Tunes Tuesday: Somi- The Lagos Music Salon

Photo from Somi's official website: http://www.somimusic.com

Get to know Somi, an American jazz artist of African descent with a beautiful voice and even more beautiful stories to tell.  Somi's music is a recent discovery to me, which I found based on a retweet of NPR's Song Travels series this past weekend.  It was a cloudy, Sunday morning and so I decided to listen to the hour long session between Somi and award-winning musician and host Michael Feinstein.  What a treat to my ears!  I truly appreciated hearing about Somi's life experiences, being American yet still very much directly connected to the African diaspora.  How she takes her life experiences and translates them into song, sharing the joys and lows and everything in between.   I was really captivated by her song Last Song (performance video below) because the idea of how one is remembered connects directly.  Her most recent album, The Lagos Music Salon released last year recounts Somi's 18 month stay in Lagos highlighting the culture, the surroundings, and the very essence of Lagos.

The Last Song (Special Performance)



As a young woman of African descent, The Lagos Music Salon captures the diversity and soul that I imagine the continent to possess and I look forward to the day when I'm able to visit beautiful countries of the motherland.  As a music lover, I respect good music and am excited to get versed in her previous work.  If you like melodic and soulful voices, Somi fulfills that.  If you like lyrics that provoke thought and make you feel, Somi's got it.  Don't delay, head to iTunes or Amazon for a taste of audio beauty as we know it!  If you have the opportunity to see her perform live, take advantage.  It turns out I just missed her in my city a couple of days prior to this review.  You best believe I will be watching for the next time she is in my city!

Beautiful track with Somi featuring Common- When Rivers Cry

 

Fun facts:

• Birthplace: Champaign, IL
• Roots: Rwanda and Uganda (Africa)
• Other places lived: Zambia and Lagos, Nigeria
• Languages: English (fluent), French (proficient), Russian, Spanish, and Swahili
• When writing music, Somi writes in English and Swahili
• Education: University of Illinois (undergraduate); New York University (master's degree)

Ginger Me Slowly- Somi (The Lagos Music Salon- 2014)

Discography:
Eternal Motive (2003)
Red Soil in My Eyes (2007)
If The Rain Comes First (2009)
Somi: Live at Jazz Standard (2011)
The Lagos Music Salon (2014)

Take a listen to Somi's excellent interview with Michael Feinstein and in-studio performances of tracks from her on NPR's Song Travels here: http://www.npr.org/2015/03/13/392763167/somi-on-song-travels 



Follow Somi on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somimusic 
Twitter: @SomiMusic
Instagram: https://instagram.com/somimusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/somiVEVO
Official website: www.somimusic.com

Weekend Spotlight: Fiesta Asia

As another weekend comes to a close, all I can say is that it was a real beauty.  The temperatures outside were absolutely delightful.  You know what that means?  Outdoor activity!  Fortunately, this weekend was Fiesta Asia, a street fair and festival celebrating the diversity of Asian culture.  Awesome!  It wasn't a huge fair, which was a positive because it made navigating so much easier.  It was an all day extravaganza and I got to see belly dance from the Middle East, martial arts, and a parade of nations.  I also got to try some delicious food, as no street fair is complete without it.  I chose Thai cuisine and had Drunken Noodles, a Shrimp Roll, and some Thai Iced Tea.  Um...so delish! 

Anyway, why just describe it to you when I can show you?  Keep in mind the following:

1) This is my first video (I haven't done video editing in close to 2 years) using not very advanced editing tools. 

2) The volume during the audio portion is LOUD.  My bad, guys! But you've been warned :-)

Enjoy!

Tunes Tuesday: Smooth Flow

Hey guys!  Warm weather is here and so are the smooth flow jams.  I just wanted to spotlight three tunes that have gotten my attention:

First up is a recently released track from one of my all-time favorite artists, Michael Jackson.  MJ is one of the few who defined the word artist.  It's still hard to believe he's gone as his legacy and influence is still so dominant. Anyway, this track was recorded in 1983 before Ms. Resilient was born :-)  I love everything about it.  The classic rhythmic groove and the lyrics are just lovely.  "Love Never Felt So Good" ... Indeed, Michael, indeed! The King of Pop reigns!

Next is a new track that I've heard recently on Urban Adult Contemporary radio.  It's by a relatively new artist who goes by the name of Mali Music.  The song is called "Beautiful".  I would love to hear this song performed live.  Perfect chill (or date) song.  Enjoy!

Finally, I've already professed my love for "All of Me" by John Legend.  But honestly, I STILL love it.  I think this is one of the sweetest, most sincere professions of love I've ever heard.  Every day, I feel I'm getting closer to reaching love like this.  Yes, I'm a romantic optimist. :-)  Anyway, there are many cover versions of this song but one that I really became endeared to is by Josh Kaufman, a current contestant on NBC's show The Voice.  Josh is married and has a family and while he's pursuing his dream of being a recording artist, it's gotta be tough being away from them.  He was spot on with the sentiment of this incredible song.  Check out Josh's cover version below:

P.S.  I NEED to see John Legend live.  Like seriously!  I'd jet abroad to see his show.  He's an incredible artist.  I love his music but this song is MY SONG!  "You're my end and my beginning, even when I lose I'm winning." ...ah one day, one day.  I love LOVE in case you couldn't tell.

