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New album from acclaimed Malian artist Afel Bocoum “Lindé” out Sept 4

Celebrated Malian songwriter and guitarist Afel Bocoum’s new studio album Lindé is due September 4 via World Circuit Records. The first single “Avion” is debuting alongside a new video today!
The record is also available for pre-order via the above link.
Named after the wild expanse near Bocoum’s hometown of Niafunké, Lindé is a blend of deep tradition and audacious innovation. With the support of executive producers Damon Albarn and World Circuit artistic director Nick Gold, the album was recorded in Mali’s capital Bamako and stitches together the age-old music of the Niger bend with styles from across the globe, boasting performances from a number of eminent Malian musicians including Madou Kouyaté, the late ‘Hama’ Sankaré and Madou Sidiki Diabaté, along with the drums of recently-departed Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, the trombone of Vin Gordon (Bob Marley, Skatalites) and the violin of Joan as Police Woman.
“Afel’s voice is one of the treasures of Mali, and this record is a gift to us all,” notes Albarn.
Traditional instruments like the ngoni, njurkele, kora and calabash blend with guitars, percussion and call-and-response vocals. The result is a gently undulating flow that emanates from a source hidden deep in the historical and mystical traditions of Bocoum’s native land, enriched along its way by musical tributaries and cross-currents. It’s music that rolls rather than rocks, graceful, unforced and minimal by design.
Lindé is also an album with a message; in the face of an uncertain and turbulent world, and a homeland struggling with jihad, poverty and tribal war, Afel Bocoum urges hope, solidarity and unity. “We have to meet each other, talk to each other, look each other in the eye and tell the truth,” Bocoum says. “If we’re not united, I can see no solution. Our social security is music. That’s all we’ve got left. People love music, so we have to make use of that fact.”
The first single “Avion” is playful and optimistic, featuring a beat that’s close to Congolese soukous, with the guitars of Mamadou Kelly, Oumar Konaté and Lamine Soumano providing melodic propulsion.
Hailing from Niafunké in the Timbuktu region of Mali, an area that straddles the cultural riches and political tensions between the northern and southern areas of the country, Afel Bocoum is among the last of a breakthrough generation of African musicians who cross-pollinated their own traditional music with the new sounds that arrived from all over the world throughout the 20th century. Music hasn’t been an easy dream to follow for Bocoum; most aspiring musicians have to face stiff parental opposition.
In Afel Bocoum’s case, this parental disapproval was all the more perplexing, given that his father, Abakina Ousmane Bocoum, aka “Kodda,” was one of the most famous njarka players of the twentieth century. But Bocoum wasn’t deterred; music was all around him, in the holey, or spirit dances, of Songhoy, in the plaintive melodies of Fulani flute, in the gumbé drum sessions with their wild moonlit dancing, in the words of the storytellers and in the hymns of the local Protestant Mission. Music was more than mere entertainment, far more; it taught people about life and the right way to live it. It guaranteed social cohesion and the strength of the collective conscience, especially in a society that was still largely illiterate and devoid of modern media. “There was no radio at the time, no TV, nothing. It was incredible,” Bocoum remembers. “When you saw someone with a guitar, you followed him everywhere.”
Little wonder that Niafunké’s greatest son, the singer and guitarist Ali Farka Touré, exerted such a powerful hold on the young Afel Bocoum. When he first met him in the late 1960s, Bocoum was barely a teenager and Touré was already famous. The young Bocoum hung out with Touré as much as he could, and eventually became a regular member of Asco, the name Touré had given his backing band. Bocoum toured with Touré and Asco throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and also appeared on Touré’s studio album The Source.
The idea of releasing his own music arose from a gentle curiosity rather than any self-serving ambition or desire to upstage his mentor. “Everybody seemed to be releasing albums all around me, so it was like, ‘why not?’” Bocoum says. Ali Farka Touré promised to talk to Nick Gold, artistic director of World Circuit. Alkibar (meaning “The Messengers”), the resulting 1999 debut album, established Afel Bocoum as an international star in his own right. Thanks to the album’s success, Bocoum was invited to work with Damon Albarn and Toumani Diabaté on the 2002 album Mali Music. He went on to become a regular contributor to Africa Express and to collaborate with the likes of Béla Fleck, Habib Koité, Tartit Ensemble, Oliver Mutukudzi and many more. “You have to collaborate, otherwise you’ll get nowhere in today’s world,” Bocoum says. “All those collaborations were positive.”
AFEL BOCOUM, LINDÉ
1. Penda Djiga
2. Bombolo Liilo
3. Dakamana
4. Fari Intro
5. Fari Njungu
6. Jaman Bisa
7. Avion
8. Sambu Kamba
9. Yer Gando
10. Kakilena
11. Djougal
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BLACK EYED PEAS and DADDY YANKEE Share “BAILAR CONTIGO” Music Video

