DTONE, NICE TONE

Hello all, what's for dinner? (or breakfast/lunch) whichever part of the world you are reading from. Here it is, so I am laying on the table, today, as the world premieres this special music, I jump on the bandwagon also and present to you DTone Martins. 

ZAHARA ON REPEAT

OK, so I come across a lot of singers, African female singers and only a few got that thing we call 'The X factor :). Here's one, 'Loliwe by Zahara' ...Zahara is a South African natural beauty..I discovered her like most of the good music I come across, from a wall post on FB, and since then, Google Google Google Youtube Youtube Youtube..........


I don't understand the language ('Loliwe' lyrics), but I can decipher the images and message from her lyrics and delivery.I  just knew it had to be about service to mankind, helping your fellowman.. It's weird?. The video did better justice to the song, and I was right, its basically talking about spreading goodwill and love and it was simple and very well done, no bells and whistles, just appropriate. Her voice suits her, deep, soulful, afrocentric, delicious vocals...:)


Bulelwa "Spinach" Mkutukana (born on November 9, 1987) is a South African Singer-songwriter and poet. She started to sing in her school’s choir at the age of six and at age nine, she was told to join the senior choir because of her strong voice.

Zahara released her Debut Album Loliwe in 2011 which proved to be a big success as it went Platinum in 13 days and went double platinum after just 17 days selling over 100 000 copies in South Africa. ~ Source-Wikipedia 

Need I say more?

Zahara is beautiful, so is her music. She doesn't need the 'star projection'. She exudes it. She is a natural, with or without the lights. 

If Music be the food of love, you know what to do!

~Tosinger~ 

Music of love, enjoy 'Loliwe'

Hey Lovely People

Hello everyone!
I'm back!!
I'll be posting songs here that I'm currently listening to or that I personally feel deserve a 2 thumbs up 
Good music ONLY!
Yep, just very short to the point reviews, straight from the heart, 'check this out talk' and nothing more.
Miss you all. Glad I'm back.
If music be the food of love, you know what to do....:)
~Tosinger

GRAND FINALE: KENNY KORE

Well Well Well....It's been an interesting journey. I hope I have been able to serve you a well balanced variety of music servings and you have been very well informed through my blog.
I will round it all up with something you have never heard before. Kenny Kore is a young Nigerian (West African) upcoming star. He is representing Africa musically on the map, and very well too. He may not have been nominated for or won any Grammys yet,  like my previous mentions on this blog, but he is surely on his way there. His songs are inspirational & gospel in content, and his flavor and uniqueness is similar in the world genre standard of the likes of Angelique Kidjo, Youssou Ndour, Baaba Maal and Asa.

He used to be a member of the five man award winning group called 'Infinity'. He has set off successfully on a solo career with the release of his debut album in 2009 titled 'Eledumare'. I gladly introduce you to 'Eledumare' , the soul and spirit stirring 5* serving of the day. Some of the lyrics are in  pidgin English to give you some interpretation.

Listen to Eledumare

'Eledumare' simply means 'Supreme God of the Universe' in Yoruba ( one of Nigeria's many ethnic dialects) , its a danceable rhythm laden with Afro instrumentation, the vocals are delivered with so much energy and depth, it is invigorating, original and enjoyable. I must add that the quality of music coming from this part of the world in recent times is undeniably commendable. Kenny Kore has a message to deliver through his music and his quality musicianship gives it the attention it deserves.

Thank you for your time and attention to my blog. It's the end but not the end of music.

All things shall perish from  under the sky but music alone shall live, never shall die.Popular quote.

Whatever  you do, please don't stop listening and don't stop grooving.

Remember, carefully chosen songs with uplifting lyrics and soothing melodies can turn a bad day into an exhilarating one.

Choose wisely.

On a final note:
Music IS the food of love...and by now you know what to do! Play on.
Cheers and God bless!
~Tosinger~

INDIA ARIE, MY SISTER.

Hello all.....
I hope you took some time out to get some musical therapy during the week. As Tamera Manzanares states in  her article here " Aging well, A musical spell" and I quote:

"Music’s ability to reach us on a deep, emotional level has long fascinated scientists and spurred special therapies that use music to help people experiencing or recovering from challenges including autism, Alzheimer’s disease, grief, chronic pain, stroke and depression"

I hope my blog's variety of musical servings and my persuasive thoughts on them have in some way added value into your life. On that note, it is with great pleasure that I present a darling music artiste, who I call my sister. Friends and family always point out the similarities between us, in our sound, style and charisma. It's a compliment for me. I love her music so much. Her name is India Arie.
Her bio on her site starts off like this "India Arie is known and cherished by fans and fellow musicians as a poet, a songwriter, a daughter, a producer, a musician, a sister, a singer, an advocate, a friend and a philanthropist –– but she is possibly best known for the love in her music that has inspired and motivated people worldwide" There is no better way to describe her.
35 year old neosoul singer India Arie started out here in Atlanta, singing in jazz cafes, in fact the story goes that she applied and started a program at SCAD-Savannah College of Art and Design where she picked up the guitar and found her creativity thereon.
She came to the limelight in 2001 with the release of 'Video' the single and later the album 'Acoustic Soul' which debuted at at number ten on the U.S. Billboard 2000.
Albums that followed include Voyage to India (2002), Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship (2006), Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics (2009)..All of which are in my collection. Not a surprise!
She has collaborated with a lot of major artistes and added to her credits, a long list of Grammy nominations and 3 wins: Best R&B Album 2003 for 'Good Man', best urban/alternative performance for 'Little Things' and same for 'Pearls' featuring Dobet Ghanore in 2010.
Back to our talk on therapy, I serve you India Arie's song titled same, sung in collaboration with the reggae singer from the Morgan family legend; Gramps Morgan.

