In today's show we pay homage to one of the founding members of 1980s rap pioneers "The Beastie Boys" Adam Yauch, alias MCA, who died after battling cancer for the past three years. Also on the programme a "Toast to Freedom" as Amnesty International celebrates 50 years with an album featuring the talents of Carly Simon, Jane Birkin and Kris Kristofferson among others. We'll also hear from the 4th album of Bertrand Burgalat, one of the most respected producers/arrangers in France.
Following Mali's political crisis, a collective of musicians that includes the country's leading hip-hop group are rapping for a return to full democracy. FRANCE 24's special correspondent reports.
As diplomats gather in London to seek a solution to Somalia’s crisis, a Somali hip-hop group is daringly rapping their opposition to al Shabaab. Unlike the conference attendees, their message is in Somali for Somalis by Somalis.
Senegalese rappers leading protests against President Abdoulaye Wade. The "Barefoot Bandit », a web sensation in the US. And members of community news site Reddit help save a Kenyan orphanage.
R&B soultress Mary J. Blige is back, but can she knock Beyoncé off her throne with new single "Mr. Wrong"? Then make way for Congo Brazzaville's pop sensation Nzete and his new tune, "Sexy Chocolat." We wrap up today's music show with Nigerian drumming maestro Tony Allen who has influenced international artists with his afrobeat rhythms.
After the Golden Globes the race to the Oscars is now on and it's neck-and-neck between "The Artist" and "The Descendants." Also on the programme, French hip-hop pioneer Farid Berki joins us to share his passion for dance and talk about Paris' Suresnes Cités Danse festival. Plus, we get a glimpse of the Louvre's new exhibition curated by the Nobel prize winner for literature, J.M.G. Le Clézio.
MEDIAWATCH, Wed. 11/1/2012: French reporter Gilles Jacquier is killed in Homs, Syria - the first foreign journalist to die in the country since the uprising began some 10 months ago. Also, a Moroccan anti-establishment rapper faces jail and we finish with a web ad parodying Adobe Photoshop.
We are paying tribute to the late singer Cesária Évora as Cape Verde mourns the iconic artist nicknamed 'the Barefoot Diva'. Also, we listen to young Congolese rapper, Bajoli, who takes inspiration from his homeland's politics and discover new Brazilian sensation, Michel Teló, who is taking Latin America by storm.
Manu Dibango is back with a remix of his classic song "Soul Massoka". After artists like Michael Jackson and Rihanna sampled the famous tune, he's brought it up to date himself in a new version featuring Wayne Beckford. Plus, a new book "Def Jam Recordings" celebrates 25 years of the legendary label. We mark the occasion by listening to two of Def Jam's best loved artists. And we finish with a serenade from Cape Verde's latest musical hope, Tcheka.
It's all about rap this week in the music world. French artist Mokobe releases his second album with a fresh electro sound whilst staying true to his African roots. We also have a listen to Jay-Z's protégé JCole and his much-awaited debut single, "Work Out". Plus, African legend Papa Wemba is back with a new album.
