The wait is over and yes the speculations have been confirmed, TKZee is back. This five times South African Music Award winning trio has returned and for those in the dark about who TKZee is?

TKZee is a legendary South African Kwaito  music group that consist of Zwai Bala, Kabelo Mabalane and Tokollo Tshabalala. This trio is one of the most important element in the South African music history. I mean you can not talk about the history of South African music without a mere mention of  TKZee.

Emerged in the music industry in 1996 without much success these musical warriors stayed hard on they hustle resulting to the first major success in the late 1997, with the release of  ‘Palafala’, sampling Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi. The CD sold over 100 000 units, making a clear statement that TKZee had arrived. The group’s followed future successes became even bigger with the release of Shibobo, Dlala Mapantsula, Mambotjie/We love this place, Izinja Zam and Fiasco. TKZee sold more records topping they previous sales one after another and adding more titles to they name, including winning five South African Music Awards.

TKZee through they music became a major voice in South Africa and beyond, these are the guys that were able to cross boundaries and bring people of different colour together in celebration of they artistry, something South Africa needed during that time of era. Now over a decade later, after a numerous strings of they own individual pursuits, the legends are back, still fresh and talented as ever. Still releasing smash hit single like they current one titled ‘Sdudla’ from they up coming album ‘ Coming home’, which i must say is one of the most anticipated albums. Long live the legends of kwaito, long live……Good to have you back TKZee!

TKZee – \”Sdudla\”

Join me as walk you through the journey of one of today’s most  trailblazing Rwandan born but NYC based African artist, Iyadede. A musical vessel who’s spirit you cant help but fall in love, as she shares with us her life’s journey.

Jamati: Welcome under the Jamati tree and thank you for gracing us with your presents.

Iyadede: It feels great under this tree and I’m glade to be your guest.

Jamati: It is to my understanding that your musical journey or your journey as an artist began even way before mother earth could claim you as her own. Enlighten us?

Iyadede: ::laugh::  I always wondered how come I started singing and loving all aspects of art, considering that i had no musician in my family and that music is not necessarily the choice career in Africa, so why oh why did I choose this struggle?

Then I realized it fell on me while I was a baby in my mother’s womb. She use to work at a Rwandan radio station during the era of cassette tapes. And I guess all those times I was listening and that’s why I was born with melody and music both in my head and heart.

Jamati: As much of a cliche question this maybe, I wouldn’t be doing justice to our readers if I didn’t ask you to briefly define who Iyadede is?

Iyadede: Iyadede is a name very dear to me as it was given to me by my grandmother. It comes from a traditional Rwandan saying that goes like this: “Only Dede can drink from Dede’s baby bottle”. The western equivalent would be “No one can walk in my shoes but me”. A name is a powerful gift.

Jamati: Please share with us the many elements of your artistry and the kind of relationship you have with “Music”?

Iyadede: Really music is a part of my everyday life, not just the music on the radio or on my i-pod but the sounds and noises of  life,be you walking  in the streets or take the subway, you hear workers banging on steel in the background, a motor cycle passing near by and the conversation of people conversing. This is how i make my melodies, I just hear them and I usually hear the words that go with them.

As to my relationship with music I would like to think that I’m not the writer of my songs, not to sound crazy or pretentious but really, it comes to me and I deliver it, whatever it is, I trust that music is the language  of God. I have a sacred and spiritual relation with sound.

I don’t sit around thinking of  writing a hit song,I live my life and most times at the right time, right moment, a song is given to me. I’m very much thankful and grateful when sometimes I feel like there is nothing left in my hands, music is always there and it is very empowering.

Jamati: “Talking to God”!  Takes us through the makings of it, are there any surprises on the album? Any collaboration? Is the album going to be the same sound that you are known for and when should it be expected for release?

Iyadede: It was very spontaneous almost accidental,I really didn’t sit and decide let me make an album but the whole journey took place through a series of coincidences, after I came to NYC. Like meeting a friend who later introduced me to another friend who happened to be a very talented producer. Then at a concert where I was one of the back up singers for the legendary Zap Mama, I happened to cross paths with another friend of a friend who was also a talented producer.

Everything was natural and spontaneous and definitely orchestrated by a powerful hand. And this is why I wanted to call the album ‘Talking to God’. Please don’t get it mistaken the album is not about a holly man with a long beard but about the journey we go through while learning to surrender to our emotions, to people and ourselves. After all the sum of all our energies is who God is.