So if I'm vibing on a grassy lawn this season, I'm most likely listening to these tracks. 

Belle- A Movie Review

Hello!  In yesterday's post, I mentioned that I saw a really interesting and riveting movie.  That movie was Belle.  Now I will keep this brief because 1) there are many professional critic reviews and 2) I don't want to provide theme spoilers.

Belle is based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle of England. 

From Wikipedia (linking here because it gives the plot without spoilers!):

Dido Belle (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy officer, is brought to England by her father and left in the care of his uncle, Lord Mansfield, the Lord Chief Justice, at his estate of Kenwood House. Though the social mores of the time make her an outsider, Dido is raised by Mansfield as an aristocrat alongside her cousin Elizabeth. Dido's burgeoning relationship with a young lawyer, John Davinier, meets with the disapproval of Mansfield who considers the match beneath her. At the same time Mansfield is deliberating on a slavery case that will advance the cause of the Abolitionists.

What I love about this film is that it explores race and class and the part that both play in society.  The film is based on a true story, inspired a 1779 painting of Dido and Elizabeth, and is such an interesting tale. Granted this is set back in Great Britain in the 1700s, however, many of the issues are still relevant today.  Dido was brought up more fortunate than others with her skin tone at the time due to her class standing.  However, she wasn't afforded the same experiences due to prejudicial attitudes towards her race.  There is a very interesting parallel between Dido and her cousin Elizabeth's journeys as well. Though current structure is drastically different, I can relate in some ways as a middle-class woman of color in 21st century America.  Education and career would dictate one path whereas prejudices and negative assumptions based on my my skin tone might be the stumbling blocks.  However, just as in the film, there are many people who will overlook race and whatnot and accept you and are attracted to you.  Blog lesson of the day:  Color doesn't define you, character does!

This movie is everything- a historical period piece, drama, and romance all in one.  The lead actors all give great performances as well.  Side note:  They are gorgeous!  Just Google the actors playing Dido, Elizabeth and John Davinier.  Running time is about a hour and 40 minutes and every minute is captivating!  I'm also loving that the director of this film is English of Ghanian descent.  Ms. Amma Asante, you are awesome.  I sincerely hope to this movie receiving big love at the next film award season.

The World is Listening...

Vamos para o Brasil!

It's almost June and I'm studying my Portuguese.  Not because I'm vacationing there (at least not yet) but because the 2014 FIFA World Cup is coming!    Now besides the fact that I absolutely LOVE football/futbol, I can't think of another event other than the Summer Olympic Games that unites the world.  Interest in soccer is rising in the USA but globally, football as it is reigns supreme!  That couldn't have been more evident on my recent travels to England, France, and Spain.  Whether it was riding the tube and hearing a passionate debate on the state of a certain Premier League club, seeing fans decked out in Paris Saint-Germain kits (jerseys) or driving by RCD Espanyol's stadium, it is evident that football isn't just a sport.  Football is a way of life around the world...and I'm all about that life!

Now back to the title of this post.  Every year there is a soundtrack for the World Cup with one single song representing the event.  Whether it's "Wavin' Flag" (my favorite) or last year's infectious hit "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa / Eso Es Africa)" by Shakira and Freshlyground, these songs represent the vibe of the host city.  I was really excited to see (or rather hear) this year's song and when I heard it, well let's just say I was really disappointed.

The song is "We are One" by Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull.  Now, I actually like J-Lo's music and consider myself a fan (been riding since her On the 6 days). So I'm not a hater in the least!  I even like some of the collaborations by this pair ("On the Floor" and "Dance Again") but this one is just lame.  It sounds like just another generic pop song to be honest and in my opinion (as this whole post is) wastes the opportunity to incorporate Brazil's rich culture.  We are talking about Brasil, one of the most diverse and uniquely blended nations on Earth.  Where is the  cavaquinho or samba feel?  I'm not an expert of Brasilian music and I know there's more to the sound than what I listed but what?!  "Waka Waka" by Shakira really gave me culture.  Plus it would've been cool to see a collaboration with a Brasilian artist/musician.  Here are some artists I would've loved to have heard (with some of my favorite tracks):

Santana (This band brings the soul and the energy):

Kat Deluna (she brings the party!):

Tânia Mara (if you're looking for the VOICE, she's it):

 In fact, this could've been an interesting collaboration.  A lady can only dream...

Or if Jennifer Lopez had gone more the route of this sound:

or 

In the end, this doesn't really put a damper because it's not about music, it's about the GAME!  Stay tuned for more 2014 World Cup postings and get ready for the global event (June 12- July 13)!

