AfriPop News

This Bitch sings when she wants to, some NYC graffiti accurately surmised the frustration and respect awarded to Ms Adu and company's infrequent output. The songstress herself prefers to state they only produce music when she has something to say.

We'll admit we love Beyonce as much as the next person so we were super excited when we spotted her rocking African Ankara fabric while at shooting a video in Brazil. Turns out it's by New Jersey-based designer Maya A. Lake's label Boxing Kitten. (http://www.boxingkitten.com/)
You may have seen little sister Solange rocking Ankara lately too. We're so cosigning on this fashion direction.

No stranger to the UK lately, and now a MOBO award winner (for best African act) Nneka’s Nigerian style greetings are welcomed with whoops and ululating. “You guys are very enthusiastic” she says, “I hope it’s genuine.”She certainly is. Searching for truth, love and understanding Nneka is honest, open and charismatic, railing against hypocrisy and urging people to stay focused.Layered up in casual gear (she later complains of overheating in her two pairs of socks) and with her hair in two loose bunches the down-to-earth singer looks like one who does not wish to distract with her beauty, relying on her words and music.Whether it’s for the benefit of newbies, non Africans or just her friendly nature, Nneka patiently introduces each song. She throws herself into each one and the sweet, bluesy sounds of her fierce voice command attention and rocks the crowd. Or leave them rapt as when she singsConfession.Nneka and band stir it up with the Fela inspired VIP (Vagabonds in Power – O!) later she channels Bob Marley with her own Exodus song… It’s African Diaspora music to move to or move you, from Jazz, funk, reggae to trip hop with some gentle acoustic moments.As Heartbeat nears its dizzying climax Nneka yells, “This is a love song.” It’s a plea for consciousness and the crowd is up. “I’m sharing, not preaching.” She notes: “Listen to my music, maybe it will help you. I know it will help you!”

She’s not lying.
Sonia Nimley

Jostling about in the back of a matatu from Nairobi’s South B suburb to the city centre a couple months ago with TKZee’s Fiasco blaring, I had to smile at the memory it evoked: Members  and former school mates Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala, Kabelo “Bouga Luv” Mabalane, and Zwai Bala sheepishly confessing publicly they’d named their then hit in error. They’d meant “fiesta”.  As in, a celebration. It was 1999 around December, generally accepted in South Africa as the season where Kwaito singles compete for dancefloor domination. For the two summers prior, TKZee had done  this and won, mostly with their breakthrough album Halloween.

Jostling about in the back of a matatu from Nairobi’s South B suburb to the city centre a couple months ago with TKZee’s Fiasco blaring, I had to smile at the memory it evoked: Members  and former school mates Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala, Kabelo “Bouga Luv” Mabalane, and Zwai Bala sheepishly confessing publicly they’d named their then hit in error. They’d meant “fiesta”.  As in, a celebration. It was 1999 around December, generally accepted in South Africa as the season where Kwaito singles compete for dancefloor domination. For the two summers prior, TKZee had done  this and won, mostly with their breakthrough album Halloween.

The last time Sade was around internet “leaks” were not yet standard marketing and promotion tools. Things have changed. Even the world’s  favourite international band of mystery is not above it. Lucky for those of us for whom February 8th, the release date for their forth-coming album, seems an age away.

The song is meant to go to radio today, but right now the internet is abuzz with the title track, Soldier of Love.

Click here for your first listen.

Then come back and tell us your thoughts

Phiona Okumu