Travel to South Africa, and I’m sure that, like I was when I visited last year, you will be blown away by the creativity and color of the street art that decorates much of the country. From the hand-drawn murals that adorn school walls to positive messages painted onto bridges, office blocks and even government buildings, you can’t help but notice how much time and care has been put into this public artwork designed for all to enjoy.
So, how do you pull together a full-length album featuring a team of 11 producers and 50 local performers that highlights the diversity of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s music scene while relating to listeners around the world?
While in Mali earlier this year, I discovered some musicians with truly incredible abilities on string instruments. In this area, Mali has brought a disproportionate number of superbly talented musicians into the world – from the legends of the 21-stringed West African harp called the Kora, like the late Ali Farka Touré, to Baba Salah, whose skills on electric guitar evoke comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, who, along with Habib Koité, are two of Mali’s proudest living exports.
Thankfully, these artists are not ones to keep their talent to themselves. Collaborations abound, such as an album full of the melodic artistry between Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté, a West African storyteller known as a Griot. Their mutual respect and talent are a joy to hear, and to watch.
We often look at war through the eyes of a man: killing, destruction, power and violence.
What if we looked at war -– and most importantly, peace –- through the eyes of a woman? What would that look like? A century ago, 90 percent of war casualties were male soldiers; today, nearly 70 percent are civilian women and children.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Mangochi, Malawi, you’ve likely already heard all about Lake of Stars, the award-winning music and arts festival set to hit stages for its 7th consecutive year this weekend.
Featuring more than 70 African and international acts, the festival expects to attract over 3,000 visitors, bringing welcomed tourism to the area as well as acting as a great global platform to promote Malawian culture.
Founded in 2004 by Will Jameson following a previous trip to volunteer around Lake Malawi, the festival is modeled on similar celebrated events, including Glastonbury and Live Aid. Gaining media attention from around the world since its inaugural year, when it won the Malawi Tourism Award, Lake of Stars has since gone on to become the country’s No. 1 attraction.
He may not be a household name yet, but Batwing, the Bat-Universe cast’s most recent addition and first-ever African character, may well be on his way to becoming one, following DC Comics’ launch of its new book last week. A super hero story complete with armor and bat insignia, there is no doubt that the series also serves to reflect Africa’s turbulent political landscape and the ongoing battle against its real-life villains.
An AIDS orphan and former child soldier, Batwing, like his fellow cast members, emerges from tragic beginnings that spur his fight against the corruption of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s police force. Created by DC writer Judd Winick and featuring art by Ben Oliver, the series marks the company’s venture into otherwise almost uncharted territory.
Though not deliberately politicized, the use of Africa’s volatility as a backdrop to the more traditional comic book premise naturally raises questions of poverty, public health and violence for discussion. Careful to paint a picture that would resonate across a variety of regions, Minick collaborated with African studies experts to ensure that the character he imagined was both realistic and free of stereotype. Similarly, Batwing’s attempts to eliminate the evil forces threatening his fictional native city reflect the differences between the continent and other settings often used in comic series like that of Batman’s Gotham. Rather than a one-man army, Batwing serves not only to defeat the corruption he is up against, but also to reform his enemies and to use them for positive purposes in light of the challenges he is faced with at home.
Not too long ago, I had the chance to interview Baloji, a Belgian-Congolese rapper, at a video shoot in Brooklyn with MTV Iggy. With a four inch-high wedge of hair, dapper blazer and thick-soled combat boots, Baloji doesn’t look like a typical rapper, but don’t let that fool you. His politically charged lyrics, sung in French, Swahili and other African languages, have bite — and are a constant reminder that you should never forget your roots, no matter where you come from.
Right now, some of the world's biggest oil companies are fighting to keep some of their deals with foreign governments secret. Let's tell big oil we won't be bullied.
Cuts to poverty-fighting programs won't balance the budget, but they will set back progress on Canada's development priorities and risk jeopardizing existing investments.
2011 marks 30 years since the first cases of AIDS were documented. Take a closer look at the specific, achievable goals we must hit by 2015 to make this year the beginning of the end of AIDS.
While in Mali earlier this year, I discovered some musicians with truly incredible abilities on string instruments. In this area, Mali has brought a disproportionate number of superbly talented musicians into the world – from the legends of the 21-stringed West African harp called the Kora, like the late Ali Farka Touré, to 