Lifting off to another stratosphere yet again, multi-platinum and six-time GRAMMY® Award-winning, genre-bending pioneers Black Eyed Peas revea
As the vision of will.i.am and director noMSG, the video for “BAILAR CONTIGO” co-mingles eye-popping next-generation animation with masterful choreography, breakdancing, and performance footage of Black Eyed Peas and Puerto Rican superstar Daddy Yankee. The music video brings viewers into a whole new dimension aesthetically and once again finds the group breaking boundaries sonically, visually, and creatively as only they can.
“BAILAR CONTIGO” remains a fan favorite from ELEVATION, posting up close to 20 million streams and counting thus far, with the album tallying over 313 million streams to date. Released in late 2022, the 15-track juggernaut album kaleidoscopically spins together hip-hop, Latin, R&B, electronic, trap, and more into a larger-than-life vision of what pop can be in the 21st century without borders. It finds Black Eyed Peas
It is ELEVATION season for Black Eyed Peas. Join them on the next level!
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DaMi and Thandi Marie Unveil New Collaboration ‘In The Night’

Nigerian musician DaMi has teamed up with Malawian songstress Thandi Marie on a new single titled “In The Night”. This latest track, which was produced by London-based Ian Holmes, was released on March 31, 2023, and promises to delight music lovers. (more…)
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‘Far Gone’ breaks through the Nigerian domination of Ghanaian music charts, thanks to Ground Up Chale’s innovative approach

Ground Up Chale, the Ghanaian music incubator, has been making waves with their latest single, ‘Far Gone’, featuring Albabwoy and Kimati. The song’s success on the Ghana Apple Music charts, climbing to number 8, is a testament to the track’s quality and the artists’ dedication. Stream ‘Far Gone’ here: https://platoon.lnk.to/on-the-road-far-gone
Albabwoy, hailing from the streets of Chorkor in Accra, knows firsthand the challenges of pursuing a music career. In a place where getting your song played on the radio is daunting, Albabwoy’s rise to fame is a testament to his talent and determination. Kimati, from the Tema area, has also faced his share of challenges on the path to success, but his unique blend of Afrobeats and Hip-Hop has allowed him to carve out a space for himself in the crowded Ghanaian music scene.
Albabwoy and Kimati bring a powerful message of perseverance and determination to ‘Far Gone’. The song celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and its success is a testament to the talent and hard work of the artists involved. One impressive factor contributing to the success of ‘Far Gone’ is the domination of Nigerian songs in the Ghanaian music charts. Despite this stiff competition, Ground Up Chale has managed to break through with its latest release, proving that Ghanaian music has plenty to offer the world.
Ground Up Chale’s commitment to promoting music, culture and streetwear has created a unique space that celebrates creativity and individuality. Their unorthodox approach to marketing emerging artists has allowed them to discover and promote exciting new talent across Africa. The success of ‘Far Gone’ on TikTok is a testament to the platform’s power in creating viral hits. However, it’s also a testament to the quality of the song itself. With its uplifting message and catchy beat, ‘Far Gone’ has captured the hearts and minds of fans across Ghana and beyond.
As the only Ghanaian sound in the top 10 of the Ghana Apple Music charts, ‘Far Gone’ is a true standout. It’s a testament to the talent and creativity of the team at Ground Up Chale and a sign of the exciting things to come from the company in the future. As they continue pushing boundaries and promoting emerging artists, we expect to see even more exciting releases from this dynamic and innovative company.
OR
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Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio with Dadaboy Ehiz this Friday with with Lloyiso

This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With Lloyiso, the 5 Hottest Tracks of the Week, Africa Rising and Dadaboy Ehiz’s Favourite Track of the Week!
Tune in to Africa Now Radio with Dadaboy Ehiz this Friday, March 31st at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.
Cover Star Interview
South African soul singer-songwriter Lloyiso—Apple Music’s latest Africa Rising cover star—joins Dadaboy Ehiz via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest track, “Give A Little Kindness.” He also discusses his debut EP, ‘Seasons,’ his gospel influences, and how he hopes to foster connections through music.
The Big 5
Dadaboy Ehiz shares the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Davido feat. Musa keys, Stonebwoy, Masauti, Mellow & Sleazy & tumelo.za feat. Leemckrazy, TyroneDee & TitoM, and Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo & Justin99 feat. Pcee, Eeque & Chley.
Africa Rising
Ugandan singer-songwriter and producer Joshua Baraka is the latest artist featured from Apple Music’s Africa Rising playlist, a campaign which shines a light on the next generation of African superstars, and this week’s show features his single, “NANA,” and the Maya Amolo collab “Bend It (feat. La Soulchyld & TANGAZA).” Listen HERE.
Dadaboy’s Song of the Week
Each week, Dadaboy Ehiz chooses his favourite track from one of Apple Music’s African playlists. This week he spotlights Nigerian hip-hop star Odumodublvck and his single “Declan Rice,” from Apple Music’s Alté Cruise playlist. Listen HERE (and find a roundup of all Dadaboy’s selections on Apple Music’s Dadaboy’s Playlist, HERE).
Tune in and listen to the full episode this Friday, March 31st at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow and broadcast on and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.
Lloyiso Tells Apple Music About His EP, ‘Seasons’
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‘Seasons’ is about all the seasons of life, what we go through and what we feel whenever we go through something, and what we go through to get us to a place that is peaceful for us. ‘Seasons’ is all the way from winter to spring to autumn to summer, so it’s all the sadness and all the happiness.
Lloyiso Tells Apple Music About his Gospel Influences
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I feel like coming from a gospel background, and my family going to Church, and me singing in Church, really burned a fire inside of me to do music that is circular enough so the whole world can heal from it, or the whole world can hear it. To be honest, RnB and pop is the most circular music that will spread around all of the world, and I feel like with the voice I have, I would like everyone to hear me singing, I would like people to experience what others have experienced through my voice.
Lloyiso Tells Apple Music about the Energy of His Debut EP
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Big energy. There’s exciting songs, it’s songs that you can bump on your way out to the club – not inside, but maybe just 30 minutes before you go into the club. There’s songs that you listen to when you are alone in your bed, thinking about everything and you’re just trying to soak in everything and you want to cry to something. There’s music for when you’re with your person, you know? Spending that time, driving or down the beach, on a flight… It’s just a whole rollercoaster of feelings that people must be ready to feel, and just know that it’s all going to be intentional and genuine. It comes from a place that I felt and something that people feel all the time.
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Shexy Ayoz’s ‘Balance It’ is Afrobeats’ captivating new dance anthem

