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
Iranian Singer Sussan Deyhim Contributes to the Argo Soundtrack
Iranian singer Sussan Deyhim contributed music to the new film “Argo.” The film is set in Tehran during the US Embassy hostage crisis that followed the Iranian revolution. This is a time period that resonates with Sussan Deyhim even though she had left Iran a couple years prior.
DJ Mannasseh Phiri Spins Tracks from the ‘Say Africa’ Recording
Mannasseh Phiri is our DJ in Zambia. Today, he plays some of his favorite tracks from the album “Say Africa” by South African musician Vusi Mahlasela.
Abu Ghosh Festival Celebrates Vocal Music in Israel
In a region where religion often pulls people apart, it’s refreshing to see Israelis musicians visit a Muslim village and perform in a Roman-era Catholic Church.
Jarabe De Palo: Spanish Latin Rock Recycled
Jarabe De Palo is one of the most popular and enduring bands in Spain. On their latest album, “Orquesta Reciclando” or Recycling Orchestra, they’ve reworked some of their biggest Spanish hits.
The Band Really Was on the Run: McCartney in Lagos
For me, an avowed Beatles and Fela fan, this is like a musical Reese’s peanut butter cup: two great tastes that taste great together. Perhaps not as much as the originals listened to separately. But still great [...]
The AfroBeatles: John, Paul, George, Ringo and Fela
Friday marks the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ releasing their first single, “Love Me Do.” So Thursday, we introduce you to the music of The AfroBeatles. It’s a mash-up of Beatles tunes with Fela Kuti’s afrobeat music.
A Desi Party Grows in Brooklyn
Desilicious started about ten years ago with the purpose of integrating Bollywood music, pop music, and house music [...]
“The Seventh Chieftain”: Celtic Superstar Carlos Núñez
Celtic superstar Carlos Núñez, from the region of Galicia in northeastern Spain, has been called “The Seventh Chieftain.”
Music and Stories of the Late-Brazilian Funk Master Tim Maia
Tim Maia was a Brazilian musician whose music was intertwined with personal stories of excess and controversy. He died in 1998 at the age of 55. Musician Roger Bruno performed with Tim Maia at a time when both were trying to establish their careers.
UK Singer-Songwriter Ben Howard Gets Intimate
British songsmith Ben Howard talks about and sings a tune from his debut CD “Every Kingdom”.
Gagaku, Japanese Imperial Court Music
Gagaku is the oldest form of classical music in Japan. It thrived in Japanese imperial courts from the 700s. The tradition still survives but is rarely performed outside of Japan. But reporter Maria Bakkalapulo attended a performance in Scotland and tells us about it.
‘Avila’: Latest Jazz Sound from Ska Innovator Ernest Ranglin
Anchor Marco Wermna talks about the latest jazzy sound coming from the Jamaican ska innovator Ernest Ranglin.
Scottish Identity and Independence From Singer Julie Fowlis
Scottish Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis is taking part in a showcase of Scottish artists at this year’s Ryder Cup. Fowlis speaks to Marco Werman about the importance of Scottish identity and culture as well as her music that was featured in the Disney Pixar film “Brave.”
Gypsy Brass Band Fanfare Ciocarlia Rollicks Through North America
The Romanian brass band Fanfare Ciocarlia mixes Balkan music with jazz and movie themes and even a Steppenwolf song, and play it all with a fearsome velocity.
Benefits to Help Refugees from Northern Mali
We highlight two musical efforts to help refugees fleeing violence in northern Mali. First, a concert in New York this weekend, dubbed “Musicians for Mali.” Then, a new CD called “Songs For Desert Refugees.”
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