Stories about Music
Croatian band Nemeček won the Milan Mladenović Award for young musicians from former Yugoslavia
The spirit of legendary Yugoslav musician and peace activist Milan Mladenović “continues to live through the Award, inspiring new generations to be courageous, authentic and passionate in their art.”
Humor and rock & roll against political harassment in Argentina
With a well-crafted aesthetic, biting lyrics and a catchy rhythm, the artist ridicules the Argentine president and responds to the harassment she has suffered for more than a year.
Song titled ‘Give birth to 1000 children for me’ was banned in Russia
It includes the lyrics: Give birth to 1000 children for me. Give each of them a name — soldier. Our president will send them to die — to shoot in Donbas.
Some Caribbean podcasts to tune into on International Podcast Day
After a somewhat slow start, Caribbean influencers began to embrace the format over the past decade, as Internet usage in the region increased — and many have established regular audiences.
Trinidad & Tobago renames its premier performance auditorium after trailblazing pianist Winifred Atwell
In reassessing the ways in which colonial narratives continue to be upheld through statuary and other symbols, renaming the beloved performance space for a native daughter has been well received.
A controversial dancehall star appears on a political stage: Why are some Jamaicans concerned?
"[I]t is a fact that individuals popular with the public — [including] former notorious criminals, sportsmen [and] entertainers — can help mobilize votes for a political party [...] especially in close elections."
Regional Award honoring Milan Mladenović highlights creativity of young rock bands from former Yugoslavia
The five finalists of Milan Mladenović Award contest include young performers and bands, representing the avant garde of contemporary music in the region of former Yugoslavia, chosen by an international jury.
Roy Cape, whose music provided the beat of Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, dies leaving a precious legacy
While some described Cape as “the Duke Ellington of calypso,” he had his own signature style and was always completely himself, leaving a unique stamp on the region's musical identity.
Bangladeshis help out in flood-affected communities
Bangladesh is experiencing another round of severe floods. Volunteers from across the country are rushing to the affected areas in trucks, carrying boats, speedboats, and relief supplies.
The unique sounds of South Africa are a reminder of the country’s traditions, struggle, and resilience
Amapiano has become a phenomenon, with new hits and dance challenges emerging regularly and gaining worldwide popularity. For instance, the Tshwala Bam dance challenge featured participation from international celebrities.
The passing of an iconic Guyanese singer sparks patriotic feelings, as border dispute with Venezuela drags on
"It may have been triggered by a border controversy, but Not a Blade of Grass is simply a case of Guyanese people expressing fervently and passionately their love for Guyana ... "
World Steelpan Day acknowledges Trinidad & Tobago's national instrument, while a new film on panyards shows its power and potential
After Trinidad and Tobago passed a Bill to make the steelpan the country's national instrument, the film “Panyard Universe” looks at where panyard spaces have the power to take us.
After he spent 13 years in jail on a murder charge, what does dancehall deejay Vybz Kartel's release say about Jamaica's judicial system?
Kartel's case has highlighted not only issues of judicial process, but also poor conditions within the country's prisons.
Belarusians in exile dismayed that no Belarusian was included in the prisoner swap
The plight of Belarusian political prisoners is often overlooked, and although 18 were released last month, an estimated 1,400 remain behind bars.
French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura's rocky journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony
French-Malian artist Aya Nakamura was one of the artists announced for the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony lineup. However, her selection sparked outrage among the French public.
In Mauritania, a mesmerising musical world blends tradition and innovation
Musical productions in Mauritania remain deeply rooted in traditional values, and artists strive to preserve this heritage despite the pressures of modern musical influences.
Let's stop normalizing noise culture in Latin America
Colombians have a higher rate of hearing loss than the global average.
Macklemore Gaza anthem ‘Hind’s Hall’ climbs US music charts
Award-winning rapper Macklemore named his latest hit after the building at Columbia University which students recently occupied and renamed in honor of Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza.
Africans remain largely invisible in Taiwan
In Taiwan, Africa remains largely invisible, so when Africa Day is marked annually on May 25, it offers a rare occasion for African cultures to be celebrated, albeit for just one day.
Maja Milinković: The musician blending Portuguese fado music with Bosnian sevdah
Sixteen years ago, singer-songwriter Maja Milinković first heard Portuguese fado music (meaning ʻfateʼ in Portuguese). She has since become a pioneer in introducing this musical genre to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The jury from Moldova gave highest points to Ukraine during Eurovision 2024
Viewers and the jury from Moldova awarded the maximum number of points — 12 points each — to the performance of representatives from the neighboring country, Ukraine
