Tag: new-music

THE KORA: THE INSTRUMENT I ALWAYS WANTED TO LEARN

In case you don’t know what a KORA is…

The kora produces some of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard, with its resonant strings creating a rich tapestry of melodies that can evoke deep emotions. The gentle plucking of the strings, combined with the intricate rhythms, has a way of transporting listeners to a tranquil state, making it a truly captivating experience.

Each note seems to dance through the air, shimmering like sunlight on water, as the musician skillfully navigates the instrument’s complex musical landscape.

I first learned about the Kora from the book and TV mini-series “ROOTS” by Alex Haley, where Kunta Kinte was trying to describe this amazing instrument to his daughter, who didn’t totally understand him, calling a guitar a “ko.” The moment when I first heard this instrument, played by the amazing TOUMANI DIABATE, was an experience I would never forget.

the melodious sounds lifted my spirit and transported me to the heart of West Africa, where the Kora has deep cultural significance. This remarkable instrument, with its 21 strings stretching across a large calabash resonator, represents a rich musical tradition that has survived through generations. However, I never thought I would get an opportunity to learn to play it, as its intricate strings and unique structure seemed daunting to a novice like me, filled with uncertainty and self-doubt… Until the opportunity literally fell into my lap earlier today.

It started ordinarily enough; I had an early morning Filipino Martial Arts lesson at KAILUKUAN, followed by a delightful lunch with my teacher Virgil at TOKYO CENTRAL. You know, just another Saturday filled with physical activity and culinary enjoyment.

Then, out of nowhere, I learned that KIN Unified Healing, the place next door to KAILUKUAN, was having a workshop on how to play the KORA, about 15 minutes before it started! The excitement rushed through me, prompting an immediate decision to attend this unexpected event. LUNDEN KORA from Motherland Music taught an introductory course on how to play the KORA, where he eloquently shared insights about its history and significance in West African heritage, while engaging us with captivating stories of master players. He led us through some basic skills, guiding our fingers to navigate the strings, and started teaching us a traditional song from Mali, Bani le.

The experience was truly eye-opening, igniting a newfound passion within me to explore this beautiful instrument and embrace the rich cultural depths it represents. As I delved deeper into the intricacies of its creation and the craftsmanship behind it, I found myself captivated by the stories woven into its strings. The sounds it produces resonate not only with my ears but also deep within my soul, sparking an insatiable curiosity about its history and significance in various traditions around the world, revealing the diverse ways in which different cultures connect through music. Hopefully, Lunden will hold more workshops at KIN, or at MOTHERLAND MUSIC, settings that create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, where we’ll get to learn more about this amazing instrument, given to us by the angels, allowing us not only to hone our skills but also to forge connections with fellow enthusiasts who share this profound love for music and its ability to transcend barriers.

THIS IS NOT AMERICA

This Is Not America” is a powerful song by Puerto Rican rapper Residente featuring the French-Cuban duo Ibeyi, released on March 17, 2022, as the second single from Residente’s much-anticipated album Las Letras Ya No Importan. Through its evocative lyrics, the song delves into a rich tapestry of various Latin American cultures, illuminating the struggles and triumphs of their peoples.

A music video was released on the same day, graphically portraying several of the lyrics in the song, as well as events that occurred on the continents during its history, such as the protests that occurred in various countries of the region.

It explores colonialism, slavery, and imperialism, highlighting historical injustices and referencing key events that encourage reflection on ongoing struggles faced by various communities around the world. Through a deep examination of these themes, it underscores the far-reaching impacts of oppressive systems that resonate in contemporary society.

It also compares with Childish Gambino’s “THIS IS AMERICA,” urging listeners to examine the contrasts between nations and the fight for identity among marginalized groups, emphasizing how art can serve as a powerful medium for social commentary and a catalyst for change, ultimately prompting a collective reckoning with the past and a vision for a more equitable future.

Residente sat down with Genius to discuss his latest hit “This is Not America,” which has been streamed over four million times on Spotify to date. The song features twin act Ibeyi, known for their unique blend of Afro-Cuban and electronic music, and is produced by Residente himself, highlighting his multifaceted talent as both a lyricist and producer. On today’s episode of Verified, find out Residente’s motivation behind the song, as he delves into the lyrical themes that resonate with social and political issues impacting today’s world. This collaboration not only showcases Residente’s commitment to artistry but also aims to inspire listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

Read more on Genius: https://genius.com/a/residente-breaks-down-the-meaning-of-this-is-not-america In this insightful analysis, you can delve deeper into the themes and messages conveyed through Residente’s powerful lyrics.

Read all the lyrics to “This is Not America” on Genius: https://genius.com/Residente-this-is-not-america-lyrics, where you’ll find a thorough breakdown of the song’s context, lyrical nuances, and the cultural significance it holds within the current socio-political landscape, allowing for a richer understanding of the artist’s intent and the broader implications of his work.

And in this interview on GOOD MORNING AMERICA, Residente discusses why he feels now is the right time to release his new single, emphasizing the importance of timely expression in his artistry.

He shares his journey of collaboration, revealing how he has been creating beats with the help of scientists who study brain patterns, allowing him to explore the deeper connections between music and human emotion. This innovative approach not only enriches his sound but also enhances the listener’s experience, as he aims to bridge the gap between art and science in his creative process.