The Robert Glasper Trio - No Worries

Great Jazz music from Robert Glasper. The track "No Worries" is from his album Double Booked. Glasper was a sideman with Hip-Hop artists such as Mos Def, Q Tip and the Roots.

His music was also used in the webdoc Influencers.

Video: John Legend and The Roots – "I Can’t Write Left Handed"

John Legend & The Roots teamed up for the album "Wake Up!", which was released by Sony Music on September 21, 2010. The album features soulful music from the 60’s and 70’s all with an underlying theme of awareness, engagement and consciousness. Themes we need in Europe today!

The song "I Can’t Write Left Handed" was written by Bill Withers in 70’s. It's a song about a soldier who returned from Vietnam.

Teaser Trailer For “Black Swan Theory” By Nikyatu Jusu (Filmmaker Challenge Winner)

In August the film Blog Shadow And Act announced Nikyatu Jusu and her screenplay "Black Swan Theory" the winner of the Shadow and Act film Challenge. Here’s a first look teaser trailer.

The synopsis again for the 12-minute film: a psychiatric casualty of war recently returned to the US, Sonya’s imagined sense of normalcy crumbles around her; she must hunt or become the hunted.

All Sharpton goes to France in response to French designer Guerlain’s use of “N-Word”

French perfume designer Jean-Paul Guerlain’s use of the “n-word” during a recent interview on French state TV sparked an outcry from anti-racist groups, capped by the American civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton’s announcement of plans to travel to Paris to speak to the groups in November.

“The fact that Jean-Paul Guerlain felt comfortable enough to use the ‘n-word’ in public, coupled with the recent United Nations report showing that racism is on the rise in France, illustrates the depth of racism not only in France but throughout Europe and around the world,” Sharpton said in a statement Oct. 23.

“We will be joining with the fair-minded people across the Atlantic Ocean to further internationalize the struggle for fairness and respect. We cannot tolerate such affronts to our basic humanity,” reports Afro



French perfume designer Jean-Paul Guerlain created a firestorm after his racist statements in a TV interview on France 2.

He was talking about how the perfume Samsara grew out of a discussion he had with his wife.

“One day I told her – and I still call her Madame (0.12) – ‘What would seduce you if one was to make a perfume for you?’ and she told me, ‘I love jasmine, rose and sandalwood.’” Guerlain continued, “And for once I started working like a nigger. I don’t know if niggers really worked that hard.”

Patrick Lozès, of France's Representative Council of Black Associations, said the French word "nègre" used by Guerlain was an "extremely pejorative" and "racist" term equivalent to "nigger" in English.

But Patrick Lozes not only attacks Guerlain. On his Blog he also attacks the interviewer Lucet, who laughed after Guerlain made his racist statements.

Although Guerlain has apologised by e-mail, it’s clear he knew exactly what he was saying.

Also read: French perfume house Guerlain faces legal action over racist comments

Soul singer Solomon Burke dies at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport

Soul singer Solomon Burke (70) has died at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, a Dutch police spokesman has said.

Burke, who wrote the hit Everybody Needs Somebody to Love among many others, was both a Grammy winner and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He had been due to perform on at the well-known club Paradiso in Amsterdam on Tuesday.

The singer was born in Philadelphia in an upstairs room in a gospel church.

"Many artists claim to have their roots in the church, but few go back this far and run this deep," he said on his website.


Live UK performance from Solomon Burke on Top of the Pops with his classic signature tune "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love"

He started recording when he was 14 with his first song "Christmas Presents From Heaven" into a million seller.

The man who Tom Waits called "one of the architects of American Music" counted Mick Jagger among his many fans.

The Rolling Stone admitted trying to imitate Burke's style of phrasing when he was starting out.

The singer was busy to the end, having run up more than 130,000 frequent flier miles this year alone, with concerts throughout the UK and Europe. (Source Sky)


Live performance of "Proud Mary" on the Dutch Pinkpop festival in 2003

Solomon Burke Rest in Peace.

Nikyatu Jusu- Winner of the Shadow And Act Filmmaker Challenge

Under the Mush interview with Nikyatu Jusu
The winner of the Shadow And Act $3300 Filmmaker Challenge is Nikyatu Jusu, and her screenplay tentatively titled Black Swan Theory. See the video for a recent Under the Mush interview with Nikyatu.

About Nikyatu Jusu, in her own words: “Originally bred in Atlanta, Georgia to Sierra Leonean parents, Writer/Director Nikyatu Jusu is an MFA candidate at New York University’s graduate film program. Her second short film, African Booty Scratcher garnered her a Director’s Guild Honorable Mention, HBO Short Film Award and JT3 Artist Award.

