Latest news with #Afro-Cuban
Ya Biladi
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
300,000 people grooved to the beat of the Gnaoua Festival
From June 19 to 21, music lit up Essaouira. The guembris spoke to Senegalese drums, Gnaoua voices merged with jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms, and for three days, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival drew over 300,000 people into a celebration rich in memory, emotion, and human connection. In the alleyways, along the beach, and in front of the stages, the crowd was as diverse as the music itself: local families, curious travelers, and young people from near and far. The mix was everywhere, on stage and in the audience. A total of 350 artists from more than a dozen countries (Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mali, Syria, Iraq, France, the United States, Turkey, Ivory Coast, and Cuba) spoke a common language: music. At the center of it all was Morocco, alive through its Maâlems, its rhythms, and its evolving traditions. From the opening act, Hamid El Kasri and the Bakalama Company set the tone: fusion, encounter, and generosity. Until the final notes, artists from around the world made the city pulse—Cimafunk, CKay, Dhafer Youssef, Fehd Benchemsi, Khalid Sansi… each one left their mark. But the festival is also a space for thought and dialogue. The Human Rights Forum, organized with the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad, brought together writers, scholars, and artists around the theme of «Migrations and Cultural Dynamics». Palestinian filmmaker Elia Suleiman moved the audience with his reminder of «the necessity to move, despite the walls». Other powerful voices resonated: poet Véronique Tadjo, historian Pascal Blanchard, filmmaker Faouzi Bensaïdi, and writer-essayist Elgas. Rare and intimate moments also allowed Maâlems to engage in dialogue with scholars through the UM6P Chair. These were unfiltered, deeply human exchanges where trance and knowledge listened to each other. The next rendezvous is set for June 25 to 27, 2026. Between the ramparts and the ocean, music will once again transcend borders.
Deccan Herald
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
Sanjay Divecha's new album features a collection of guitar solos
Noted jazz guitarist Sanjay Divecha released his latest album on June 1. Titled 'Leela', it is a collection of songs from Divecha's solo guitar repertoire. The album has been in the making for about five months. .Divecha has been a jazz guitarist and composer for 35 years. Though he initially trained to play the sitar and learned Hindustani classical music, he picked up the guitar at age 15 and never looked back. 'I grew up listening to everything from Hindustani classical to Western classical, which my dad would play at home,' shares the 63-year-old. He would listen to music played on the radio, as well as music from films, and genres such as rock and folk music from Europe and America. .In 1987, Divecha moved to Los Angeles to learn jazz. He spent 15 years in the USA. During this time he played a variety of styles of music, from Afro-Cuban to Brazilian. When he returned to India in 2003, he learned Hindustani and Karnatik music all over again. 'My music involves and incorporates many sounds and different styles from all over, not just India, but also the world,' he says..A confluence of music and leads three diverse ensembles — Sanjay Divecha & Secret, MERKABA, and the Sanjay Divecha Trio. Sanjay Divecha & Secret uses the classical and folk traditions of India and various Indian languages, mixed with global sounds. The ensemble's albums represent Divecha's cultural identity. MERKABA's music is all rock, soul and blues based, with some jazz influences. However, he is most known in India for his jazz ensemble, The Sanjay Divecha compositions are generally about people and musicians who have left a mark on him or places that have inspired him. This is visible in 'Leela' as well. The opening song of the album 'When mountains meet the sky', was inspired by his trips to the Himalayas, and 'For Tom' is a tribute to Brazilian musician Antonio Carlos Jobim, fondly known as Tom. Recording the music of 'Leela' has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for him, shares the Mumbai-based Divecha does spend a lot of his time on stage and in rehearsals, he also finds time to give private lessons and hold guitar workshops. He believes that the best way to nurture talent is to have enough platforms for musicians to express themselves, especially for a genre like jazz that is niche and comparatively less popular in India.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Juneteenth tribute to Afro-Caribbean traditions in art, dance in Holyoke; plus an events listing
HOLYOKE — Holyoke is set to come alive with art, rhythm and unity at the second Afro-Caribbean Heritage Festival Juneteenth celebration on June 13 and 14 at Lyman Park. On both days at 4 p.m., the celebration will kick off at the park with free drumming and dance workshops for all ages and skill levels. At 6 p.m., free live performances will happen at Holyoke Media. All events are free and open to the public. Juneteenth is a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery on June 19, 1865. The Holyoke event aims to showcase the beauty, power and contributions of Afro-Caribbean culture throughout history, while also creating a safe and inclusive space for celebration, said organizers Gloria Caballero Roca and Ivor Miller. 'This celebration is about joy, unity and cultural pride,' they said. The event will feature Brendaliz Cepeda and Bomba de Aquí from Holyoke, known for Puerto Rican bomba music. Also performing are maestro Lazaro Galarraga, an Afro-Cuban musician from Los Angeles, and Danys 'La Mora' Pérez with her dance group from New York City. Throughout history, artists have played a crucial role in society uniting communities, shaping culture and politics, Caballero Roca said. Highlighting their artistry at the Juneteenth event in Holyoke this year was important to Caballero Roca and Miller because of potential federal budget cuts to school programs in music, dance and art. These programs help students from different cultures express themselves, she said. 'It's important to find commonalities. Without them, it will be harder to unite, organize and mobilize,' she said. 'Not just for Black or Caribbean people, but for all human beings. This division weakens us.' Keeping these programs and traditions alive and in place in the community help maintain that unity, she said. 'Art and culture are powerful tools for protest, and this year's Juneteenth celebration will highlight its role in advocating for social justice,' said Caballero Roca. 'By coming together, we can use our voices to speak up for our needs and reclaim our identity — not just as dancers or singers, but as politicians, intellectuals, and parents.' Caballero Roca said this feeling of unity should organically foster meaningful conversations among event attendees, which in turn, pays tribute to the ancestors who built a foundation for a diverse world and interdependence as human beings. Interdependence is especially important in today's society, when diversity is under attack, she said. 