The Cinderella Story

I am writing this on a snowy, icy morning that has left almost all school districts and governments closed. It's March 3rd, winter, it's time for you to gracefully bow out and allow spring to make her proper entry.  At this point, everyone around here is generally over it!  Log on to Twitter for all the many hashtags (#SNOverit is one of my favorites).  Anyway, knowing that I didn't have to wake up as early for work commute allowed me to watch the 86th Academy Awards (#Oscars2014).  Normally, I don't watch the show, just certain categories because it's typically boring.  With Ellen DeGeneres hosting and knowing that Pharrell would sing my favorite song "Happy", I just had to watch!  Overall, I thought the show was good, albeit long, with lots of wonderful fashion  and heartfelt acceptance speeches.

Gorgeous in Prada!  Lovely Lupita, our Cinderella!

On the subject of heartfelt speeches, what about Lupita Nyong'o?!  Our Academy Award winner for Best Actress is a Supporting Role for her performance in "12 Years a Slave."  She is just class personified.  And while the majority of people show her love (which I love!), I'm sure she has the usual detractors who think her rise is all "hype".  Well, as you can already tell, I totally disagree! People often think that a Cinderella story is a fairy tale but if you recall, Cinderella went through a lot of turmoil before that chance encounter which transformed her life into a fairytale.  So even though stories have a wonderful ending, there's often a struggle to get to that point.  When I look at my own life, I know that if I were to reach a very high point, the peak if you will, it will NOT be without the struggle.  Rejection, failed attempts, loss of self-esteem at times, you name it!  But all of those hard times will make it that much sweeter.  Lupita's story is so inspiring to me as a whole and I love that she's remained humble, sincere, and graceful.  Her story doesn't end with the Academy Award and all of acclaim, that's just an affirmation of all the work and struggles she faced.  Her talent, perseverance, and pursuit of her dream led to this moment.  So let her shine!  For it is well-deserved!  To quote Lupita's speech "No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid."  That's right!  Circumstance doesn't have to determine your ultimate outcome.  Keep aspiring!

The dapper Mr. McConaughey!

My other favorite heartfelt speech came from Mr. Matthew McConaughey, winner of the Best Actor award for his performance in "Dallas Buyers Club".  Now Matthew was Matthew and it was totally awesome to see.  My highlight from his speech was when he named his 3 things to strive for:

• Something to look up to
• Something to come home to
• Something to chase after

What a great approach!  Everyone should have someone/thing that they draw inspiration from while on a quest.  You also need support, so family, love, and friendship will keep you grounded during the highs and lows.  That's what you should come home to.  Something to chase after, attainable goals and then more attainable goals!  You're not weak to lay roots down.  In fact, that makes you stronger and able to soar higher! I'll definitely be adopting this approach as I live life, go on new adventures, welcome new people and opportunities to my life.    All in all, an inspiring night.  Thank you, Academy!

So I'm writing this while...

So I'm actually writing this blog post during the Superbowl. Crazy!  For an NFL fan, this is game is literally painful to watch.  Coming into this particular game, I was pretty disinterested as I'm not a fan of the Seattle Seahawks or the Denver Broncos (Baltimore Ravens for life!) but hey, it's the Superbowl and you have to cheer for a team.  So I chose the Broncos because I think Peyton's a great guy and athlete and I'd have loved to see him get championship ring # 2 and be the first to do so with two different teams.  Well as I'm writing, the score is 36-7 at the end of the 3rd quarter.  I want to hold out hope that the Broncos can make this competitive.  After all, anything is possible but man, oh man, they're going to need to WORK.

 As for the other part of the Superbowl event, the halftime show and commercials, I was absolutely impressed by Bruno Mars and his whole set.  With so many viewers of this game, it's refreshing to see an entertaining set that's clean and actually just fun.  Bruno's vocals, band, and artistry were on point. I was jamming to my favorite song "Treasure" and was so touched when he performed "Just the Way You Are" in dedication to military personnel and their loved ones.   To quote the kids, HE DID THAT!  He held his own without needing the Red Hot Chili Peppers, like some doubters thought.  True artist!  The commercials, on the other hand, are pretty lackluster.  To be fair, I typically tune out of commercials anyway but I just don't find these that interesting.  Combined with this game, you can see why I'm writing blogs instead of being enthusiastic about the game.

Now that the Superbowl is here (and basically gone)...bring on Brazil and the World Cup!!!  Granted some Superbowl games have been very entertaining (ahem, last year when the Baltimore Ravens took care of business and won) but absolutely nothing compares to seeing athletes represent their country. That's why I also love the Olympics!  Besides, soccer is just so beautiful to watch.  If you don't believe me, just wait until the World Cup comes on.  You'll see :-)  I'll write a future post breaking it all down, sharing my favorite teams, and predictions. 

Update (last one because I'm signing off of this blog and this game), the score is 43-8.  Most lopsided Superbowl score in history?  Maybe not, but I'd say it's getting close. 

Oh well, you win some, you lose some.  I'm going to get ready for the week... I'll be back soon!