Nikyatu is currently touring the festival circuit with her thesis film, Say Grace Before Drowning; the screenplay alone earned her a Spike Lee Scholarship and a Princess Grace Foundation-US Graduate Film Scholarship. Because she has a preoccupation with foreigners, damaged women and the contradictory nature of humanity, these themes presently permeate her work.”

About the contest: The Shadow And Act Filmmaker Challenge is a contest of the US black Film and Media Blog Shadow and Act. Every 3 to 4 months, A MINIMUM of $1,200 will go towards the funding of a 3 to 10 minute short film by a filmmaker of African descent, with a story about people of African descent, based on their own original idea.

The contest is only open to US filmmakers, but it's likely they will expand to other regions over time. Some international donations may speed up the process of course. Read more here.

The Screenplay

The Black Swan Theory synopsis: A psychiatric casualty of war, recently returned to the US, Sonya’s imagined sense of normalcy crumbles around her; she must hunt or become the hunted.

About the screenplay she explains: “I’m always intrigued with black women in settings that are typically not seen as conducive to their presence: for instance a former US Soldier struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We rarely, if ever, hear about the experiences of black women who have fought for this country and I thought it would be interesting to explore such a character in the context of an attempted return to normalcy–when normalcy is no longer definable. I hope to convey a woman battling both her own private demons and the demons of war. I’m also very influenced by graphic novels and have been craving a black female heroine.”

Read more about her film and the Shadow And Act Black Filmmaker Challenge here.

See also the 2010 Shadow And Act Black Filmmakers To Watch list, here.

Video: Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble Feat Bilal – "Someday We’ll All Be Free"

I think I am the last in Europe who has posted this video: Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble Feat Bilal – ‘Someday We’ll All Be Free’ from Donny Hathway. I saw this great performance on a Dutch and an English music blog. So I jacked it from the London based music blog http://pinboardblog.com. A great blog by the way!

About the video they wrote: "The city of Los Angeles was blessed with a free concert from the Miguel Artwood-Ferguson Ensemble on July 23rd 2010. Recently known for his work on Mochilla’s “Suite for Ma Dukes” project, where he arranged and conducted music from the late, great J.Dilla for a full orchestra. Ferguson assembled an all-star cast of musicians and special guests featuring artists such as Flying Lotus, Aloe Blacc, Bilal, Stephen ‘Thudercat’ Bruner, Chris ‘Daddy’ Dane and many more for a special evening at the Grand Performance California Plaza.

The video up top and the download below is of an amazing arrangement from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson of Donny Hathaway’s CLASSIC ‘Someday We’ll All Be Free’ featuring Bilal on vocals. Yea – you read right – Bilal singing Donny Hathway with a full on Orchestra."

Slavery Remembrance Day (UNESCO) - 23 August 2010

Video of the opening of the exhibit at the South Gallery of the UN Headquarters in New York on March 24 2010
Slavery Remembrance Day - 23 August 2010 (UNESCO)

This year the United Nations celebrated the third commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This year's commemoration included an art exhibit and was dedicated to the people of Haiti. The video is of the Commemoration of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade of the UN on 25 March.

Slavery Remembrance Day falls on the anniversary of an uprising of enslaved Africans on the island of Saint Domingue (modern Haiti) on 23 August 1791.

The date has been designated by UNESCO as Slavery Remembrance Day, a reminder that enslaved Africans were the main agents of their own liberation.

For more information http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ism/

What's wrong with Tyler Perry?

The film of American Actor/playwright Tyler Perry "Why Did I Get Married Too?" receives its UK theatrical release on 3rd September 2010.

According to the website Catch a Vibe, Tyler Perry wants to introduce his brand to UK Audiences. In May he and Janet Jackson attended a special screening of the film “Why Did I Get Married Too?” at the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton (London).

In the US Perry has received harsh criticism for his work with some citing that his material reinforces negative stereotypes of African Americans. One of his biggest criticasters is director Spike Lee. Lee even called Perry's shows "Coonery Buffoonery". According to the blog Shadow and Act Tyler Perry is still upset over Spike Lee’s Criticisms.

But who is Tyler Perry? Tyler Perry is an American actor, director, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and author. He is famous for his theatre plays and his "controversial" film "Aunt Madea goes to jail". Perry was also involved in the film "Precious". According to wikipedia, in 2009, Perry was ranked by Forbes magazine as the sixth highest-paid man in Hollywood. As of July 2009, Perry's films had grossed nearly $400 million worldwide.

I don't know if Spike Lee is right about Tyler Perry, so maybe I will rent a few films to get a better picture.

Trailer "Why Did I Get Married Too?"


