folk

Leave a comment Posted on Micronesia, Music

The Littlest Nation of Nauru

 

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Nauru: Independent since 1968. In need of tree planters since 1978.

You can circle the island of Nauru in about 30 leisurely minutes by car. Yet the world’s smallest independent republic faces some big world problems. The slow-motion threat of rising sea levels, rampant obesity, poverty, a controversial refugee detainment centre… A far cry from the roaring 70s, when vast phosphate deposits (a.k.a. bird poop) made Nauruans some of the wealthiest islanders in the world.

But humans tend to bounce back, and here we cheer for Nauru! Discover some far-out sounds that span both the ups and downs :

If all the kids are like this little unnamed artist, we can only assume that there’s a bright future ahead for Nauru. Environmentalism, killer hooks, and amazing special effects all rolled into one… also no doubt the lyrics are uplifting and amazing:

Leave a comment Posted on Europe, Music

Manx to the Future!

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Clear skies over the Isle of Man

Resting calmly in the eye of the UK, the Isle of Man hosts a surprising storm of folk and progressive sounds. The Manx language is also experiencing a triumphant rebirth, thanks in part to the weird wonders of social media. Hear Manx music of all stripes in this week’s far-out soundscape:

And here, a (not particularly clear) recording of the last known native speaker of the Manx language, Ned Maddrell:

Leave a comment Posted on West Africa

Toastin’ the Coast with the Ziglibithian Hosts

Ernesto Djedje, the king of Ziglibithy

Ernesto Djedje, the king of Ziglibithy. Wore shirts infrequently.

Despite having been named after the bad ol’ days of rampant elephant poaching, the Ivory Coast is a gem of many sonical splendours. From Gbégbé to Ziglibithy and then onward to Coupé Décalé – spend an hour grooving to the music of the Ivory Coast to temporarily cure your S.A.D.

While you’re at it, take the time to enjoy this vintage slice of ’80s Ivoriana. Amazing dance moves, a face-melting guitar solo, proto-rap… Thank you NST Cophie’s (what a bizarre name you have).

Long live African Dwarf Elephants.

Leave a comment Posted on Carribean, Music

The Volatile Emerald Isle

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Plymouth by the sea, under the volcano

Oh what a world of surprise isles! Of the many Caribbean beauties, Montserrat has a history unlike any other. Irish-speaking Africans, a world-class rock’n’roll recording studio, a devastating volcano that destroyed the capital and keeps half the island covered in ash and lava flows.

But the music never quits! Sample the good ol’ days of soca, string bands, and the new post-volcanic underground.