Video: Nneka - "Valley" (In-Studio Performance)

Another great track of German/Nigerian singer Nneka. She sings neo-soul that combines Hip-Hop, R&B, reggae and other styles. This song has a special meaning to her, she said that the lyrics in "Vally" are though.

Video: Black in Finland - Gracia – “HKI” (Helsinki)

H/T Mikko Kapanen
”Helsinki doesn’t get much shouted out, to hell with those trying to hush and shout it out.” sings black Finish rapper Cracias in his video "HKI" (Helsinki)

On his blog he writes about himself. "Gracias (Deogracias Masomi May 6th 1987) hailing from The Democratic Republic Of Congo, (formerly Zaire (the place where Muhammad Ali knocked Foreman out.)) Kinshasa.



At the age of four, around 1992 D.Masomi moved up north to Helsinki, Finland alongside his mother to join his father and spark up hope for a better life. At the time DRC was getting torned down by the civil war and riots. In other words Gracias and his family became refugees."

Video: Sergio Alcover - Spanish singer and Hip Hop dancer

Sergio Alcover is the most prominent black dance and music artist is Spain. Born in Valencia, from a Guinean father and a Spanish mother, Alcover is the face of Hip Hop dance in Spain.

In 1994 he began his career as a breakdancer. And in 2009 he released his first DVD with a breakdance masterclass, tutorials and interviews.

In 2010 he released his second album “Sergio Alcover”. The album quickly gained popularity because of a very popular Spanish television show where he teaches street dance.

Video: London rapper AKALA - "Find no enemy"

AKALA ,born Kingslee Daley (27), London, England is a UK rapper who enjoyed critical acclaim during the mid-00s with his progressive Hip-Hop. In 2006 he recieved the MOBO Awards for Best Hip-Hop Artist.

Akala, who is a fan of Jay-Z, grew up in North London, and uses his own life experiences when he writes. “All of my music is life,” he said. “My music is very autobiographical.” Another of his favourite artists is the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. “I love them! They are unique and different, and I would love to work with them sometime.

"Find no enemy" is the single from Akala’s third album “Doublethink” (2010).


In Nov 2010 Akala headlined a live performance at the British Library to launch the Evolving English exhibition and featured performances by the renowned British poet Zena Edwards, comedian Doc Brown and British rapper/activist Lowkey. The live event also included Akala taking part in a Hip Hop panel discussion alongside Saul Williams, US professor M.K. Asante and Lowkey. See the post British rappers criticise Jay-z

via
Africa is a Country

Video: French singer Joko releases debut album “Joko”

French singer Joko (born in Cameroon) released her debut album "Joko" on 6 May. It's an album with a subtle mix of French music, urban groove, soul jazz and an Afro-Latin atmosphere.

Joko isn't new to the scene, she already made her mark with her performance in the clip "Tous Unis pour l'équipe de France”, which celebrated the French national football team.

But know accompanied with two talented composers her journey has begun

Remembering Clark Accord: A Bozanova in Arabic - Moroccon-Dutch Singer Teema & Orville Breeveld

Moroccon-Dutch singer Teema sings in Arabic "Moshta Aleek" ("Autumn Leaves") in Bozanova style accompanied by Surinamese-Dutch gitarist Orville Breeveld. It's a guest performance on the talk show of Anouscha Nzume en Clark Accord on the Amsterdam TV station AT5.

Teema is an Amsterdam based singer with Moroccan roots. She was a student at The Music School of Amsterdam, one of the vocalists of the Gospel World Choir and a member of the R’n B group “Damez”.

The group recorded several tracks and performed at festivals in Europe and in Canada. During the last couple of years she focuses more on her Arabic musical roots.

Clark Accord is a Dutch-Surinamese writer who died last Wednesday at the age of 50.

Senit represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf

The Italian singer Senit represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf (Germany), but didn’t make it to the final on 14 May. She lost in the first semi-final yesterday.

Senhit Zadik Zadik known as Senit was born (1979) and raised in Bologna, Italy by her Eritrean parents. She started her career abroad, in musicals like Fame, The Lion King and Hair, and performed in Switzerland and Germany.