Ant Media goes to jail


Madea Imitates Patti Labelle (Madea Goes To Jail) - Theatre


Spike Lee criticises Tyler Perry

Video: Arrested Development - "Greener"

A great video from the band Arrested Development. Greener is a track about global warming, climate crisis and the need to be Greener. It's a track from Arrested Development’s new album “Strong.” www.arresteddevelopmentmusic.com/

Diddy backs UK hip-hop invasion

The BBC reports that Rap star Diddy has said he believes British hip-hop is "on the verge of breaking" in the US charts.

The rapper, formerly known as P Diddy and Puff Daddy, has worked with UK acts Tinie Tempah, Chipmunk and Skepta.

"I've always been abreast and respected the UK hip-hop scene and I look forward to great things," he told BBC News. Read the full story here

(HT Mad News)

Tinie Tempah

What’s R. Kelly doing at the World Cup?

What’s R. Kelly doing at the World Cup? This is one of the biggest world events and they let R. Kelly perform?

R. Kelly’s new song “Sign of a Victory” is chosen as one of the three official 2010 FIFA World Cup anthems. Kelly and the South African group the Soweto Spiritual Singers, will perform “Victory” at the June 11 opening ceremony in Johannesburg.

I know Mr Kelly was never convicted of having, how shall I put it .., "indecent video material", but I when I heard of it I never listened to his music again.

Couldn’t they have chosen someone who is more ..., how shall I put it, in line with modern international Black standards.

Afro-Europe is featured on Ebonyjet Online

Afro-Europe International Blog is the editor's pick of the African-American online magazine Ebonyjet Online.

See more on http://www.ebonyjet.com/

Update: In May 2010 Afro-Europe was featured on the main site of Ebony Magazine for two weeks.

Singer and actress Lena Horn dies at 92

Lena Horne, jazz singer and actress who reviled the bigotry that allowed her to entertain white audiences but not socialize with them, slowing her rise to Broadway superstardom, died Sunday. She was 92.

Horne, whose striking beauty and magnetic sex appeal often overshadowed her sultry voice, was remarkably candid about the underlying reason for her success.

"I was unique in that I was a kind of black that white people could accept," she once said. "I was their daydream. I had the worst kind of acceptance because it was never for how great I was or what I contributed. It was because of the way I looked." Read the full story on yahoo news




During the 1960s Horne was involved in the American Civil Rights Movement. She participated in the March on Washington in 1963, performed at rallies in the South and elsewhere, and worked on behalf of the National Council for Negro Women. During the same period, she was also very visible on television, appearing on popular variety shows and in her own special, Lena in Concert, in 1969.
-- World biographies --

I knew Lena Horn only through her music, but after reading about her I now know she was much more then a wonderful singer. Rest in Peace Lena Horn.

Video: Lola Adesioye - Why there may not be another Barack Obama

Lola Adesioye is a British socio-political writer in the US. She writes articles for the Guardian and The Huffington Post. She also appeared on CNN. In this video she talks about Obama and why it’s difficult for him to make that change he promised. For more information go to her website: Lola Creative

Jesse Jackson talks about ethnic segregation in Dutch schools

On February 4th American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson gave the Martin Luther King Jr. lecture in The Netherlands. Jackson is touring Europe at the moment.

In the lecture he stated that The Netherlands should do whatever it takes to desegregate its primary school, this should be Dutch national policy.

One result of segregation, according to Reverend Jackson, is that ethnic communities feel stigmatised, and become isolated.

"If you let people live in isolation, and make them feel left out, you are organising your own ticking time bomb."

That is precisely what has concerned many here, since the 2004 murder of filmmaker Theo van Gogh by a young Dutchman of Moroccan background. But Mr Jackson's message when it comes to integration is "Keep hope alive." He is impressed by young people he has met in The Hague and Amsterdam and the efforts they have taken to learn to live together.

Black schools in the Netherlands are schools where the majority of pupils have a “foreign” background. A more accurate term for these schools would be minority schools.

From Jackson’s point of view he is right of course, there is no place for segregation in a modern society. But linking black schools to terrorism is little bit overdone. Read the whole story and see a video here

Video: Wyclef Jean - Yéle

Spotted on the blog AfroSpear

Yele is a song from the hip hop Album (1997) entitled "Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival Featuring Refugee All Stars", or more simply The Carnival. It was Wyclef Jean's first solo album

The album features guest artists such as including Celia Cruz, The Neville Brothers and Jean's bandmates from The Fugees, Lauryn Hill and Pras.

The album features skits between many of its songs, most of them set in a fictional trial for Wyclef Jean, in which he is accused of being "a player and a bad influence".

The final three songs are sung in Haitian Creole.

