LECTURE WORLD MUSIC
With the help of interviews from those who coined the term "world music" in 1987 in London, as well as other music experts such as promoters and journalists, Said develops a lecture that delves into the real essence of world music. He provides a concise summary of the history of world music, making it easily understandable for school children. For those interested in a more comprehensive exploration of the story of music, you can find further information in the link titled "CONTRIBUTION."
Here is a summary of the various stages that led to the creation of the WORLD MUSIC concept, based on my own research and interviews
THE CONCEPT WORLD MUSIC
The concept of "World Music" has revolutionized our perception of music globally. For centuries, music existed in diverse forms across the world, each region with its own distinct terminology. However, these musical traditions remained confined within their respective regions, lacking widespread recognition beyond their borders. The advent of the term "World Music" served as a gateway, connecting these diverse musical cultures and allowing them to reach audiences worldwide.
Jesse Walter Fewkes - The first field recording, 1890
Many expeditions and recordings were made in the early 1900s in Africa and the Caribbean by French, English and American musicologists. One of the earliest recordings known was made by James Mooney, who recorded various natives American ghost dances on the 15 mars 1894.
ETHNOMUSICOLOGY - PART 1
Numerous expeditions and recordings were conducted in the early 1900s in Africa and the Caribbean by French, English, and American musicologists. One of the earliest known recordings is the Native American Ghost Dance, captured in 1894 by James Mooney. Subsequently, many other musicologists such as Laura Crayton Boulton, Noël Ballif, Henri Lhote, Gilbert Rouget, Pierre Gaisseau, and others also contributed to the documentation of diverse musical traditions around the world through recordings.
GAUHAR JAAN
India's first disc had Gauhar Jaan recorded on 2 november 1902, by Fred Gaisberg, an assistant to Emile Berliner, the father of Gramophone record, who left America to become the first recording engineer with the Gramophone Company, London. It was the start of a long history of world music.
ALAN LOMAX, PAUL BOWLES - THE PIONNERS
They recorded the shamanic chants of the Siberian rim, the dying folk music of isolated European villagers, the ecstatic gamelan sounds of Bali, and the trance drumming of Africa. They lugged their ponderous gear into the high Andes and to remote Pacific islands. Some of their names are well-known, such as Paul Bowles, Alan Lomax, Bela Bartok, Gilbert Rouget, Ida Halpern, Henry Cowell, Henrietta Yurchenco, and Laura Boulton; others are unknown and unsung. They did more than bring back sound. They brought back adventure; they broadened the idea of what music meant and what culture could produce. These musics attracted the attention of European producers in the 1980s and were marketed under the label 'world music' in July 1987.
THE 60 - 70´S
The 1960s and 1970s marked a period of independence for the majority of countries in Western Africa. The sense of euphoria and newfound freedom during this era gave rise to the creation of modern urban music genres such as highlife and Afrobeat in Nigeria and Ghana, juju music in Nigeria, rumba in the Congo, and salsa in Senegal. Additionally, national orchestras emerged, including the Star Band de Dakar in Senegal, the Rail Band in Mali, Bembeya Jazz National in Guinea, as well as notable bands like Grand Kalle and l’African Jazz, O.K. Jazz, and Tabu Ley’s African Fiesta, all of which contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of the region.
The 1960s and 1970s were also characterized by significant musical movements such as Tropicalia in Brazil, the emergence of salsa in New York, and the rise of reggae in Jamaica. Additionally, this period saw iconic moments like the Beatles and Rolling Stones traveling to India and Morocco, where they collaborated with artists like Ravi Shankar and The Master Musicians of Jajouka, further enriching the global musical landscape
THE BEATLES & THE ROLLING STONES
During this time, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones embarked on transformative journeys to India and Morocco, respectively. These experiences deeply influenced their music and led to collaborations with renowned artists such as Ravi Shankar in India and The Master Musicians of Jajouka in Morocco. These encounters resulted in groundbreaking fusion projects that bridged Western and Eastern musical traditions, leaving a lasting impact on the global music scene.
AFRICA FÊTE - MAMADOU KONTÉ
Mamadou Konté founded the Africa Fête music festival in 1978 in France, marking the inception of the first major international music festival dedicated to showcasing established and emerging African musical artists in the country. Among the pioneering artists introduced to the French public through Africa Fête were Touré Kunda, Xalam, Djamal Allem, Pierre Akendengué, Toto Bissainthe, Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand), Manu Dibango, and Aswad. Africa Fête played a crucial role in promoting African music and culture in France and beyond, contributing to greater recognition and appreciation of African musical talent on the international stage.
BOB MARLEY THE MESSAGER OF THE WORLD MUSIC
When reggae emerged in the late 1960s, it reverberated not only in Jamaica but across the globe like a cultural bombshell. Reggae, with Bob Marley as its iconic figurehead, wielded profound influence and inspiration, shaping societies worldwide and giving rise to new counter-culture movements, particularly in Europe, the USA, and Africa.