On this album I worked with New Orleans born Blessoil, he produced ‘post punkish’, a track with hip-hop undertone like Brimestone and Fire, and straight electro-pop like Love Robot. I also worked with Washington born and raised but Nigerian rooted music producer, Aduqudus who produces intimate tracks like ‘Aquarius, wish is an old school rock grunge ballad and ‘In my darkest hours’, a trance inducing electronic/soulful track with a touch of Rwandan traditional drumming. Also on the album i collaborated with Belgian based artist Czameki and Williamsburg based artist Prince Polo.

Jamati: Can  you remember the first song you’ve ever written and the first record you’ve ever bought?

Iyadede: Hmmmm, I’m thinking…………The first record I owned was a recorded cassette tape, consisting of artists like Vaya Con Dios, a great ground from late 80′’s early 90’s who did a blend of Jazz and Spanish soul and lastly there was Rwandan singer Cecile Kayirebwa who happens to be one of my favourite artists.

Jamati: As deeply emerging as you are into the bigger musical stadium, people don’t know that you’ve actually been around for some time and in the process you’ve performed with Zap Mama. What beneficial lessons have you learnt from those experiences that have become great help in branding yourself?

Iyadede: I learnt that to bring a project together you yourself must gather your Faith and positive energy and share it with your musicians and everyone you collaborate with, and also i learnt that as a female artists I should know what I want and how to express it because it’s tough being a women and a leader. Faith is contagious.

Jamati: Iyadede and the legendary hip-hop group ‘The Roots’, how was that experience like?

Iyadede: It was surreal. I went from being a fan to being invited to sing on stage backed up by Questlove. That’s Major, although I wasn’t sure how the hip-hop crowd would respond to a African girl jumping on stage in a baby blue puffy prom dress but thank God the  response was enthusiastic and ecstatic for me.

Jamati: How has music helped you live a full life? Do you feel like music has helped you define your purpose?

Iyadede:  Completely, it’s only the beginning but music and art in general definitely made me aware of my energy and power and the ability to use them in a positive way in the world. Like I said before, when it feels like there is nothing left in my hands, music is always there and for me that is empowering.

Jamati: The first time I meet you one thing  that spoke for itself about you was your fashion sense. Whats the inspiration behind it?

Iyadede: ::laugh: Indeed i have my own style.

Growing up in Rwanda and later residing in Europe, and being 5′11, I had to learn how to dress myself according to my feelings and not according to what is suppose to be in at that time because  most of it is not intended for tall girls with nappy hair. With that said my inspirations actually comes from movies, specific era’s in life and people in general. Mostly tho-re im very much inspired by the traditional image of natural African woman.

Jamati: Lets talk about the string of artist that have paved the way for your artistry?

Iyadede: Prince, Bjork, Abba, The Bee Gees, Queen Shuggie Otis, Grace Jones, Nina Simone, Michael Jackson, Sarah Vaughan, Zap Mama. All this people were just helplessly artist in their core

Jamati: Through growth and change we’ve seen African artist like Akon and K’Naan break through the US music industry in a big way. What do you think it takes to reach the level that they have reached?

Iyadede: Sincerity, pride, drive and respect of your identity and of course a lot of hard work and  help from the people who are rooting  and believe in you.

Jamati: When all is said and done and you are alone in your own space , what does Iyadede love to do?

Iyadede: :: Laugh:: I write allot, I am training myself to write because I have behind me a few people who’s story needs to be told. I have a blog which I don’t advertise much, I like the idea of being found randomly by people browsing the net. I shoot little videos that can be viewed on www.youtube.com/siyadede and I call those videos ‘Ceremonie’, The silent displays of my moods and emotions.

I love to work out and I must say that im addicted to it. It’s important for me to keep me and my body healthy . Lastly I have to add I day dream a whole lot a and that is true luxury, I mean I hang out with great artists and thinkers and I ask allot of questions. I read and meditate too.

Jamati: What fuel’s you when things seem to be out of  balance?

Iyadede: My friends, I’m blessed to have a few people around me with great wisdom and life philosophy and they remind me every time I forget how blessed I am, and most importantly my imagination fuel’s me, my family that i lost in the war fuel me, I feel them constantly pushing and rooting for me. I always feel like they died so unfairly therefore I must Live with everything.

Jamati: Are there any future projects we should look out for or anything you would love to share with the Jamati family?

