Disabled by polio, a group of homeless Congolese buskers called Staff Benda Bilili are attracting Western film-makers, musicians and internet fans with their sweet and funky music.
The 18th century porcelain Yves Saint Laurent ate from, a Cartier watch he used to wear, the leopard-print couches and gilded chairs he lounged on: It's all to hit the auction blocks as the late French couturier's longtime partner liquidates their art-and-knicknack-filled residences.
Reporting the acquittal of former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba of corruption charges , your correspondent cites anti-corruption campaigners having "billed the prosecution as the first of an African leader for corruption in his own country". This is incorrect.
It was The Beverly Hillbillies that first drew 11-time Grammy-winning banjo sensation Bela Fleck to his musical weapon of choice-which, contrary to what most believe, didn't originate in the pig-squealing backwoods of Appalachia.
With the musical world buzzing about Esperanza Spalding it's no wonder that the timing is perfect for the release of yet another extraordinary female bassist, composer and vocalist.
SOURCE: rock paper scissors, inc. The Old School Lobbyist, Griot Style: Mali's Cheick Hamala Diabate Holds Court in Washington, DC on Ake Doni Doni Washington may be chock-a-block with lobbyists and consultants, but only one of them rocks the n'goni, the West African plucked lute covered with animal skin.
Amadou and Mariam with members of the Beating Wing Orchestra in Manchester. Photograph: Shaw & Shaw Malian world music stars Amadou and Mariam, wrapped up against the chilly Manchester morning, sit like islands of calm as African and Latin American rhythms from the nine musicians explode around them.
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