Listen to 'Therapy'

Cause I need your therapy / You've given me everything / So much I ever could need ... I need your therapy / Oh oh oh oh oh oh (I-I-I-I need your therapy) ...

Soulful voice, earthy vibes and a magical guitar.So tell me why would a song on therapy from someone like India score less that a 5*! No way, especially that it's coming from my one and only soul sister!

If Music be the food of love, you know what to do!
~Tosinger~

ANGELIQUE KIDJO AFRICANA SPECIAL

This is a song from my childhood "Wombo Lombo". It was a pleasant surprise to see it on 'Nick Jr' recently. Oh wow! how the world has become globalized? All thanks to new media.
Angelique Kidjo is one of a kind. She is an awesome performer-singer, songwriter, dancer and activist (a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002). She is from the African country of Benin. She is now one of the most renowned 'World' music artistes who is on high demand internationally. Her energy is incomparable, her moves are impeccable. Her voice is piercing and beautiful.
After schooling in Paris and marrying her French producer  husband, Jean Hebrail, she started out doing back up vocals locally and leading vocals in an Euro-African jazz group "Pili Pili". Angelique hit a musical jackpot when she was discoverd by Island Records in 1991 and then later by Columbia Records. Six albums later, she produced hits including "Agolo" (another of my favorites), "We We", "Adouma", "Wombo Lombo", "Afirika", "Batonga", and her version of "Malaika".
I don't know the meaning of some of these songs, but they always convey a message in their own special way. Music knows no barriers irrespective of language, color or creed. She sings in French, Yoruba (my native language by the way), Fon and English and of course her local Benin language-Zilin. She has some characteristic signature clicking in her sound that gives her songs  unique edge.

Listen to "Wombo Lombo"

The 5* song on the plate "Wombo Lombo" brings back good memories. It was fun dancing in front a TV as a little girl admiring this energetic bundle of talent. Her videos were always captivating and colorful. The general idea of the song  lyrics indicate the spirit of dance. The English part of it goes:

"Have you ever seen this man moving ?
Do you think anyone else can do it ?
Really this dance has got something,
Something, no way you can`t beat it."

She has collaborated with artistes like Ziggy Marley, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Joss Stone and numerous others. The one with Joss Stone, "Gimme Shelter" is another favorite of mine from her 2007 album "Djin Djin"

On June 10, 2010, she was part of the Official Kick-Off Celebration Concert of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa along with John Legend, Hugh Masekela, Shakira, Alicia Keys, Juanes and Black Eyes Peas.
She is currently touring and I can't wait to get my ticket for the November 13, 2010 concert in Atlanta, Georgia at The Rialto. She is leading the way for other upcoming international 'world' artistes, one of which will also share the same stage at The Rialto on December 10, 2010, Kenny Kore from Nigeria. Watch out for more information on this at The Rialto Theater site. Music is universal, no doubt about it. Angelique Kidjo serves one of the best ethnic musical soul food ever that anyone can eat!

If Music be the food of Love, you know what to do!
~Tosinger~

HANNAH CYRUS, MILEY MONTANA & HANNAH STEWART.Oh Blimey!

Teen idol, 18 year old Miley Ray Cyrus started out as Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel show of the same name where she plays a double life as an ordinary girl Miley Stewart who is a popular pop singer (Hannah Montana) who is also branded in real life with the same alias per music, acting and a franchise line. Now I hope I have confused you all :)

There you go, Miley Cyrus is Miley Stewart is Hannah Montana and she is having a blast all the way to the bank.

It helps that she is the daughter of the country music star, Billy Ray Cyrus who is best known for his single 'Achy breaky heart'.

Breaking out of the sweet American girl persona portrayed on the Disney show, Miley released her first single in 2008, "Breakout" and got a role in an animated movie called "Bolt". She was later nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for her performance of Bolt's theme song, I thought I lost you with John Travolta.

In 2009, Miley's grown image became established with the release of The Time of Our Lives  and the best-selling single, Party in the U.S.A. She also acted as herself in  Hannah Montana: The Movie . "Can't be tamed" is a 2010 release causing ripples in the young pop music industry and this is what I serve today. It got to Number 8 on the Billboards 100!!! Now, isn't that something?

Listen to "Can't Be Tamed"

I couldn't believe this is the same Miley from Disney Channel, how the young grow fast. Sweet 16 definitely becomes provocative in this one.I really don't have any special thoughts on this song. Miley has her audience surely. The song doesn't move me in any way, manner or form. It is just interesting to see the evolution of this talent over the years. 3*** All the best Miley!

If Music be the food of love, you know what to do.
~Tosinger~