Iyadede:  I have a dream to one day own my own organic farm on my grandmother’s land, my mother started this and I definitely hope I can make it grow into something bigger.

Africa is about to enter a new era of change and growth. We should not make the same mistakes other continents have made but we should create new history according to a new philosophy, that is respectful of the environment and encourage organic farming.

And of course I have plenty of projects connected to art, after all art is a major part of me and when those project take place, you will know.

Jamati: What has been your most profound quote in life?

Iyadede: The one that I’m thinking of right now is that, “The only thing permanent in life is change”.

Jamati: Blessings be upon you as you hustle your way forward and write your own history, we are behind you chanting your name and celebrating your artistry. Again thank you for sharing!

Iyadede: Thank you Jamati online, this is home to me and I must make sure to come visit often. I must say I enjoyed  conversing with you and answering the questions. I can tell that you really understood me and you showed genuine interest. I respect and appreciate that.

For more on Iyadede and her artistry , you can log on to www.iyadede.comor log on to the click below, and please don’t forget to share your views…….

Iyadede Live

Mulatu Astatke is considered the father of Ethio-Jazz.  Musically trained in London, New York and Boston, he combined jazz and latin influences with traditional Ethiopian music to provide a unique jazz style.

Mulatu Astatke

His style of jazz has been popular and helped build his reputation as an innovator in jazz music.  In the 1970’s, he played with Duke Ellington and collaborated extensively with the Either/Orchestra. His music has appeared in the film, ‘Broken Flowers‘, is part of ‘Ethiopiques‘, and in music he has produced for some East African musicians including Mahmoud Ahmed.

He was a an Abramowitz Artist-in-Residence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA and is currently working as an advisor to the MIT Media Lab on creating a modern version of the krar, a traditional Ethiopian instrument, in addition to lectures and workshops.

Spek Won is a multi-talented Canada-based rapper and entrepreneur of Ghanaian origins, who says he is ready to show the world the true meaning of hiplife. And with the creative and amazingly beautiful video for his track, ‘Hiplife’, he may well be on his way to achieving that.

Spek Won

Born Benjamin Nii Kpani Addy in the city of Toronto, he started writing lyrics as early as age 10 but started performing professionally at about the age of 19. His music which is influenced by a multiplicity of genres is often inspirational and real. He has completed work on his mix album, ‘Preemo Donna’ and is ready for launching on-line and on CD late November.

Spek Won is also a member and founder of a group of young talented Africans, mainly Ghanaians in Toronto, called Z-BOIZ (Zongo Boiz). The coalition consists of musicians, fashion designers, dancers, producers etc.

Jamati online caught up with the budding musician to find out more about his music, inspirations and aspirations.

Jamati: What kind of music do you do?

I make good music. I don’t like confining my music to just one genre, but if I had to, I’d say Hip Hop. My music is about reality, love, revolution, and my life in general.

Jamati: Who are some of the musicians that influence your music?

In the early 80’s I had older cousins that would play mixed hip hop cassette tapes of guys like A Tribe Called Quest, Wu Tang, Nas, B.I.G, Snoop Doggy Dogg, etc, and vinyl records of guys like Kool Moe Dee, Rob Base, Krs One, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick etc. That was my introduction to hip hop music. Also my father would play a lot of Motown music like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Jackson 5 as well. Those have to be some of the main influences on my music.

Jamati: How would you describe your upcoming album?

It has 10 solid tracks where I take you into my world and give you the Spek Won perspective on what Hip Hop music has been missing for a while now. I’ve also got a Bonus Track on there called “Hip Life” that I shot a music video for. The video and song narrate the life style of most of us young African entrepreneurs living here in Toronto. It will be available in Ghana early 2010. Ghana should have my music bumping before the Black Stars get it popping on the soccer field.

Jamati: As someone born and living in Toronto, what influenced the track ‘Hiplife’?

What I’m doing with this “Hip Life” single is I’m introducing hip life music to all those on this side of the world that don’t know about it. Hip life is known as a style of music, I’m taking it to that next level by letting the world know that it’s a lifestyle, a mind state, more than just music. If you were to come down to Toronto and witness the way the African youth here vibe out, you’ll see that we’ve created our own slang, or own fashion and our own trends by mixing our African heritage with the North American way of life. Last year I performed at a show with Reggie Rockstone ‘The Godfather’ and I asked him if he had any advice for me. He said… “There is Reggie Rockstone, and there is Spek Won. Just show the world hip life from your perspective”. I took in what he said and that’s where the inspiration for the single came from.