The vibrant new song from Shexy Ayoz is one of the hot new songs to keep on rotation this month. Stream or download ‘Balance It’ across all major digital platforms here: https://fanlink.to/ShexyAyozBalanceIt
‘Balance It’ reveals its uniqueness in just thirty seconds. The opening rhythm that builds up to the sleek vocals of Shexy Ayoz is outright engrossing. It paints the image of a timeless Afobeats song whose effervescent melody will grab the attention of anyone almost immediately. This pull, coupled with the Nigerian singer-songwriter’s preferred language, lends some familiarity to ‘Balance It.’ So much so its enticingly delivered refrain: Balance it, balance it/I submit, I submit.. Balance it, balance it/Anoti for body yeh, will get listeners humming along nonstop.
In the words of Shexy Ayoz: “Balance It is an invitation to the dance floor. I want the ladies to rock to this banger all night every weekend because this is the next big jam out there”. There is a lot of sexual tension and energy locked in the singer’s vocals as they effortlessly work their way into ears to recount scenes from what comes off as an intimate encounter.
Since registering his arrival with 2020’s ‘Cinderella’, Shexy Ayoz has occasionally showcased his ability to create catchy songs. Shortly after doing wonders with his first song, the Afrobeats sensation rose to the occasion in 2021 and shared his first extended play, the 6-track “New Vibez” to establish his brand. The following year, the singer won over fans again with the sizzling ‘Jojo’ featuring fellow compatriot, Blaqbonez.
CONNECT WITH SHEXY AYOZ
Instagram: shexyayoz
Twitter: @Iam_Shexy
Facebook: Shexy Ayoz
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Gibrilville, Is Set to Release a New Dancehall-Flavored Masterpiece Dubbed “Homicide.”

A true son of Ghanaian soil who recently returned home after years living in the USA, Gibrilville is generating buzz with his eclectic music that has been influenced by a vast array of cultures and lifestyles from all the places he has visited and lived. Not one to forget his roots, you can always expect that delectable taste of the Ghanaian sound and a flourishing afrobeat vibe in his hip-hop, reggae, and dancehall sounds. On the vocal front, Gibrilville has that voice that holds so much effortless power; – so rich, just like his African heritage, and it is little surprise he has been coined as the King of Melodies!
The musical world witnessed what he is capable of delivering with his emotional and soul-stirring performance in “Long Way,” a reggae-inspired masterpiece that has been an ear candy to listeners from all over the world, and especially Africa, due to the powerful liberating message behind those lyrics. https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/gibrilville/light-it-up
Gibrilville is currently working on his new album, which he is set to release soon and that promises to echo the culture, spirit, lifestyle, and beauty of Africa. Before then, he has a new single dubbed “Homicide” that he is set to release.
A dancehall-inspired masterpiece with that afro-cuban percussion flanked by reggae sensibilities, “Homicide” is set to rock the dance floor in every way. He seriously went rogue on those beats, to the benefit of the listener.
The bouncing wave, backed by his equally floating lyricism like some incarnated Wyclef, over some catchy hooks about how living his life should not be any concern of yours, is seriously going to move any listener and make them want to dance with carefree abandon.
“Homicide” is another sensational addition to his repertoire as he seeks to build one of the most impressive discographies in his eclectic musical genre.
The pre-order link for “Homicide” is now out, and you can get it by following his social handles, particularly his Instagram and website.
This is just the beginning of what is expected to be a trailblazing career for Gibrilville, the new African King!
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