South Africa featured prominently in the global sounds you heard today on Sound Travels. Started the day with music from South Africa's Freshlyground. Freshlyground has been one of the most talked about bands out of post-apartheid South Africa. One reason is the voice of lead singer Zolani Mahola, whose voice is both strong and nuanced. We've written about them earlier this year and this is the second single from their excellent new album Take Me To The Dance.
New music from Argentina's La Yegros in at 11am. An intriguing project from ZZK's fabulous frontwoman Mariana Yegros, taking their digital cumbia to a new level and making it more viable as a live act by adding an actual band to perform the work of the crew's core members; Yegra and DJ King Coya. Their new album Viene De Mi is a pleasant surprise and not nearly as wierd as some others on ZZK's roster.
South Africa got some more love from me around noon as well when I played John Wizards "Lusaka By Night." A dope lil slice of futuristic afropop that has just the right touch of darkness (ie. post dubstep electro) to it. Signed to Planet Mu, a dance music label at heart, but also surprisingly good in pop. Vaguely recalling Vampire Weekend, I feel the band has a more honest sound and the track I played today was simply irresistable...