In 2002 she returned to Italy and claimed to fame in the Italian music business releasing her debut album in 2006 and her second album Un tesoro é necessariamente nascosto in 2007 with these singles: La mia cittá é cambiata, La cosa giusta, La faccia che ho. In 2009 she released her third album So high,all in English with three singles Work hard, No More and Party on the dance floor.

The Norwegian entry Stella Mwangi also didn't make to the final.

Festival: Rue Créole at la Villette in Paris - 12-15 May 2011

Festival Rue Créole at la Villette in Paris from 12-15 May

A cultural festival with music from Guadeloupe, Martinique and France. With Akiyo a cultural music group from Guadeloupe, Kali a reggae group from Martinique, and Dédé Saint-Prix a Creole group from France who plays the music of Creole European dances of the eighteenth century.

See more information at www.villette.com

Janelle monae will be at North Sea Jazz 2011 in The Netherlands

US R&B singer Janelle monae will perform at the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, on Friday 8 July 2011.

Welcome to the year 2719. Cindi Mayweather realises that she is the ArchAndroid who must save the city of Metropolis from a mysterious power that is trying to suppress love and freedom.

Welcome to the world of songwriter and singer Janelle Monáe. She tells her epic tale in symphonic, funky numbers. On her album The ArchAndroid (2010) she is assisted in her task by Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Big Boi from Outkast, among others.



When touring with artists like Erykah Badu, she drew inspiration from every corner of the globe that she visited. And she is not lacking in imagination. Monáe mixes together hip hop, soul and traces of jazz and world music into a musical journey that can best be compared to a danceable soundtrack from a science-fiction film. (Source: North Sea Jazz)

La Batunoza ‘Xica da Silva’: The best independent hip hop release of 2011

Time for me to tell you something about the most recent musical revelation from Belgium: ‘Xica da Silva’ from La Batunoza. This project is a collaboration between MC Le Tagarel a.k.a. La Batucada, vocalist Ismael and Brussels hip hop producer Noza. Together they released their best work ever, and it stands tall among worldwide hip hop productions.

La Batunoza is hip hop defying borders. It’s hip hop the way Manu Chao might have made hip hop. It’s music crossing cultures and languages. It’s music for the world.

‘Xica da Silva’ is a 5 track EP. You can listen to it on their bandcamp and share it. Soon you’ll be able to buy their music on iTunes and their will be a limited CD and vinyl release. But as for now you can check their first video for La Macumba.

Le Tagarel has been rhyming for years, first as part of La Mezcla, than solo releasing two albums: ‘Funky Bordel Musical’ and ‘Saudade’. On Saudade he made his first musical flirtation with his roots: Brazil.

‘Xica da Silva’ goes even further in the fusion of AfroBrazilian music with hip hop. Introducing music producer Noza to the world of samba, batucadas and afrobrazilian vibes, made this latest production fresh and innovative. While the fusion of French and Portuguese lyrics contributes to the global flavor of the tracks and releases very positive energy. They will be playing live on several places in Belgium this summer, but I really think they will playing abroad soon.

Check their first single and video: La Macumba

Les Nubians releases New Album "Nu Revolution"

The Grammy nominated Les Nubians, consisting of Paris-born sisters Hélène and Célia Faussart, released their third album, "Nü Revolution" on April 19th 2011.

The 14 track album will feature special guest appearances by Manu Dibango, Eric Roberson, Freshly Ground, Blitz the Ambassador and John Banzaï. According to Hélène, "The main difference between this album and the others is that Nü Revolution is more uptempo. This album is a celebration of life! We wanted to bring and spread this energy, this joy in a time of uncertainty."

Very creative, diverse and fresh new music from the Afropean soul sisters.

