Here are nine new picks for our playlist. From Brazilian rap and Malian reggae to Salin’s global jazz on a beach in Thailand, it’s a rich mix, once again with women in the foreground.
Check out the full Afropop Top Videos playlist for all our recent selections. And remember, if you have suggestions of videos our fans would love, send them to info@afropop.org with the subject line “Top Videos 2024.” Enjoy!
Djely Tapa: “Ndö”
The Montreal-based daughter of revered Malian griot diva Kandia Kouyaté continues to surprise with the force of her originality. Filmed on the streets of an African city (looks like Abidjan) this reggae-tinged cry from the heart laments child poverty. The artful use of individuals in color against a black-and-white tableau is very effective. The track comes from Tapa’s new album, Dankoroba, out this week.
Dogo du Togo & The Alagaa Beat Band: “Avoudé”
Dogo makes his home in the U.S. these days, but he surely hasn’t left Togo behind. In this provocative, hard-rocking, Afrobeat song and video (filmed in Lomé), we get kinetic African dance and surreal anachronisms, such as an old-school telephone and a blazing guitar solo by a player with 45-rmp records for glasses!
The Bongo Hop Ft. Kephny Eliacin: “Deknoekte”
From the band’s new album, La Pata Coja (the gammy leg), this track chronicles singer Kephny Eliacin’s immigrant life in Paris. A blend of Colombian salsa and West Indian beguine with playful brass interplay. The visual effects border on animation, but music and Ellacin’s baritone vocal are crisp and vividly real.
Laíz & The New Love Experience: “Take Em”
This 24-year-old Brazilian rapper taps into the psychedelic vibe of the tropicalia movement, cool funk beats, moody brass breaks, superb use of space. Laíz is based in Germany these days, but the soul of Brazil’s deepest pop has not left her.
Natasha Llerena: “Na Virtude da Entrega”
Here’s a voice you won’t forget, and a completely different side of Brazilian brilliance. Accompanied by just her plucked nylon-string guitar, she creates a big, bold, seductive sound. Another great discovery from our friends at Brasil Calling.
Angelique Kidjo & Davido: “Joy”
Afropop’s leading lady joins forces with the Nigerian superstar in a uplifting, gospel-tinged track, sung in English and Yoruba. Kidjo continues her mission to marry generations of African music fans that too often seem to live in separate universes. Good on her!
Salin: “Egungun”
Thai jazz drummer Salin taps into global rhythms once again in this new video, filmed with her kit set up on a beach in Thailand. Her feel is complex, subtle and deeply satisfying. For more, check out Ron Deutsch’s interview with Salin.
Chucho Valdés, Royal Quartet: “Tatomania”
This Cuban pianist, composer and bandleader is a legend of Latin music, and this popping live-in-studio performance with his quintet will show you why. The percussion break is to die for.
Ibrahim Malouf & Sheléa: “Man in the Mirror”
The Lebanese trumpet man sits at the piano and sings with American Quincy Jones protégé Sheléa for this unlikely Michael Jackson cover. It’s just a taste of Maalouf’s guest-packed mega concert in Paris, all featured on his new live album Paris in Love.
