Afropop Worldwide

On March 24, Young Paris is due to drop an eight-track EP titled Afrobeats. The Congolese-American musician has been ascending to new heights, recently crowned with a record deal with Jay Z’s Roc Nation label. Young Paris has been something of a connector; building bridges between the American music industry and those dominating the airwaves across Africa, particular that of Nigeria. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t3fv1UIAR0 From his home base in New York, he’s been crafting a sound that can find love no matter where it travels, blending Afrobeats with trap, hip-hop and dance music. He's also come out with collaborations with big names in Nigerian Afrobeats, like Reekado Banks from Mavin Records and Tiwa Savage (who recently left Mavin and also signed to Roc Nation). The appropriately named Afrobeats EP will be the latest in his discography. For those who want a piece of the action, Young Paris will be hosting an EP release party at SOB’s on Thurs., March 16. Check out all the info on that here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFlw_v3LFXQ Like the rest of the abundantly creative Badila family, Young Paris carries on the legacy of his late father, Andre Elombe Badila. The elder Badila cofounded the first National Ballet of the Congo and later started the Diata Diata International Folkloric Theater with his wife in Hudson, NY. Several of Young Paris’ siblings are musicians and dancers, appearing in his live shows and music videos as he contributes to theirs (like this Young Paris-directed music video for his sister’s group, Lady Moon and the Eclipse). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjhZM3rTSTs If you can't make it to the party, keep an eye out for the EP on Young Paris' Soundcloud page.