Bob Marley transcended the realm of music to become a spokesperson for millions of oppressed people worldwide. His involvement in events such as the celebration of Zimbabwe's independence, his concert with Stevie Wonder for blind charity, and his efforts towards reconciliation between rival presidents in Jamaica, all testify to his commitment to a world characterized by justice and equality. Marley's legacy extends far beyond his music, symbolizing the enduring quest for social change and harmony.
LES TOURE KUNDA - FELA KUTI
In their 1982 album "Emma," Touré Kunda blended African music, funk, disco, and reggae into a fusion that appealed to a wider audience, including fans of rock, jazz, and pop in France. This innovative mix marked a breakthrough moment for the band, leading to a significant movement toward a new audience. The success of this blend was monumental, earning Touré Kunda their first gold record.
Similarly, Fela Kuti, the Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer, drew a crowd of 9,000 people at the Hippodrome de Pantin a year prior, showcasing the immense appeal and influence of African music on an international scale. These moments in music history underscore the power of cultural fusion and the ability of artists to transcend boundaries and captivate diverse audiences.
WOMAD & FESTIVAL DES MUSIQUES MÉTISSES
WOMAD (World of Music, Arts, and Dance) stands as the largest international music fair, originating in London in 1980. It evolved into the first world music festival in 1982, following in the footsteps of Africa Fête and the Festival Musiques Mêtisses in France, opening its doors to artists from Africa, Asia, and beyond. Said's interviews with key figures such as Thomas Brooman and Gilbert Mousset shed light on the pivotal role they played in the creation of WOMAD and the Festival Musiques Mêtisses, highlighting the significance of these events in promoting cross-cultural exchange and appreciation of global music and arts.
In his lecture, Said will delve into the emergence of record companies in the 1980s and their pivotal role in shaping the landscape of world music. Syllart Productions, World Circuit, Real World, Sonodisc, Sonima, Fania, Stern's Music, Shanachie, Club du Disque Arabe, and Debs are just a few examples of the numerous companies that arose during this period.
Said will explore the unique contributions of each record company, discussing their approaches to discovering, producing, and promoting world music artists. He will analyze their impact on the globalization and commercialization of diverse musical genres, as well as their role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
Through this examination, Said aims to provide insights into how these record companies helped bring world music to a broader audience, influencing the trajectory of musical trends and contributing to the rich tapestry of global musical heritage.
80´s - THE BIG BANG
During the 1980s, world music experienced a significant explosion in popularity. This era saw numerous cultural and musical events taking place. Many artists from Africa and the Caribbean relocated to European capitals in search of better career opportunities. Pioneering musicians such as Pierre Akendengue, Touré Kunda, Salif Keita, and Papa Wemba made significant impacts during this time. Additionally, groups like Kassav, Sunny Ade, Manu Dibango, and Osibisa gained widespread recognition.
It was during this period that European producers began to actively produce and promote music from other countries, particularly from Africa. This marked a significant shift in the global music industry, as diverse musical traditions from around the world started to gain prominence on the international stage.
RADIO NOVA - BBC
The 1980s witnessed the emergence of several festivals, new record producers, promoters, musicians, and journalists who were passionate about highlighting and spreading the music they discovered and fell in love with. On the French side, magazines like Actuel, newspapers like Libération, and radio stations like Radio Nova played crucial roles in promoting world music.
From the English side, BBC Radio 1 and DJs such as Charlie Gillett, Andy Kershaw, Lucy Duran, John Peel, Alexis Corner, and Verity Sharp were instrumental in introducing African and Asian music to Western audiences. Their efforts helped bring diverse musical traditions to the forefront, fostering greater cultural exchange and appreciation on a global scale.
THE EMPRESS OF RUSSIA MEETING
In 1987, the concept of world music was chosen for marketing purposes during a meeting at the Empress of Russia pub in London. Eva and Said founded and visited the pub, managing to interview most of the participants in this meeting, including Ben Mandelson, Roger Armstrong, Thomas Brooman, Steve Haddrell, Mark Kidel, Ian A. Anderson, Mary Farquharson, Nick Gold, Iain Scott, Robert Urbanus, and Joe Boyd. Said tells the story behind the creation of the term.
WOMEX
WOMEX (World Music Expo) is the world's largest fair for folk and world music. It started in 1994 and takes place every year in any European country. Previous locations for WOMEX have been: Berlin (1994, 1999, 2000), Brussels (1995), Marseille (1997), Stockholm (1998), Rotterdam (2001), Essen (2002, 2004), Newcastle upon Tyne Seville (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008), Copenhagen (2009, 2010, 2011), Thessaloniki (2012) and Cardiff (2013), Santiago de Compostela (2014), Budapest (2015), Santiago de Compostela Spain (2016) Katowice, Poland (2017). Said tells more about the fair.