Jamati: What is your impression of Ghanaian music from Canada?

Ghanaian music is big out here in Canada. When I was growing up in here in Toronto the Ghanaian population here was quite small, but now the Ghanaian community here is huge, and it’s managed to fuse both Ghanaian culture and music with western culture. We love hip life and high life over here, and we appreciate the music that all of the artists there are making.

Jamati: Are you in touch with Ghana, and when was the last time you visited Ghana?

Yeah I stay in touch with my family back home in Ghana. I was there about 2 years ago for the African Cup of Nations, and I’ll be there next year for world cup. I say Black Stars are taking it this year.

Jamati: What are you currently working on?

Currently I’m working toward the release of my mix tape album “Preemo Donna”, so I’m quite busy with shows, and travelling here and there. Besides that I’ve been doing a lot of writing, and producing for my next solo effort. The album is going to be called “MG&R”. I’ll reveal what that stands for when the release date is closer. That album is due to drop in summer 2010, and I plan on bringing that whole movement to Ghana.

Jamati: What do you hope to achieve with your music?

My music has to teach and inspire otherwise there is really no point. I’m here to educate, uplift and mobilize the people, and make you dance to it at the same time. Music is a very powerful tool to be used wisely, and I’m doing just that. I want to promote my music in Ghana, big time! I’ve got a few connects, but wouldn’t mind having a few more. The industry out there is much different than it is here, so my team is taking time to figure out how to maneuver with promotion over there.

Jamati: How do you think Ghanaians would receive your music?

I think they’ll love it. I’ve been to a few clubs out there in Ghana, and I’ve listened to the radio. Ghana is ready for Spek Won 100%.

How can any of us forget the day when tragic fall upon us, it was just a year ago when news of  Mama Miriam Makeba’s passing shocked us all. I remember waking up to a community of mourners as news travelled about Mama Africa’s sudden death from a heart attack whilst performing in Italy. Reports said  that after not barely half an hour of being on stage, Mama Africa’s heart took a toll on her  and that’s when the tragic event followed, leaving behind a grieving nation.

Miriam Makeba

Now years later like many fans have promised to do, we the Jamati family join in with the hundred and thousands of fans, friends and family who are celebrating Mama Africa’s life and legacy. We are  remembering her life’s journey and the many paths she has paved for her people from being the first African woman to receive a Grammy Award back in 1965 alongside singer Harry Belafonte. Mama Africa was, and still is, a trailblazing phenomenal women who stood for all things connected to true justice and equality for all mankind. Her music was her way of giving back to her people , fighting for her people and, most importantly, uniting her people who were scatted all over the world.

Mama Miriam Makeba will never be forgotten. Her life and legacy will forever live on through all her fans, friends and family. We mourn no more but celebrate a legend whose life was dedicated to the world. There is doubt that wherever her soul rests it is at peace, doing the “Pata Pata” with the rest of us. You’ll forever be missed Mama.

To join in the celebration of  ”Mama Africa” Miriam Makeba’s life, please click the links below and don’t forget to share your best Mama Africa memory.

With 10 mix tapes to his credit, US-based Ghanaian rapper Smalls certainly is perfecting his rapping skills for a gradual emergence on the hip-hop scene. Born Joseph ‘Nakwesi’ Andoh in Worcester, MA, Smalls has been rapping since age 15 when he did his first ‘show’ at an outdoor battle of the bands showcase.

Smalls

Although the rapper doesn’t have an official album yet he’s been extremely prolific on his 10 mix tapes all with an average of 14 tracks. He has also participated on two underground albums with a group of unknown artists during his school days as well as two live radio CDs which was essentially him and a group of artists rapping live on air for 2 hours. His mix tapes include: Smalls & Stretch, Gyname, Throwback, Flocation, Justice, The Briefing I, The Briefing II—special report, A.D.D (Afrikan. Dun. Did-It), Watch Out, Smalls Reloaded (best of pt 1), and Radio Cypha part I & II. The other albums are Black Eyce and Black Eyce B.T.T.B (back to the beginning).

Already drawing comparisons to New York hip hop maestro Jay-Z, due to similarities in style, Smalls draws a lot of influences from Jay-Z himself and other hip hop royalties. His music, music videos, and several updates are available mainly on his Myspace page. There will soon be an official website which will provide more of Smalls’ sounds, pictures and videos.

