I found myself stuck in a music funk during the pandemic (like many others, I’m sure). Still, even with endless options out in the cyber world, it’s easy to get stuck in a monotony of artists and genres. That is why I find myself creating playlists of different music that sound amazing and issue an array of emotions. Each week I hope to expand your music library with a variety of beautiful and talented artists within their perspective genres, each form around the world and from those here at home. I hope that these playlists help you escape your routine and inspire you to explore the world of music just as I have.
Baaba Maal
Fun Facts About the Artist:
Songwriter and singer Baaba Maal was born in 1953 to a fisherman family in Podor, Senegal. His musical studies began in Dakar, Senegal, and Paris, France. He traveled around West Africa, which inspired him to create his own music. His first solo album, Wango in Senegal, released in 1989, can be described as a vibrant album that will definitely make you want to dance. In 1996 Baaba was nominated for a Grammy Awards under the category of “World Music” he is also known for being a political activist. Most recently, Baaba was featured in the 2018 film Black Panther on the song “Wakanda,” composed by Ludwig Göransson.
My Favorite album you should listen to: Television.
The image can be seen on Artist’s Instagram.
Alcione Nazareth:
Fun Facts About the Artist:
Born on November 21, 1947, in Sao Luis do Maranhao Island, Brazil, to a musical conductor of the military corps marching band. Her father influenced her love of music by introducing her to the beauty of traditional intramental Brazilian song and dance music. She began performing locally at the age of 13. In 1972 after touring in Argentina and Chile, Alcione recorded her first single and, in 1975, her first album, A Voz do Samba. Her music can be described as a jazzy and classy, great for cocktail parties. Her latest album Tijolo por Tijolo is an excellent example of her Jazz influence. In addition, she was credited for creating a samba school in London, England, and for aiding in pressuring the Brazilian senate in addressing the large scale of music piracy affecting many musicians. Her fantastic album Ao Vivoawarded her the Latin Grammy for “Best Samba/Pagode” in 2003.
My Favorite album you should listen to: Vamos Arrepiar.
The image can be seen on Artist’s Facebook page.
Angelique Kiddo
Fun Facts About the Artist:
Angelique Kiddo, A Beninese singer-songwriter, was born July 14, 1960. Like many on our list, Kiddo wears many hats, such as acting and activism. Angelique is a 4-time Grammy winner and was titled One of “100 Most Inspiring Women in the World” by The Guardian in 2011. Her music is a fusion of American R&B, funk, and jazz. During the 2019 G7 Summit, Kidjo was named the spokesperson for the AFAWA initiative (Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa) by France president Macron for helping close the financing gap of entrepreneurial African women.
Quotes From the Artist:
“The audience gives me energy, so I have to give it back. If I kept it, I wouldn’t be able to sleep for two days.”
My Favorite album you should listen to: Mother Nature
The image can be seen on Artist’s Instagram and on her main website.
Follow me on Spotify and on Apple Music to listen to the featured songs, or click link in each album mentioned above to listen to the entire album on Apple Music.