Where Are The Roots Bongo Band From?

The Roots Bongo Band are from The Gambia and are the first Reggae band with a female German singer. On January 7th 2012 the band released their debut album ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’, reviewed as ‘Emotional, psychological and musical medicine for the masses. Their message with the album cover and the title: Leaders of tomorrow should be interpreted as follows: By bringing Africa and Europe closer together, to live in ‘peace and love’ we will be the ‘Leaders of tomorrow’!

Their music is meant to inspire people and make them realise their inner potential and strength, and to ‘Never give up’ however hard times may be!

The Roots Bongo Band – Nanding

Leaders of Tomorrow

For More Information

• Official Band Website

Where is Ariana Tikao From?

Ariana began her music career during 1993 in Christchurch, New Zealand with folk duo Pounamu and went on to launch her solo career during 2002. Her contempory Maori music is both beautiful and moving. Although now living in Wellington, her music is inspired and influenced by her Maori ancestry and the dramatic landscape of Te Waipounamu – The South Island of New Zealand.

I was recently introduced to her music via a Kiwi Facebook friend who had posted this song. I have since played this a number of times and enjoyed the videos on her website.

“Tuia” Ariana Tikao

For More Information

• Official Website

Where Are Dead Can Dance From?

Dead Can Dance is a world fusion music band which was formed in my home town of Melbourne, Australia back in August 1981. The band made up of by Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry, relocated to London during May 1982 and disbanded in 1998. They reunited in 2005 for a world tour, and again in 2011-2012 for a new album ‘Anastasis’ and launched a world tour which is currently underway. I am hoping to get attend their Melbourne concert in February 2013.

Australian music historian Ian McFarlane described Dead Can Dance as having an ambient style of world music that “constructed soundscapes of mesmerising grandeur and solemn beauty; African polyrhythms, Gaelic folk, Gregorian chant, Middle Eastern mantras, and art-rock.” The Host of Seraphim is featured in the movie ‘Baraka‘ and really is quite a hauntingly moving piece of music.

The Host of Seraphim – Dead Can Dance

A Passage In Time – Dead Can Dance

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Dead Can Dance – Official Website

Where Are Novalima From?

Founded by four friends from Lima, Peru who share a passion for both traditional Afro-Peruvian music and modern DJ culture, Novalima searches for the common ground between past and future, between tradition and innovation. They formed during 2001 and they have been breaking down boundaries, uniting seemingly irreconcilable genres, communities and generations to create an inspiring movement that has revolutionized the music scene in their native Peru. I discovered Novalima via WOMAD.

Novalima – Coba Guarango

Karimba – Novalima

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Official Web Site