Jamati Online caught up with the talented rapper to find out more about his music, influences, inspirations and aspirations.

Jamati: What kind of music do you do?

I do hip hop infused with a lot of other musical influences to make a genuine sound. So, I would say hip hop infused with rock and a mixture of soul and African hotness. I rap about whatever is on my mind and whatever the beat makes me feel like.

Jamati: Which artists do you draw influences from?

The spectrum is too broad but [I will] name a few. My influences range from the melodious voices of Gladys Knight, Al Green, Luther Vandross and the Jackson 5 to Biggie Smalls, Beastie Boys, NWA, LL cool J, Jay-Z, Nas, Tupac, Lauryn Hill, Flip Mode Squad. Those are just the tip of the iceberg of artists that have made me evolve over time.

Jamati: One of your latest singles is ‘Jane’. What inspired it?

Jane in general is a song about addiction. Everyone has an addiction of some type whether it’s food, women, sex or drugs. I wouldn’t’ say that I am addicted to cannabis, though I am a user. However, I thought from my standpoint that I use cannabis as the subject because not only was it suitable from my standpoint, but for the theme of the song. I thought it would be a crazy idea to expose this type of addiction; this normal addiction disguised as if I was talking about a female. Since cannabis is also known as Jane or Mary Jane from a creative standpoint it was a hit to be so I did it.

Jamati: Are you in touch with Ghanaian roots?

I have been in contact since childhood, with my family and cousins writing letters to my brother before he came to the US in 1987. And since I finished school and made a little cash, I have been going every two years since 2003. So, I have been there a total of 2 times and I am ready to go this coming February for the anniversary of my uncle’s death in Kumasi. I know Adum, Kumasi fairly well and they have my CDs there. I took a whole bunch there and when I go there I stick out. I guess I look too good; that is what I like to think (laughs out loud).

Jamati: What is your impression of Ghanaian/African music from U.S.?

I am very optimistic about any new sound that is not the norm. However, African music from the U.S. to me is a gift and a curse. A gift where it ‘s a new sound that can further open the genre of music but at the same time I tend to see a lot of African musicians based in U.S. catering to just one crowd, the Africans. How do you expect to expand when you are not making yourself expandable? The only way to do that is not to just cater to one group but to cater to all as much as possible to get people on a massive wave to enjoy the sound. That is what is lacking on both aspects of African music whether it’s from U.S or Africa.

Jamati: Do you have any plans to promote your music in Ghana/Africa?

I have property in Kumasi so I figure that the best way for me to put my music out there is to establish a base. In my case, I have a overall plan of opening a studio to get work going on in Ghana but also to have an avenue of being able to make music in Africa with Africans.That to me is an important key for promotion at a foreign place.

Jamati: How do you think Africans would receive your music?

For the most part, the ones that understand music and are open minded, love it but there are some who just don’t get it and are quick to classify my sound as noise. It is one of those things where I just have to do my best to try and get as much ears open as much as possible. The more ears the more reception

Jamati: What do you to achieve with your music?

Everyone wants to live doing what they want to do and enjoy. My enjoyment is music and if I can live comfortably doing that, then that is what I am looking for.

Jamati: What are you currently working on?

Right now I am working on the ‘smallsjustnice’ website and getting ready to make some more tracks and hopefully make noise to the right ears to really get my sound out to a massive crowd. Doing what I do best, talk on beats.

Today’s marks the release of Salif Keita’s new studio album, ‘La  Difference, The Difference’, one of his most anticipated album . The course behind this album is to benefit a charitable foundation that raises awareness against the Albino fight. Money raised from this album will go towards the pursuit of strengthening the support system for Albino and the changes needed to be made in support to give them the same treatment like other people and ending the discrimination towards them.

In a press release statement Salif Keita pledges all nation to support him in this ‘La difference’ quest by buying the album but not resulting to piracy and bootleg material. ‘La difference’  is a twelve trackalbum from Salif’s previously recorded tracks and a few new ones, some of the song are meant to be the listeners journey towards what it really means to be an Albino but mostly like Salif Keita’s work is known for, the album is a celebration for humanity and equality. Very moving !

For more on this moving album and the makings of it’s journey please click below and don’t forget to share your views.

