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
What Mexican Singer Lila Downs’ ‘Pecados y Milagros’ Says About Drug Violence
Lila Downs is a singer living in Mexico City. On her latest album “Pecados y Milagros” or Sins and Miracles she sings songs set against the backdrop of drug-related violence in Mexico. Lila Downs tells Marco Werman that her songs help express anger, frustration and fear.
The Godmothers of Chick Rock Release ‘Play Like a Girl’
June and Jean Millington have been dubbed “The Godmothers of Chick Rock.” The two sisters were born in the Philippines. In 1961 they moved to California and discovered rock and roll. They became full blown rock stars in the 1970s with their group Fanny. The sisters have a new album out, it’s called “Play Like a Girl.”
Afro-Peruvian Activist and Musician Susana Baca is Peru’s New Minister of Culture
Susana Baca is a singer-songwriter and Afro-Peruvian activist in Peru. She is now Peru’s new minister of culture. Mirissa Neff reports from San Francisco.
Portuguese Jazz Singer Sara Serpa Releases ‘Mobile’
The World’s Adeline Sire profiles Sara Serpa, a Portuguese jazz singer, who became interested in travel literature soon after her arrival in New York City. Serpa’s new CD is called “Mobile.”
‘Afro Latin Via Cotonou’ from Benin
Tom Schnabel’s DJ pick for today is vintage music from Cotonou, Benin. It’s music recorded in the 1960s and 70s that has never been released in the United States before. The 2-CD set is part of a series called AfroLatin.
Who is Francisca Valenzuela?
Francisca Valenzuela was the only singer from Chile invited on stage to sing with U2 at the band’s March concert there. So who is she? Reporter Betto Arcos introduces us to her.
Bollywood Bloodbath and other Global Fright Music
The World’s Marco Werman begins with a collection titled “Bollywood Bloodbath,” then explores some other unexpected sources of ghoulish music to play on your porch for the trick or treaters.
Sudanese Rapper and Former-Child Soldier Emmanuel Jal Honored with Common Ground Award
The World’s Marco Werman speaks with Sudanese rapper and former-child soldier Emmanuel Jal about his achievements in his homeland since he recorded his first album in 2005.
American Jazz Singer Kurt Elling and Denmark’s Kluvers Big Band
The World’s Adeline Sire has a story on a collaboration between American jazz singer Kurt Elling and the Kluvers Big Band from Denmark. They’re touring the US together for the first time.
Ramy Essam Honored with Freemuse Award for Free Musical Expression
The Freemuse Award for free musical expression goes to Ramy Essam, “the singer of the revolution.” His song “Irhal” galvanized the crowds at Tahrir Square. The World’s Marco Werman speaks with Essam.
French Trio Revolver Wows at CMJ
The World’s Marco Werman introduces us to one of the buzz-bands of the CMJ Music Marathon in New York: French group Revolver, an English-singing trio with killer harmonies.
The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll in China
Musician and author Jonathan Campbell has written the definitive book on the history of rock and roll in China.
Malian Singer Boubacar Traoré
Boubacar Traoré was Mali’s first pop music star and scored some big-selling radio hits in the early 60s.
‘Indie Salsa’ Band Bio Ritmo
Reporter Bruce Wallace met up with the Virginia-based band Bio Ritmo that plays what iTunes calls “Indie Salsa.”
Irish Singer-Songwriter Lisa Hannigan
Irish singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan performs in our studio. She talks to anchor Lisa Mullins about her new CD and how releasing her second album has given her confidence as a solo artist.
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