Tego Caledron.


'Hasta El Techno'.


Oro

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DJ Cleo Sisi Nghamba Nawe

South African Kwaito.
Great Beat.

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Iyanya -Kukere

Still loving this Coupe Decale themed track.
I need to hire the guy in the pink shirt. Amazing dancer.
Always gets me wiggling my butt to work on time! :D

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Nneka Live @ Scala

So, it should be no surprise to most of you who follow this blog that I LOVE Nneka!
So much so that, I can't go a day without listening to her.

I was lucky enough to be taken to see her perform live at Scala, London last week. And I must say I was not let down.
She has so much presence and soul when performing and believes 100% in what she sings which shows through her emotions.
She performed most of her tracks from her Soul is Heavy album, including my favourites, VIP and Do You Love Me.

Amazing experience. Definitely one to watch live.

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Semba Mix

I thought I'd share with you guys a track list I compiled of Semba hits which I am currently loving.

Enjoy

x

Semba Mix - Minha Luanda from Inês_carlitos on 8tracks.

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Bomba Estereo

Replaying constantly on my iPod is El alma y cuerpo (The body and soul) and  Sitiendo by Bomba Estereo.
I absolutely love the soft arrhythmic, acoustic melody. And with the little Spanish I know and understand, the lyrics combined with Liliana Saumet's voice is just pure heaven to my ears.





The Colombian group Bomba Estereo formed back in 2005  within the underground electronic scene in Bogota, Columbia. The group's sound ranges from (my fave) an explosive dance fusion of electronic dub and hip hop (Think M.I.A) fused with Colombian rhythms Cumbia and Champeta.

Check out their soundcloud set.



America do sul, aqui eu venho!!! :)

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Azealia Banks - Fuck Up The Fun

I've been hearing about Azealia Banks for a little while, and finally managed to listen to a couple of her tracks and I must say I am a fan.
Despite her innocent, cutesy look, I must say she's definitely got a tongue on her, however is very talented.

Her debut album 'Broke With Expensive Tastes' looks to be a good one.

Here is a track of hers I'm loving at the moment produced by one of my favourite dj's,Diplo.

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MISTA SILVA Ft Skob, Flava & Kwamz -BOOM BOOM TAH

Another UK Afrobeats banger by Mista Silva, Skob, Flava and Kwamz.

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Papa Ghana - I am An African

I Am An African is the new single from the EP “The Mandingo” by the dutch/Ghanaian MC Papa Ghana also known as Jefferson Osei who is also part of L'afrique Som Systeme. His music ranges from a variety of styles such as afrobeat, coupe decale, kuduro, grime, dubstep, electro and hiphop.

Great track and video!

   

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Bana C4 - Carbone (choreography)

This is for all you Coupe Decale lovers out there.
Dance group, Bana C4, released their new choreography video for 'Carbone' yesterday.

Ready..Set...Whine your waist...


More and more frequently, Coupe Decale dance moves are infusing Pop'N' Lock, whilst still incorporating the African waist and bum popping techniques. iLove.

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Fabrice Wonga - Congo Wifey

Singer, song writer and poet Fabrice Wonga is definitely one to look out for. I love the English/Lingala mix in Congo Wifey. Amazing voice and acoustic. I look forward to the rest of his releases.

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Melozouk ft Johnny Ramos - Vai a luta

Absolutely loving this track by Melozouk and Johnny Ramos!

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D'Banj - Oliver Twist

 

Alas!!! Finally the video is here, and I am HAPPY.

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Ricardo Fonseca - YO

 

Until yesterday, I had never heard of Roberto Fonseca.
I came across a newspaper review describing him as an electrifying performer who mixes Cuban rhythms with music from around the world.
I immediately made a note to myself to check out his music.
Fonseca is a Cuban Jazz pianist  whose current work further experiments with a mix of electro and analogue sounds.
I have to admit, I myself am not a big fan of Jazz, mainly for the fact that I sometimes just don't get it's rhythms. But after listening to a couple of tracks from his new album 'YO' (Spanish for 'I' or 'Me'), I immediately fell in love.





