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
Metal Bands From Cuba Perform at SXSW
Three bands from Cuba are performing at South by Southwest tonight. It’s the first time any of them are performing on US soil. Organizers of the festival faced challenges getting them into the country and convincing others that Cuba’s musical outreach is more than just rumba and son.
Why the Pope Might Like New Music from Boogat
If Pope Francis is aiming to reach out to younger members of the flock, we strongly recommend he also check out some of the newer music coming out of his home city. Try Boogat for starters. Even though Boogat is from Quebec, he’s been a hot number on the electro-latino circuit in Buenos Aires.
Cuban Percussionist Pedrito Martinez Pays Homage to the Late Flamenco Singer Cameron de la Isla
Pedrito Martinez, a Cuban percussionist, pays tribute to Spain’s famous flamenco singer, Camaron de la Isla. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.
Uruguayan Percussion from Daniel ‘Tatita’ Marquez
Tuesday’s Global Hit comes from the South American country of Uruguay, where percussionist Daniel ‘Tatita’ Marquez is working to get his country’s music better known around the globe. Reporter Betto Arcos profiles Marquez and the Candombe drums that are an essential part of Uruguay’s music.
The Comeback of UK Alt-Rock Band My Bloody Valentine
The UK-based band My Bloody Valentine has made a comeback with their first release in 22 years. DJ Marius Asp tells us what he thinks of the band’s comeback album, called “MBV.”
Stompin’ Tom Connors: Canadian Folk Hero
Canadian country-folk musician Stompin’ Tom Connors , a music legend in Canada, passed away this week. He wrote hundreds of songs and sold nearly four million albums. but unlike most Canadian musicians, he wasn’t interested in courting American fans.
Sexy Fi Breaks New Ground in Brazilian Music
Marco Werman speaks with singer Camila Zamith, front woman of Sexy Fi, about how the band’s tropical chic sound on their debut record is redefining Brazilian music.
Efterklang Inspired by a Coal Mining Settlement
The World’s Clark Boyd profiles the Danish trio Efterklang. The band headed to the far north to find sounds for their latest album, “Piramida.” They ended up in an abandoned Russian coal mining settlement on Spitsbergen.
New Zealand Contemporary Dance Troupe Black Grace Uses Traditional Maori and Samoan Moves
Black Grace is New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance company. They incorporate the haka, a traditional Maori warrior dance, while also being at the cutting edge artistically.
Cristina Pato Brings the Galician Bagpipe to the Jazz and Classical World
Cristina Pato thought she’d left the Galician bagpipe behind when she left Spain. But playing the bagpipes provided her with more musical opportunities when she made the move to New York.
Omar Sosa and Paolo Fresu Perform from their Album ‘Alma’
In an exclusive performance, Cuban pianist Omar Sosa and Italian trumpet player Paolo Fresu play songs from their recent album ‘Alma.’ In between songs they chat with Marco Werman about their collaboration.
Brassy Kiwi Singer Gin Wigmore
With bleach-blonde hair, thick black eyeshadow, a big bright smile, and a collection of tattoos, 26-year-old Kiwi musician Gin Wigmore is an interesting sight to see. But perhaps what meets the ear is even more captivating than what meets the eye.
Oumou Sangare, Malian Musician and Auto Executive
Malian singer Oumou Sangare performs in concerts all over the globe, but it’s only in Mali where consumers can buy her cars. Michael May profiles this African singer who’s parlayed her musical success into other business endeavors.
Why ’5 Broken Cameras’ Director Guy Davidi Chose Palestinian Oud Masters Le Trio Joubran
“What I like specifically in (Le Trio Joubran’s) music is there is this sense of repetitiveness,” says Davidi. … “So, there is a movement between repetition and development of the same theme. This is exactly how the film works.” [...]
Taiwan-Born Emy Tseng Swings to Brazilian Jazz
Singer Emy Tseng talks to host Aaron Schachter about her love for Brazilian music and her debut CD, “Sonho.”
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