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
Buranovo Grannies to Represent Russia in Eurovision 2012
A group of singing grandmas from a remote village are to represent Russia in the Eurovision contest. Jessica Golloher brings us the music of the Buranovo Grannies.
Space Disco/Oslo Disco Movement’s Lindstrom Releases ‘Six Cups of Rebel’
Marius Asp, our Global Hit DJ based in Norway, tells us about electronica artist Lindstrom. Lindstrom is one of the central figures in the so-called “space disco/Oslo disco” movement.
Jason Moon: A Veteran Who Found Solace in Music
Jason Moon is an Iraq vet and folk singer. He recorded his album “Trying to Find My Way Home” as a way to understand his battle with PTSD.
The Black Truth Rhythm Band’s ‘Ifetayo’
The Black Truth Rhythm Band recorded only one album “Ifetayo” in the short time it was together in Trinidad. Anchor Marco Werman tells us more about the band that helped create Caribbean funk.
Janka Nabay: The Bubu King of Sierra Leone
Janka Nabay is known in his native Sierra Leone as the Bubu King. Nabay fled the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s civil war and he is now in the US, with a new band, playing the music from home.
Nettle’s ‘El Resplandor’ Inspired by Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’
El Resplandor is a fictional resort in Dubai, not unlike the hotel in the Stephen King thriller, “The Shining.” Band Nettle’s Jace Clayton dreamed up the music inspired by King’s creepy novel and the movie of the same name.
Argentine Singer María Volonté on ‘The Blue Tango Tour’
Volonté fuses her love of tango with the blues on her new album and is in the midst of a world tour titled “The Blue Tango Tour.”
Israeli Rockers Red Band More Than Raunchy Muppets
Red Band is the name of a very popular rock group in Israel that became famous thanks to its own TV show that features puppets.
Teranga Beat Unearths Old Senegalese Vinyl Records
Terenga Beat is a new record label based in Dakar. Its founder is a Greek DJ who fell in love with Sengalese music years ago, especially its 1960s Afro-Cuban iterations.
Video: The Peatbog Faeries’ ‘Dust’
The band hails from the Scottish Isle of Skye and mixes traditional music with rock and African styles.
World-Class Jazz Musicians Come Together for ‘Alma’
Paolo Fresu, Omar Sosa and Jaques Morelenbaum have come together to release a new CD called “Alma.”
Jin Hi Kim Blends Komungo Styles with Western Music
The komungo is a traditional Korean instrument that dates back to the 4th century. Now the ancient instrument is being played in modern, western-style arrangements.
Sanctions Block Burmese Rock Band Side Effect
Side Effect is a Kurt Cobain-inspired Burmese band. The band raised money to buy equipment, but could not get it because of US sanctions against Burma.
Macy Chen’s ‘After 75 Years’ from Taiwan
Jazz and big band music runs through Macy Chen’s family. Her latest album is called “After 75 Years”. It’s a reference to her Jazz musician grandfather whom she never met.
CGS: Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino
The Italian band Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino trades in never-ending, trance-inducing movement. It might also cure a spider’s bite.
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