It’s time to inject some culture into our lives and what better way to do that than through the medium of music. Strap yourself in for an aural culture shock folks, let’s just hope we know what we are doing, this sounds like it could be very painful for all involved.
Amadou et Mariam – Sabali
Amadou et Maria are known as the ‘blind couple of Mali’, both lost their sight when they were only children and met at a Youth Institute for the Blind. Since discovering they have a love for music the couple have been inseparable and so began a career that has spanned over 36years. The couple have performed with the Scissor Sisters on their last tour, played at the World Cup and are credited for coining the genre of music, the ‘Afro-Blues’.
Ahmed Bukhatir – Ummi
Ummi is a ‘nasheed’ performed by Ahmed Bukhatir from the United Arab Emirates, who has become somewhat of an icon in his country and around the world. Ahmed sings the ‘nasheed’ without any accompanying instruments due to his religious beliefs. He has seven albums the latest of which was released this year and is called ‘Moments of Allah’. ‘Ummi’ is a song dedicated to mothers and is one of Ahmed’s better known tracks to make a name for itself in the Western world of music.
Kebnekajse – Horgalaten
Named after the highest mountain in Sweden (Kebnekaise), they were particularly active in the 70’s and have since quietened down but are still making music, their last album, self titled, was released last year. The band consider themselves a progressive rock group but originally they were classed as hard rock before moving to symphonic then indie folk and now progressive rock.
Genki Sudo – Mind Shift
Genki Sudo can be considered the male Madonna of Japan, the man has vested interests in nearly all walks of life and has made a name for himself as an idol and role model in Japan and worldwide. Genki first began as a mixed martial artist and kick boxer. After retiring in 2006, genki expanded into the world of writing, acting, dance and music. World Order is Genki’s first album and it was released in July of this year.