Les Nubians - Afrodance

Video pick by Mavis G from North Carolina


And a bonus: Les Nubians - Les Gens (People) ft. Blitz the Ambassador

Via http://hiphopiscoolagain.com

Gentle Voices wins Dutch version of the NBC acappella singing competition 'The Sing-Off'

The Dutch gospel group Gentle Voices won the Dutch version of ‘The Sing-Off’ on Saturday. By winning the acappella contest they also won a record deal with Sony Music and they were invited to perform with the popular Dutch group 'De Toppers' .

The Rotterdam based gospel group is comprised of family members, who are all of Surinamese origin.

Unfortunately the Dutch version of the American music competition (NBC) wasn’t a success in The Netherlands, the show on SBS 6 was suffering low ratings.

One the performances of Gentle Voices (Father and Friend of Alain Clark)


One the performances of runner-up 'Sharp'.


And For-Tune, one of the groups who made it till the "semi-finals".

Video: German soul - Joy Denalane is back again on new album "Maureen"

Spotted on Black Germans: German singer Joy Denalane is in love on her new album "Maureen".

When she sings on her album “mit dir steht die Zeit still" (“with you, time stands still), “du bist was ich will” (“ you are what I want) , “spürst du was ich fühl, denn was ich fühl ist real” (“you feel what I feel, because what I feel is real") it’s clear Joy Denalane has found new love again.

Her new love is her ex-husband Max Herre from who she was separated for four years. With her husband and the father of her sons everything comes together again, in 2011 they celebrated their love comeback.

Joy Denalane - MAUREEN IN SESSION VOL 01 : "Niemand (Was Wir Nicht Tun) feat. Max Herre"


In an interview Joy says: "I have gained a lot of experience in recent years, sometimes very painful. But at the end I am back where I belong, musically and privately."

Her new album "Maureen", named after her middle name will be released 20 May 2011. The first single "Niemand ( Was wir nicht tun)" feat. Max Herre" will be released on 13 May.

Sade to release "The Ultimate Collection" on May 3, 2011 + Tour

Sade will release a new greatest hits package, The Ultimate Collection, on May 3, 2011

The two-disc set will contain Sade’s biggest hits, as well as new songs. The new Sade record wil include a bonus DVD set with all the official Sade Ultimate Collection music videos.

The album has 29 tracks including four brand new songs – I Would Never Guessed, The Moon & The Sky remix featuring Jay-Z, Still In Love With You and Love is Found. All of Sade’s classics from Lover’s Rock, Best of, & Soldier of Love will be on the album

The Moon & The Sky remix featuring Jay-Z


Sade is also preparing a European and a US tour. In Europe she will be performing in April and May 2011 in Nice, Hamburg, Rotterdam, London and other mayor cities. For more information on her tour dates in Europe and the US go to www.sade.com

Sade - Still In Love With You (Audio)


Love is Found



The track list for The Ultimate Collection

Disc 1
1. Your Love Is King
2. Smooth Operator
3. Hang On To Your Love
4. The Sweetest Taboo
5. Is It A Crime
6. Never As Good As The First Time
7. Jezebel
8. Love Is Stronger Than Pride
9. Paradise
10. Nothing Can Come Between Us
11. No Ordinary Love
12. Kiss Of Life
13. Feel No Pain+
14. Bullet Proof Soul+

Disc 2
1. Cherish The Day
2. Pearls
3. By Your Side+
4. Immigrant+
5. Flow+
6. King Of Sorrow+
7. The Sweetest Gift+
8. Solider Of Love+
9. The Moon And The Sky+
10. Babyfather+
11. Still In Love With You**
12. Love Is Found**
13. I Would Never Have Guessed**
14. The Moon And The Sky (Remix Featuring Jay-Z)**
15. By Your Side (Neptunes Remix)+
+ Not on Best Of
** Never Released Before

Fat Freddy's Drop – Dub/Reggae from Wellington New Zealand - European tour

Fat Freddy's Drop, the Dub/Reggae band from Wellington New Zealand, will be touring Europe this summer.

In June and July 2011 they will be performing in London, Paris, Frankfurt and other mayor cities. For more information check out their gig guide at www.fatfreddysdrop.com

One of their hit singles is “Wandering Eye” from the album “Based on a True Story” of 2005. The single spent more than four months on the top 40 selling singles chart in New Zealand. The album debuted at number 1 and went gold in its first day and 2007 it had gone 7 times Platinum.