Salif Keita – \’La difference\’ (Nouvel album)

Namibian fans, friends and family have been hit with tragic news as they learn of the passing of one of their best R&B crooners in the game. News of Roger Itembu’s sudden death from a car accident alongside music producer, Julius “Eclipse” Spiegel who also died, came as a shock to the whole Namibian nation.

Roger Itembu

Roger was most well known for his ability to pin down catchyR&B tunes. Just before his passing, Roger was on tour promoting his “Here I Am “ album. At the age of 26, Roger is one of those talents that has definitely gone too soon.

Rest in peace sir and we know that now you in a better place. Your music will forever live on amongst all your friends, fans and family….

It is no secret that jazz music has grown to be a big part of the African music culture. Now-adays you can’t talk about African music without mentioning jazz music and the artists that keep it alive.

Amongst those jazz artists are a very important element of African Jazz music are the African jazz female artists–The women who keep it alive and celebrate it with all their might. Unfortunately they don’t get their much deserved recognition. In celebration of  all the female jazz artists who are doing it from they heart,  including the late Mama Miriam Makeba, please join me in this musical jazzy- journey of intoxication by four of Africa’s most talented and well-loved female jazz artists. Don’t forget to share your views.

From English-Nigerian legend, Sade, to South Africa’s trailblazing young jazz artist Ms. Zamajobe, to one of my personal favorite artists who is currently promoting her new album titled “If  The Rains Come First“, Ms. Somi, and finally, one of my newly found Angolan black pearls Ms. Perola.

Carnival City was host to the 2009 Channel O awards bringing together a string of artists from Africa in celebration of the ‘09 Channel O awards. Hosted by Channels O’s very own Nonhle Thema , Lungelo and Kabelo and a list of performers which included Nigeria’s very own 2Face, Hip-Hop Pantsula, Bongani Fassie, the  Umoja choir and Sound Sultan. Until next year firstly Jamati would like to congratulate this years winners which are listed below….

Best Male Video: DArey -Not the girl

Best Female Video: Sasha – Only you

Best New Comer: Khuli – Tswak Stik’em

Best Duo or Group: Buffalo Souljah/Taygrin/Gal level –  My type of girl

Best Dance Video: Lady May – Ndota

Best Reggae Dance-hall Video: Buffalo Souljah – Judgment

Best Afro Pop: Gal Level – Touch Me

Best Kwaito: Gazza feat. BLeksem – Passop

Best R&B Video: Darey – Not the girl

Best Hip-Hop Video: Zeus – Gijima

Best Southern African: Lizha James – Estilo Xakhale

Best Western African: Ikechukwu – Shoobeedoo

Best Eastern African: Xod – I want you back

Best Video Of The Year: Naeto C – Ki Ni Big Deal
Lastly the Special Recognition Award went out to Bongani Fassie on behalf of his legendary mother, Brenda Fassie.

Both Grammy award-winning artists John Legend and MS Keri Hilson have done tremendous justice on their 3 day South African sold-out tour. The reviews on their tour performances are mind blowing, both the media and the fans have no regrets but positive feed back  on their John Legend and Keri Hilson experience. The tour kick started in Cape Town, then Durban and lastly Johannesburg the city of Gold where more than 16 000 fans graced the ever famous Coca-Cola Dome, chanting the USA based singers hit songs. Keri Hilson even shared her gratitude about how thankful and over whelmed she was to be performing in South Africa for the first time. For more on the John Legend and Keri Hilson South African experience, watch the clip below and join in on the fun.

John Legend and Keri Hilson Live in South Africa

Born to a Disc Jockey of  a mother, Iyadede’s artistic journey began before mother earth could claim her as her own.

Iyadede is a Rwandan-born, Belgium-raised, New York City-based electro-pop artist who has been making big waves in the music industry. With a  musical style that sets her aside from the other artists and a fashion scene that requires a bold heart, Iyadede is a profound vessel in the forever changing and growing industry, who has already claimed her place in the musical stadium.

She was recently featured in Arise Magazine as one of the newest trailblazing acts of our times and its no wonder. She has had the pleasure of working with the industry’s great artists including greats such as Zap Mama and the legendary  hip-hop group, The Roots.

Iyadede is what’s hot and happening right now, and there’s no doubt that she is a legendary vessel in the works. Enjoy Iyadede doing what she does best in the video below.