DIFFERENT MUSIC GENRES
There are several hundreds of different genres of world music. Afro, Samba, Salsa, Balkan, Rai, Rumba, Flamenco, Fado, Bollywood, Bhangra, belly dance are the most common. Said makes an overview of the different genres and the countries from where they come from.
FAMOUS ARTISTS
Here's an overview of some major world music artists and their successes:
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Oum Kalthoum - Renowned Egyptian singer known as the "Star of the East."
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Amalia Rodrigues - Fado singer from Portugal, considered one of the greatest voices in Portuguese music.
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Fairuz - Lebanese singer known for her contributions to Arabic music and her powerful voice.
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Ravi Shankar - Indian sitar virtuoso and composer who popularized Indian classical music in the West.
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Victor Jara - Chilean folk singer and activist, known for his songs of social justice.
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Manu Dibango - Cameroonian saxophonist and songwriter, known for his blend of jazz, funk, and African rhythms.
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Fela Kuti - Nigerian musician and political activist, known as the pioneer of Afrobeat.
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Youssou Ndour - Senegalese singer and songwriter, considered one of the most celebrated African artists.
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Celia Cruz - Cuban singer known as the "Queen of Salsa," famous for her vibrant stage presence.
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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Pakistani Qawwali singer, renowned for his powerful and soulful voice.
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Cesaria Evora - Cape Verdean singer known as the "Barefoot Diva," celebrated for her melancholic vocals.
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Miriam Makeba - South African singer and civil rights activist, known as "Mama Africa."
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Paco de Lucia - Spanish flamenco guitarist, considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
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Mikis Theodorakis - Greek composer known for his political activism and iconic film scores.
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Caetano Veloso - Brazilian singer-songwriter and political activist, a key figure in the Tropicália movement.
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Elis Regina - Brazilian singer known for her distinctive voice and interpretation of Bossa Nova and MPB.
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Gilberto Gil - Brazilian musician and politician, a pioneer of the Tropicália movement.
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Cheb Khaled - Algerian raï singer, known for popularizing raï music internationally.
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Astor Piazzolla - Argentine tango composer and bandoneón player, credited with modernizing tango music.
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Franco - Congolese musician and bandleader, a pioneer of Congolese rumba music.
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Salif Keita - Malian singer-songwriter known for his powerful vocals and fusion of traditional and modern styles.
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Tinariwen - Tuareg band from Mali, known for their desert blues music and politically charged lyrics.
These artists have made significant contributions to world music and have left a lasting impact on global music culture.
FAMOUS RECORDS
Here's an overview of some of the best-selling world music records:
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Buena Vista Social Club - Self-titled album featuring traditional Cuban music, recorded by Cuban musicians and produced by Ry Cooder. The album gained international acclaim and helped popularize Cuban music worldwide.
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Gotan Project - "La Revancha del Tango" - The debut album by the French-Argentine electronic music group Gotan Project, known for blending tango with electronic beats. It became a commercial success and introduced a new audience to modern tango music.
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Manu Chao - "Clandestino" - The debut solo album by French-Spanish musician Manu Chao, known for its eclectic mix of reggae, Latin, and world music influences. It achieved widespread popularity and critical acclaim.
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Youssou N'Dour - "7 Seconds" - A single featuring N'Dour's collaboration with Neneh Cherry, blending Senegalese and pop music styles. The song became a global hit and remains one of N'Dour's most iconic tracks.
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Ali Farka Touré with Ry Cooder - "Talking Timbuktu" - A collaborative album between Malian musician Ali Farka Touré and American guitarist Ry Cooder, blending traditional African music with blues and folk influences. It received widespread acclaim and won a Grammy Award.
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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - "Mustt Mustt" - A qawwali album by Pakistani musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, known for his powerful vocals and spiritual themes. The album helped introduce qawwali music to Western audiences.
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Cesaria Evora - "Sodade" - A compilation album featuring the music of Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora, known as the "Barefoot Diva." It includes some of her most iconic songs and showcases her unique voice and style.
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Khaled - "Didi" - A single by Algerian raï singer Khaled, known for its infectious melody and danceable rhythm. It became a major international hit and helped popularize raï music outside of North Africa.
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Rachid Taha - "Ya Rayah" - A song by Algerian-French musician Rachid Taha, blending rock, punk, and traditional Algerian music influences. It became one of Taha's signature songs and gained popularity worldwide.
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Miriam Makeba - "Pata Pata" - A hit single by South African singer Miriam Makeba, known for its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm. It became one of Makeba's most successful songs and remains a classic of South African music.
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Manu Dibango - "Soul Makossa" - A single by Cameroonian musician Manu Dibango, known for its infectious groove and pioneering use of African and funk music elements. It became a worldwide hit and influenced numerous artists in the funk and disco genres.
MATERIAL
• Screening
• Listening to some music styles
• Presentation of various musical instruments