Fat Freddy’s Drop is a seven-piece band from Wellington, New Zealand, whose musical style has been characterised as any combination of dub, reggae, soul, jazz, rhythm and blues, and techno.

Originally a jam band formed in the late 1990s by musicians from other bands in Wellington, Fat Freddy’s Drop gradually became its members' sole focus. Band members continued playing with their other respective groups—The Black Seeds, TrinityRoots, Bongmaster, and others—for much of their 11-year career.

Fat Freddy’s Drop are known for their improvised live performances; songs on their studio albums are versions refined over years of playing them live in New Zealand, and on tour abroad.

Meemee Nelzy - "L'essentiel" - Neo Soul from Guadeloupe

"L'essentiel" is one of the soulful tracks of the album "Âme Nouvelle" ("New Soul") of Meemee Nelzy.

Meemee Nelzy was born in Paris, France and is a native of the French West Indian Island Guadeloupe.

She is influenced by Hip Hop as well as jazz and Caribbean music, and she is part of the new French wave of neo soul.

Nelzy released her first album "Âme Nouvelle" in 2009. In French and Creole she sings about love, human relationships and struggles in life.

"L'essentiel" live on TV on Guadeloupe 1ère (2011)

Video: Cassandra Steen’s new single "Gebt alles"

Cassandra Steen just released the song "Gebt alles" from her new upcoming album " Mir so Nah", which will be released on 29 April.

Steen is a very successful German singer/songwriter who started as the lead singer of the trio Glashaus.

In 2003 she released her debut album "Seele mit Herz" and in 2009 her album "Darum leben wir" with the hit song “Stadt” with Abdel Tawil. She also scored with the song "Wann" with Xavier Naidoo.

In 2009, Steen voiced the character Tiana in the German dub of Disney's 49th animated feature The Princess and the Frog. "Never Knew I Needed," a duet with original singer Ne-Yo, was the first single to be lifted from the accompanying soundtrack


See the whole video at www.cassandra-steen.de

French Hip Hop: Suprême NTM - "Qu'est ce qu'on attend" ( "What are we wating for")

The song "Qu'est ce qu'on attend", "What are we wating for.. to set everything on fire" (1998) of the former French Hip Hop group Suprême NTM is probably one the most controversial songs in the history of French Hip Hop.

This song was accused among others by some politicians to have contributed in unleashing the social riots that France has known in October 2005, according to wikipedia.

Rappers Joey Starr (born Didier Morville who is of Martinican origin) and Kool Shen (born Bruno Lopès) founded the Suprême NTM. Their six albums were released by Sony Music Entertainment.

With English subtitles


The news is that rapper Joey Starr promoted poker in a commercial.

Giovanca - Neo Soul from Amsterdam

Giovanca, real name Giovanca Desire Ostiana (1977), is a Dutch singer songwriter of Dutch Antillean descent (Curaçao) who lives in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

For years Giovanca has been known as a background singer for (inter)national artists such as Relax, Wouter Hamel, Typhoon, Tribute 2 Bob Marley, Corey, Izaline Calister, Jhelisa Anderson, Terry Callier, Leon Ware and Benny Sings.

But after obtaining her Masters degree in Orthopedagogics she released her debut album "Subway Silence" in 2008 and appeared on many live TV shows afterwards. In March 2010 she released her second album "While I'm Awake".

"Everything" from the album "While I'm Awake".


Giovanca received an Edison Award nomination, and won both the Laren Jazz Award and the 3FM Serious Talent Award. On 3 March 2010, she received a Silver Harp that awards young artists who 'have already made a significant contribution to Dutch music while still having a huge future ahead of them.

"Hypnotize You" from her first album "Subway Silence"

Warren G "Regulate" live in Paris - R.I.P Nate Dogg

Warren G in Paris France (1995). Although Nate Dogg is not in this version of "Regulate", it's almost impossible not to remember him. R.I.P Nate Dogg.