The album sold over 5 million copies worldwide, and was RIAA certified 2x Platinum (source wikipedia)

It's sad to see that Wyclef now has to defend himself against allegations of misappropriated funds from his Yéle Haiti Foundation. The charity foundation is used to raise money for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. See the full story on all Hip hop.

HOPE – Obama musical story – celebrates its world premiere in Frankfurt/Main on 17 January 2010!

Photo: Michelle and Barack Obama
The venue Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt (Germany) will experience a sound it has never heard before: formed to a huge percussion ensemble, the audience accompanies US president Barack Obama on his successful way into the White House. The event organizer MOVE GmbH promises a double world premiere: at the premiere of "HOPE – the Obama Musical Story" on Sunday, 17 January at 8:00 pm, the audience will rhythmically participate on specially developed percussion chairs - for the first time ever worldwide. "Hope is the first interactive musical of a new generation", says musical producer Roberto Emmanuele, CEO and creative director of Move GmbH based in Bad Soden. "This is an enormous sound and a great musical experience for the audience."



Link
Offical site musical Hope

Interview Spike Lee: "I wasn't the one that put blackface on Judy Garland."

It has been 20 years since the release of Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing. So for the occasion Spike Lee was interviewed by Jason Solomons of the Guardian. In the interview Lee talks about Do The Right Thing, other films and Obama.

In the interview he also talks about a film which is very relevant today. It's the blackface film Bamboozled, a satirical film about a modern televised minstrel show featuring black actors donning blackface makeup and the violent fall-out from the show's success. The film - of course - is relevant because of the recent Vogue issue and the blackface Australian performance of the Jackson Five. In the interview Jason Solomons said that some people found this film a very angry film, Lee replied, "I wasn't the one who put blackface on Judy Garland."

On YouTube I found the video montage of the black face shots used in the film Bamboozled. You sometimes wonder how people can use black face and call it 'artistic'. (See all videos below.)



Do The Right Thing (1989)
Lee: Do The Right Thing takes place in hottest day of the summer. We wanted the people to be sweating while they watched this film.


Fight the power (theme song)
Lee: I knew I wanted an anthem, so I called Chuck D and he came back with this classic. It's really the theme at that time of young black America. In 1989 Fight the power was the only song you heard that summer.


The Toy (1982)
Interviewer: Back in 89 black filmmakers were struggling to be heard. Black actors were struggling to get out of ghetto parts.
Lee: A very important individual, people don't really acknowledge, is Michael Schultz. He was our only African American director in Hollywood at that time. He made a lot of hit films of Richard Prior. Prior was a big star in Hollywood.
Interviewer: They had to had to give him a white buddy, Gene Wilder.
Lee: “The worst was the film The Toy (1982), where he was bought by rich white man as a toy for his child.


Soul Plane (2000)
Interviewer: Do you think, that because of Do The Right Thing, that kind of film will ...
Lee: Hé hé, they still make some of this stuff. You ever heard of a film called Soul Plane?



Malcolm X (1992)
Lee on Malcom X: This is biggest run I've done so far. People said, don't mess it up.


Bamboozled (2000)
Interviewer: One of my favourites is Bamboozled (2000). One of the least seen, one of the most angry.
Lee: One of my favourite films too, very funny film.
Interviewer: Black film makers, black activist say it comes a big angry.
Lee: I don’t know it was angry. I wasn't the one who put blackface on Judy Garland, Mickey Roony and Bugs Buny.



(The film below is a video montage of the blackface shots used in the film Bamboozled)

You sometimes wonder how people can use black face and call it artistic.

Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Interviewer: The film Do The Right Thing has shaped the politics of Obama.
Lee: Well I don't know if it has shaped his politics. People forget that the best film in 1989, according to the academy, was Driving miss Daisy. A film no one has seen, no one is watching that today.


La Hain (1995) - The Hait
Lee: The one film I have issue with is La Hain (1995). That film was a complete rip off of Do The Right Thing. The director Mathieu Kassovitz has never acknowledged it. He said he never saw it. When you see Do The Right Thing, it's an homage.


More Bamboozled

Quote of the film. In the film the white boss says to the black screen writer: “I grew up around black people my whole life, the truth is know N*gers more then you. And don't go getting offended by me using the word N***. I have a black wife and two Bi-racial kids so I feel I have the right.”

Spike Lee: “I never drank that post-racial Kool Aid”

An interview with Spike Lee and BBC Newsnight’s Jeremy Paxman on changing race relations in America since Lee made "Do The Right Thing". In the interview which aired a month ago, the two argue about the impact of Barack Obama’s election on modern day racism.

A very interesting interview, the idea that racism is something of the past seems to infuriate him.


Spotted on Soulculture