Grammy award nominee and BET award winning R&B and Neo-Soul artist, Taalib Johnson, best known as Musiq Soulchild finally confirmed the speculations about a South African tour.

Musiq Soulchild

Musiq Soulchild will be gracing the Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town during their ninth annual homecoming festival on the 5th of December 2009.

Local artists confirmed to open up for the Philadelphia born singer and song writer are Lira, Nhlanhla Nciza, Malaika, and Ntando.

The MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs)  with Zain were off the chain this year.   Wyclef Jean was in the house with several of the best artists in contemporary African music today.  Akon was one of the guest performers and the audience was treated to a class-A performance.

For some reason though, Akon and Wyclef stripped to their skivvies.  Guess it was all in good fun, but I wonder how many parents made their children turn off the television.  It is also a surprise that there was no uproar in the local media about it.   Kenya must be getting more permissive.

Ajuma Nasenyana was one of the presenters and the winners are all listed here.  Overall it was a great show in the vein of MTV’s entertainment style with a wonderful tribute to two great performers, Lucky Dube and Michael Jackson.  Let’s see what the 2010 awards bring.

Rwandese singer, Cornelius Nyungura, or Corneille (pronounced Kor-nay) as he is most commonly known, just released his new french album on October 19th called “Sans Titre“(Untitled).The singer who has a large fan base in France and Canada where he released his  first two albums  ‘Parce q’on vient de Loin’ (2003) and ‘Les Marchand de Reves’ (2005) was virtually unknown in the US until he signed to Motown Records. He then  released his first English album   “The Birth of Cornelius” in March 2009 and was featured in Vibe Magazine and Nu Soul magazine where he mentioned that his English album was his most personal album and was  a therapeutic way to relive his childhood experiences ,which included being the only  surviving member of his immediate family  after the horrific genocide in Rwanda in 1994.

Corneille fled to Germany where he was taken in by some relatives. He went on to Canada to attend Concordia University and pursue a major in communications. While in Quebec, he joined some friends and formed a group called “O.N.E”. He  later left the group to  pursue a solo-career. He found fame in 2003  with the release of his  debut album which has sold over a million copies to date.

“Sans Titre” was written with the help of Corneille’s wife, Sofia de Medeiros (a model of Portugeuse and Canadian heritage), whom he married in a private ceremony in Montreal, Canada  and he describes it as “the child we haven’t got round to making yet!”. He also calls the soul/R&B album a voyage of self-discovery. Songs that stand out include ‘Pauvre Cynic’, where he sings about the lack of positivity in the music industry. Other songs on the album include “En Attendant” and “La Comedie“.

Although he has been promoting the album in the US by appearing and performing on the “Monique Show” on BET, there is no word on whether it will be released in the US and whether he will go on tour. As he states, “We’re talking about it, but it’s mainly focused right now on letting people know about the music. In this recession time, we’re being creative in getting the music out!”

My fingers are crossed that he does tour the US because he is a great singer whose talent deserves to be recognized in the US.

Ghanaian native and Netherlands/Dutch- raised and influenced artist and designer, Anna Reynolds is an artist like no other. From the first time I first heard her music I knew there was more to her than what meets the eye.

From her defining  fashion style, one can tell that Anna is a free-spirited soul who resides in a musical stadium of fearlessness. With a new single that has just dropped and a new album titled” Android Girl” expected for release November 6th, Anna is the talk of the European musical  town.

Her single “Sinner” is a mixture between pop and rock music, a very catchy tune that unexpectedly talks about serious issues in today’s time. This song is a must-buy from iTunes and I can’t wait for the album.

For more on Anna Reynolds “Sinner” single click below and don’t forget to share your personal views. You can learn more about this talented singer on her website.

Sinner by Anna Reynolds

Democratic Republic of Congo born superstar Fally Ipupa is a man who’s talent rarely questioned. Fally is one of the most hard working artist in the African musical stadium and he’s hustle speaks for itself. Judging by his success it shows that during his journey with the Legendary Koffie Olomide,  Fally Ipupa was on a educational mission, to learn all he could in pursuit to branding himself. Just like his mentor Koffie Olomide Fally Ipupa cannot go unnoticed, he recently made big new when he released a statement that he just collaborated with ex- G-Unit first lady, Ms Olivia on a new single titled “Chaise Electrique”. The song is crazy, one of the best R&B African songs I’ve heard in a long time and what is more exciting is the classic video to the song . The standard of the video is above average, something Fally Ipupa not when coming to his artistry. Love it! Click below for Fally Ipupa and Olivia’s smashing hit and don’t forget to share your views.

