STACK NZ Mar #71

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RECOMMENDED LISTENING: A LongWayToThe Beginning (2014)

Warming ) with sly electro disco workouts ( Disappointing ,

Snug Snacks ), the third album from this Iceland-based US songsmith was one of last year’s best records.

Produced by go-to jazz/ soul man Robert Glasper, their latest studio album is an uplifting, joyous slice of horn- drenched Afrobeat that also comes with some fiery political messages.

it’s no surprise that people like Alicia Keys are already raving about her. She cites Nina Simone and Ethio-jazz maestro Mulatu Astatk as influences as well, suggesting that she could develop into an intriguing and eclectic new talent. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 (Nigeria) The son of the legendary Fela Kuti has proved the doomsayers wrong and taken his father’s old band in an exciting new direction. Although rooted in classic Afrobeat sound, Seun Kuti has added new flavours like hip hop to the mix; Brian Eno is also a fan and co-produced their 2011 album From Africa With Fury: Rise .

Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa) Their lush, hushed harmonising on Paul Simon’s ground-breaking Graceland (1986) introduced them to a new global audience and the South African a capella group have since recorded with a host of western stars, from Dolly Parton to Stevie Wonder. However, they have won also four World Music Grammys for their own albums, most recently in 2013 for Live: Singing For Peace Around The World . founder Joseph Shabalala’s early life, this is a gorgeous back-to-their-roots slice of a capella. Their singing is so full of joy that you will forgive them for their twee take on Old McDonald . Ester Rada (Israel) With just a few EPs to her name, Ester Rada is still somewhat unknown in this part of the world. However, her appearance at WOMAD should change all that. Born in Israel of Ethiopian heritage, her first recordings are steeped in old school funk and soul, so RECOMMENDED LISTENING: Songs FromA Zulu Farm (2011) The first in a planned trilogy of albums drawing on

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