Mos Def, ‘Supermagic’
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_RXEJLx2Uw&w=500&h=307] I love the sample as well as the graphics in the video for “Supermagic” off
Culture
When you have a beer named after you
There's a lot of hype around Didier Drogba, including that he stopped a civil war in Cote d'Ivoire. How much truth is there to that story?
Cornel West speaks on Jane Austen
It’s worth the price of admission to hear Cornel West say of the conservative British author–with
Hugh Masekela Goes to the World Cup
Hugh Masekela and his son, Sal, together explore the people, culture, landscapes and history of South Africa.
When you’re from Africa. Like Africa Africa.
When the dance pop of London-based The Very Best, with one African member (the other two are French and Swedish) is described as very African.
Lagos vs New York
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZX6gUoQGvw&w=500&h=307] By Keziah Jones, who has a new album, “Nigering Wood,” out this Spring, comparing his
Ian Kamau
I first heard this track, “Love it Here,” in the video above, in February this year
Fela! wins on Broadway
Bill T Jones’ “Fela!,” the musical interpretation of the life of the Afrobeat king, is up
Janelle Monáe
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xktMnfb0Q0A&w=500&h=307] Janelle Monáe featuring Big Boi of Outkast, “Tight Rope.” James Brown is in the building.
Chocolate Thor
From broadcaster Esther Armah‘s Facebook page: Thought for the Day. Idris Elba, 6 ft 2, Chocolate
Uju
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np72mq3M-9s&w=500&h=307&rel=0] I like the flow of this Johannesburg band, Uju (formerly known as Sound Republic). Their
Boers and Bantus
Vintage clips, from 1961, of Nelson Mandela, ZK Matthews, Helen Joseph, among others, on a Dutch TV program talking liberation from white supremacy.
The Rape of Africa
Celebrity photographer David LaChapelle chose Naomi Campbell to represent how Africa is raped for its resources. Did it work?
Zaki Ibrahim, 'Daylight'
Live video for “Daylight” by Canadian singer Zaki Ibrahim shot in central Cape Town as part
America? Begging in Nigeria!
A white woman begging in Lagos's popular Mushin Market. Turns out it is a performance piece.
Weekend Links
Things I have read quickly, seen or watched, listened to, been forwarded, did not really have
Rankin does South Africa
British fashion photographer Rankin sets out on 'his own personal journey' to understand South Africa. The result is actually quite good.
Afrikaners
The first group of people who called themselves Afrikaners were Orlams people, who would be called coloured in South Africa today.
Teargas
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt6otC_a_ZY&w=480&h=295] The video for the first single, “Go Away,” off the album “Dark or Blue” by
Toto meets Mango Groove
FIFA and the South African organizers of the World Cup unveiled the official World Cup tune: It's called "Waka Waka."