How can I describe Fonseca and his talent??
Stunning!




Roberto Fonseca is touring Europe to present his new album 'YO'  which was released on 19th March. 
For those who are intersted, his tour dates are as follows:

• 23/03 Gateshead UK The Sage 
• 24/03 Manchester UK RNCM 
• 26/03 London UK Barbican 
• 28/03 York UK Theatre Royal 
• 29/03 Brighton UK The Dome 
• 30/03 Bristol UK St. Georges 
• 1/04 Birmingham UK Town Hall 

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Buraka Som Sistema - Bootyleg

Yay!
I swear, every time Buraka Som Sistema come out with something new, its like Christmas for me.
Buraka recently made a bootleg with Diplo doing the acapella, and of course.... I...LOVE...IT!!!
Even better, you can download it for free!!

Enjoy.

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Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca Samba Luku Samba

My love for world music (especially African) is a result of my dad's passion for Afro-Latin music. His hobby, tho not effective currently, was collecting records, which we store a mass selection in our house.

It's almost tradition for my dad on Sundays to sit in the living room, with a glass of chilled beer, listening to his vast collection and reminiscing about being back home in Africa.

So, I thought I'd ask him who his favourite artist of all time is.

I would have guessed Sam Mangwana, purely because he listens to him alot.

Instead, his all time musician is Ricardo Lemvo. Reasons being because he identifies with him culturally. Like Lemvo, my dad is of Angolan heritage, however fled from the war in Angola to Congo as a child with his family and lived there for a couple of years. He then later returned to Luanda where he met my mummy, worked a couple of years in Cuba, and then finally moved here to the UK. In total, my dad speaks six languages (Lingala, Kikongo, Portuguese, French, English and Spanish) the same as Lemvo, and 

all though he experienced some cultural identity struggles, he has however learnt to embrace it all, as it has made him the man he is today. 

Ricardo Lemvo

Ricardo Lemvo was and still is a pioneer with his creative music style. Lemvo's blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms with pan-African styles (soukous, Angolan semba and kizomba) infectious without a doubt
The Congo-born musician who is of Angolan ancestry is the embodiment of the Afro-Latin Diaspora which connects back to Mother Africa via the Cuban clave rhythm. Lemvo shows his multi-cultural diversity singing in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala, and Kikongo. 

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CrossFire ft. Haila – Carnaval

Swedish Dancehall and Soca group, CrossFire teamed up with the first lady of Cubaton Haila Mompié to. create Carnivale Mundial The tune fuses a lot of different music styles such as cubaton, electtronic, reggaeton and soca.

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Musik Maestro - House Party

London based East African duo, Crisis Musik and JR Maestro have developed their own blend of Afrobeats/House which I am absolutely loving!

The track titled House Party, from their 'Empire Sings Back' EP is a perfect example of their perfect fusion.



My verdict.... Definitely a hit!

Looking forward to whats to come from the duo.

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Women Who Rock: My Top 5

In the African music industry, women tend not to be as successful as their male counter parts. So since yesterday was international women's day, I thought I'd share with you my top 5 female influential African music artists.

• #5: Perola (Angola)

I love Perola's elegance beauty, voice and music. And she definitely for me carries the flag for female musicians in Angola.

• #4: The late Brenda Fassie (South Africa)

My mum was and still is a BRenda fan. Regardless of her age and petite little frame, this woman had energy that not even I could handle. A great lost, but nevertheless she left us with some good music.

• #3: Cesaria Évora (Cape Verde)

The grammy nominated cape verdian barefoot queen who we tragerdly lost at the end of last year. She Will never be forgotten.

• #2: Sara Tavares (Portugal/Cape Verde)

I love Sara Tavares with all my heart. Her music, though simplistic, gets the message across. Beautiful.

And drum roll please....

• #1: my fave artist, Nneka (Nigeria)

This should be of no surprise. What more can I say?! I LOVE NNEKA!

