World Cup 2018: Music from Across the Globe
Paul Cartledge, Head of Production:
Recently, I drew Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and Morocco in the Dean Street Studios’ World Cup sweepstake. This was understandably disappointing until I remembered World Music Day, and although today is about celebrating music as a whole, the football festivities have given us the perfect excuse to shine a light on diverse music from across the globe which inspire us here at Yellow Boat.
Firstly, Tunisia (500/1 in the sweepstake FYI) and an amazing artist called Emel Mathlouthi. The track to kick us off is ‘Ensen Dhaif’ from the album ‘Ensen’. I believe the song title translates as ‘Human, Helpless Human’…
Next stop, Saudi Arabia (also 500/1) and local superstar Abdul Majeed Abdullah. ‘Ensan Aktar’ from the album of the same title…. What does it mean? ‘More Human’ I believe...
I’ve enjoyed listening to Moroccan vocalist Najat Atabou’s unique vocal chords for many years. Here’s ‘Choufi rhirou’ from the album ‘Ach dirt ana’…will they be playing this one when Morocco lift the trophy? At 350/1, I doubt it.
As we’re in the general area, who better for the next track than the late great Malian, Ali Farka Touré on guitar with Toumani Diabaté supplying Kora. This is the beautiful ‘Ruby’ From the album ‘Ali and Toumani’
Bordering Mali is Senegal and I wouldn’t like to leave the area without including a track from one of the world music greats, Youssou N’Dour. ‘Immigrés’ from the album of the same name.
Now, from Senegal to Turkey, Yellow Boat Music’s Creative Director and Composer, Philip Jewson, starts us on his journey of World Music favourites to add to the mix:
Folk Song from the album Songs in Other Word is by up and coming Turkish-American composer Kamran Ince. A firm favourite of Phil’s.
Next up, The Bulgarian State Radio & Television Female Choir with Svatba (The Wedding). This one’s a classic with absolutely genius singing – these women join from as young as 4 years old and the choir becomes more of a lifestyle than anything.
Then we have one of Phil’s favourite bands, Ozomatli. This is an American, Hip-Hop crossover with Cuban influences. Apparently, an incredible act to see live too – one for the bucket list!
Värttinä is a three-piece Finnish folk band made up of three incredibly interesting singers. Fun fact - These guys did the score for the live Lord of the Rings stage show!
Our penultimate track is a classic Argentinian Tango, because, who doesn’t love a Tango? Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla.
And finally, Sabsylma by Zap Mama, the music act of Belgian artist Marie Daulne. Sources of Zap Mama's music include Daulne's roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo, her upbringing in Belgium, and her return to Africa to rediscover her musical roots.
