PRI’s The World presents the Global Hit, a daily spotlight on international musical artists or trends. Created by The World’s Marco Werman, the Global Hit features interviews with musicians, critics and deejays around the globe. He is also one of the curators of the South By Southwest Musical Festival (SXSW) – “All Music Is World Music.” Subscribe and follow:

Global Hit


Djily Baghdad Raps the Anthem of Y’en a Marre

Djily Baghdad (Photo: Marco Werman)

Djily Baghdad, featured here in video, raps the anthem of the Y’en a marre (we’re fed up) movement. Y’en a marre is a large community of rappers who are demanding President Abdoulaye Wade to leave power.

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A Community North of Toronto that is Home to Several Music Bands

A street sign in Thornhill, Canada. (Photo: AndroidCat/Wikipedia)

We are looking for a small community near Toronto where Canadian singer Hayden and group The Philosopher Kings come from.

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Funk Carioca Makes Comeback in Brazil Despite Bailes Crackdown

Dancing in Brazil (Photo: thefuturistics/Flickr)

“Funk carioca,” or simply “funk” is a mixture of hip-hop, samba and electronic music that has had a rocky relationship with Brazilian authorities.

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Remembering Sudan’s Musical Icon Mohammed Wardi

Mohammed Wardi. (Photo: myspace.com/mohamedwardi)

Wardi was buried Sunday in a ceremony attended by tens of thousands of Sudanese including President Omar al-Bashir.

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Marco Werman Heads to Senegal

Youssou N'Dour (Photo: gdcgraphics/Wikipedia)

Anchor Marco Werman heads to Senegal to report on the country’s presidential elections, which are set for February 26.

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Rodrigo y Gabriela’s Cuban-Music Inspired ‘Area 52′

Album cover of "Area 52." (Photo: rodgab.com)

For their new CD, Rodrigo y Gabriela traveled to Havana to re-record some of their own, earlier tunes with a 13-piece Cuban orchestra.

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Chinese Vice President’s Wife, Peng Liyuan, is a Star Folk Singer

Peng Liyuan (Photo: Youtube screen grab)

Chinese folk singer Peng Liyuan has appeared regularly in front of hundreds of millions of people at China’s Annual Spring Festival television pageants.

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The Chieftains Celebrate 50th Anniversary with ‘Voice of Ages’

Album cover of "Voice of Ages." (Photo: thechieftains.com)

The Chieftains are marking their 50th anniversary with a new album titled “Voice of Ages.” Paddy Moloney is the group’s founder and leader. He speaks with anchor Marco Werman about the album.

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Podcast: The Perfect Love Song

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A love song comprised only of words from an international spelling alphabet.

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El Mundo’s ‘The Kingdoms Of Castille’ in Grammy Race

Album of El Mundo's "Kingdoms of Castille."

Richard Savino founded his Baroque music ensemble El Mundo in 1999. The group plays Italian and Spanish music from the 17th to the 19th century.

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Historic Recordings from Mexico’s Son Huasteco Region

Album cover of "El Gusto - 40 Años de son Huasteco"

Betto Arcos talks about some of his favorite tunes from the 2-disc set “El Gusto – 40 Años de son Huasteco.”

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French Band ‘The Two’ Stars Ara Starck and David Jarre

Ara Starck met David Jarre of "The Two." (Photo: thetwomusic.com)

Starck and Jarre are darlings in France, but they are hoping to find the same sort of love in the US.

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Gerard Edery’s Tribute to Argentina’s Atahualpa Yupanqui

Gerard Edery (Photo: Piotr Sobkowicz/gerardedery.com)

Edery himself a well-known classical guitar player, pays tribute to Yupanqui with his album titled “Edery Sings Yupanqui.”

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Video: Myanmar’s All-Girl Band Me N Ma Girls

Band members of Burma's all-girl band Me N Ma Girls. (Photo: myspace.com/me-n-ma-girls)

Me N Ma Girls is an all-girl group from Myanmar (Burma). The girls conjure up images of the Spice Girls and other female pop singers like Britney Spears with their colorful wigs and dance tunes.

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Ana Tijoux’s ‘Shock’ Becomes Protesters’ Anthem in Chile

Ana Tijoux. (Photo: anatijoux.com)

Protesters in Chile are calling for educational reforms and Tijoux’s song has generated buzz.

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