Celebrating women everyday.

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Katia Cadet

Haiti born, Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Katia Cadet earned her Grammy recognition for co-writing “911” performed by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige.

Katia sings in French, English, Creole, Portuguese and Italian over multi genres such as Zouk, Dance Hall, Kompa, Soca, Roots and Reggae, all with a strong fusion of R&B.

A Mes Pieds is definitely the track I love most. Such a beautiful song accompanied with a beautiful soft voice.

I can't help it, I love Zouk!

Have a listen to a few of her tracks! you will like...

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55 years of Ghana Independence

My heart always warms to Ghana, be it during the world cup, or through music. Mainly because my closet friend who I've practically grown up with, baptised me into her Ghanaian family.

Here's three of my favorite Ghana hits!

r2bees ft nana boroo & sarkodie agyeeei



Still one of my favorite tracks from Ghana, Atumpan - the thing.

Atumpan uses alter egos in his song to express different reggae and dancehall styles and subject matters. Love it!




Last but not least, I love me some Azonto!
Gasmilla - Abodato

Gasmilla - Aboodatoi(Official Video)
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Happy belated independence Ghana!

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Amor é...

O amor é tudo,
Amor é nada
Amor é asas,
Amor é Momento,
Amor é sede,
Amor é agua,
Amor é mundo,
Amor é alimento,
Amor é corpo,
Amor é alma,
Amor é magia,
Amor é do vento... eternamente.

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Buraka Som Sistema & Sara Tavares - Voodoo

As of recently, I've started listening to Komba again.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a big Buraka fan and cannot get enough of them.
But this time round, the track on repeat is "Voodoo" featuring one of my favorite Lusophone Afro soul artists Sara Tavares.



Can't get enough!

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Feel the bass and enjoy the marimba....

I Randomly stumbled upon DJ Branquinho's soundcloud the other day and immediately was hooked on his afro house track Play The Marimba.
A feel good chilled track.
Once again... The evolving genre of AfroHouse in Angola.

Enjoy.

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Love Love Love

Yes I know Valentines day has passed, but so what! everyday should be the day we celebrate love, whether coupled up or single.

Here's few of my personal love favourites(Old and New) to celebrate love;

an old favourite of mine from Cabo-Love artist Suzanna... Tudo Pa Bo

Never get enough of this man... Don Kikas with Continua Assim

French and cape Verdian Zouk artists Ali and Marisa - Lovely

Nicols and Marisa again with Vini

Not exactly one for celebrating love... but I absolutely love.

Perola - Fala do quiseres

Quatro returned back in 2008 to release this track with Ali. Sexy Lady...I miss these guys

And finally, Calo Pascoal - Tiririti

Hope you enjoyed...

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Puto Portugues - De Maria pra Meury

Puto Portugues, back again with his new video for De Maria pra Meury :

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Djeff: Piluka video teaser!!!!

Ooohhh my jam! Looking forward to it.

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M.I.A: Bad Girls

If only I can sit on the side of a tilted, moving vehicle looking super fly whilst filing my nails... Only M.I.A.

Wicked video.

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Nneka Live @ Scala, London

You no fit say you no know wetin you dey do me
You dey kill, you dey steal, you dey fight, dey betray, you dey lie, you dey kill, you dey steal
Dey make my pikin dey suffer
You dey make poor man dey suffer head, suffer head
While the rich man dey

Vagabond in power

An amazing lyricist and activist.

Nneka will be performing live at Scala, London on th 17th April 2012. I sure won't be missing that.
For full details on venue info and ticket sales, click here.

Nneka Live @ Scala.

Love it

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Chillout Sessions: Nneka - Restless

Probably one of my most loved tracks from Nigeria's raw talent,



The track 'restless' comes from her album "Soul is Heavy", Which I must say that after I listened to it, I completely fell in love.

Such an amazing lyricist and talented woman. I Would love to see her perform live.



The pride of Africa indeed!

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