Fally Ipupa (Feat. Olivia) – Chaise Eletrique

Canoe Quarterly Magazine has set sail yet again with the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) edition which celebrates some of Africa’s original music icons and legends.  Canoe  53 Sails showcases stories on fashion, beauty, home, lifestyles, sports and business; essentially highlighting the various dimensions of Africa’s progress, while paying homage to the continent’s  strong heritage.

Canoe

The 8th edition is spearheaded by a beautiful tribute to Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba; the story of the King of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; and their relevance to today’s music culture. In the midst of these icons that used their music as weapons for social change and new movements in music, is Ghana’s originator of hiplife, Reggie Rockstone. Reggie talks about his musical journey and sounds off on various issues including Payola ad patenting the word ‘hiplife’.

The GOAT edition also acknowledges a new generation of flag bearers in the African music renaissance by highlighting the works of Youssou N’dour, Rocky Dawuni, Salif Keita, M3nsah, Sena Dagadu, Nneka, Kaysha, and Jozi among others.  There is an interview with Panji Anoff, the head of production house and record label, Pidgen Music, where he talks about the making of a musical titled ‘Cos Ov Noni’ which stars M3nsa and Wanlov.

Jane Awindor of  Ghana’s ‘Stars of the Future’ singing competition, and Irene and Jane fame, graces the cover of the magazine as she prepares to launch her solo career as Efyah.  She returns to the music scene with more than a new moniker but also a refreshing style and a new musical direction.

Canoe Quarterly Magazine is sailing rapidly through the rest of Africa and beyond with distribution in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia; and a subscription base in the UK, USA, Canada and other parts of Europe.  And it would soon be introduced in Kenya and Egypt.

She was touted as the house gossip in the third season of Big Brother Africa but Ghana’s former rep to the hit reality series, Mimi Abu Adani, is making new waves for herself. Mimi, alias ‘Divalish’, also known as ‘Ghana’s Lady Gaga’, has finally released her ‘Music in Me’ album as a testament to her innate talent and passion for singing.

Divalish

In spite of countless criticism in the Ghanaian media for her musical prowess, or the lack of it, Mimi held a successful autograph and photo session during her alb um launch in Accra. Mimi also used the event to premiere the video for her new house track titled ‘DJ’. The video was shot by Phamous People, directors for her previous videos, ‘Leave Me Alone’ and ‘Tattoo’.

She explains her reasons for relying heavily on good music videos: “I believe in visualization and that’s why I do very good videos. At least when you listen and you don’t like my music, when you watch my video you will like it. A lot of people have told me that when they heard my songs, they didn’t really like it but, when they saw my videos, they loved it.”

Mimi describes her album as a good album, adding that, she is stepping into the game to take the industry to another level. “My music is dynamic; I can do anything depending on the timing. My song ‘DJ’ is house; it is very different from ‘Tattoo’ and ‘Leave Me Alone’. This is what I am talking about, we are about to change the music industry. ‘Leave Me Alone’ is across Africa right now. When you watch Big Brother Revolution, you would realize that every single person in the house sings my song when it is played.”

‘Music in Me’ essentially has four songs with remixes to ‘Leave Me Alone’ (featuring Efya, Caroline, Dela, Sita, and Pappi), and ‘Tattoo’ (featuring Tinny). Other cuts on the CD include ‘Fa Ma Mi’ featuring Tinny and three instrumentals. The album was produced by Movingui Records with beats by Kaywa and Richie.

‘Storia, Storia‘ is Mayra Andrade, one of Cape Verde’s finest singers and guitarists’ latest albums. This Senegal-, Angola- and Germany-raised artist is making big waves with her newest album titled ‘Storia, Storia‘, an album firmly rooted in the rhythms of Cape Verde as well as generous elements of Brazilian, Cuban and Jazz music.

Mayra Andrade

‘Storia, Storia‘ is a 13 track album which includes tracks such as Seu, Palavaro, Nha Damaxa, Juana and Konsiensa. This album has been well received all around Europe where Mayra is currently on tour promoting the album. The album itself is very easy on the ear, and very comforting and soul soothing. The energy in this album is one that has the ability to transport one to a magical place where music is the foundation of all things. Absolutely love her music and hope someone else will find pleasure in it too.