'Society often feels siloed. We need to value our diversity and recognize our shared humanity. ... When we come together, we can protest and stand strong, whether in Holyoke, Los Angeles or Gaza, and acknowledge our struggles and find empowerment in our unity, just as Christ did,' she said. To political leaders, the Juneteenth message is clear: ''We are human beings, and we won't vote for you anymore.'' Caballero Roca said last year's Juneteenth event had about 200 attendees. This year, Miller and Caballero Roca hope for even more, by extending the invitation to all residents in Western Massachusetts and other New England states. Thursday: 12 p.m.: Kickoff the fifth Juneteenth Jubilee at the Black Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Mason Square, Springfield. The event honors Black Vietnam veterans with a special ceremony. Friday: 12 to 7 p.m.: Jubilee Festival, Blunt Park, Springfield. There will be music, dance, food and community activities. Sunday: Father's Day Brunch: Dunbar Community Center, Oak Street, Springfield. June 19: 4 to 5 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Juneteenth Mural Bus Tours, Mason Square Library, Springfield. Tour Springfield's vibrant murals on a vintage double-decker bus. 12 to 3 p.m.: Celebrate Juneteenth with Wistariahurst Museum and Genuine Culture, at Wistariahurst Gardens, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke. Participate in games, art projects and face painting. 7 p.m.: American Black Film Festival short films, Amherst Cinema at 28 Amity St. A selection of short films from the film fest will be screened at the Amherst Cinema in celebration of Juneteenth. 5 to 9 p.m.: 16th Juneteenth Jubilee, St. Brigid's Church, 43 North Prospect St. The event will featuring live music, dance, and cultural cuisine. June 21: 7 p.m.: Organix Soul: The Soul Sessions, Pan African Historical Museum, Tower Square, Springfield. Enjoy live music and spoken word poetry in an intimate setting. June 22: 2 to 5 p.m.: Sensory Friendly Sunday Funday, Wistariahurst Museum, Holyoke. Learn about Juneteenth in a sensory-friendly environment. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Marlins join efforts to restore defaced Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso mural
MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins are joining efforts to restore the defaced mural of baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso in Miami's Overtown neighborhood, which was marked with racist graffiti last week. City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King announced Wednesday that she along with the Marlins, Urgent, Inc., Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency and other community activists will lead the restoration at Dorsey Park, where community leaders said a 7-year-old boy first discovered the vandalism last Sunday and asked his mother what the words and the Nazi symbols meant. 'This vile assault was an attack on our values, history, and community,' King said in a statement. 'We are actively working with law enforcement and the public to identify the individual(s) responsible for this intolerable act. However, even in the darkest hours, light finds its way to shine. This is a reminder and testament to the strength of our community, coming together to restore peace, beauty, and pride to this neighborhood.' Police were investigating the incident but have not made any arrests. City workers have since partially covered the murals of Robinson and Miñoso, an Afro-Cuban player, with wooden boards. The murals are along a fence at Dorsey Park, where Negro League teams once played baseball. The Marlins' home ballpark loanDepot park is just a few miles from the park. 'In light of the deeply troubling acts of vandalism at Dorsey Park, the Miami Marlins today proudly stand in solidarity with the City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King, and our local leaders in unequivocally condemning this hateful and racist act,' said Marlins owner Bruce Sherman. 'Dorsey Park is not only a landmark of historical and cultural significance in South Florida — it is a powerful symbol of resilience, pride, and the enduring contributions of trailblazers to the game of baseball." Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 to become the first Black player. Miñoso became the league's first Afro-Latino player and the first Black player for the Chicago White Sox. The murals have been displayed in the park since 2011 and are a collaboration between artists Kyle Holbrook and Kadir Nelson and various community groups. ___ AP MLB:
NBC Sports
11-06-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Miami Marlins join efforts to restore defaced Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso mural
MIAMI — The Miami Marlins are joining efforts to restore the defaced mural of baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso in Miami's Overtown neighborhood, which was marked with racist graffiti last week. City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King announced Wednesday that she along with the Marlins, Urgent, Inc., Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency and other community activists will lead the restoration at Dorsey Park, where community leaders said a 7-year-old boy first discovered the vandalism last Sunday and asked his mother what the words and the Nazi symbols meant. 'This vile assault was an attack on our values, history, and community,' King said in a statement. 'We are actively working with law enforcement and the public to identify the individual(s) responsible for this intolerable act. However, even in the darkest hours, light finds its way to shine. This is a reminder and testament to the strength of our community, coming together to restore peace, beauty, and pride to this neighborhood.' Police were investigating the incident but have not made any arrests. City workers have since partially covered the murals of Robinson and Miñoso, an Afro-Cuban player, with wooden boards. The murals are along a fence at Dorsey Park, where Negro League teams once played baseball. The Marlins' home ballpark loanDepot park is just a few miles from the park. 'In light of the deeply troubling acts of vandalism at Dorsey Park, the Miami Marlins today proudly stand in solidarity with the City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King, and our local leaders in unequivocally condemning this hateful and racist act,' said Marlins owner Bruce Sherman. 'Dorsey Park is not only a landmark of historical and cultural significance in South Florida — it is a powerful symbol of resilience, pride, and the enduring contributions of trailblazers to the game of baseball.' Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 to become the first Black player. Miñoso became the league's first Afro-Latino player and the first Black player for the Chicago White Sox. The murals have been displayed in the park since 2011 and are a collaboration between artists Kyle Holbrook and Kadir Nelson and various community groups.
