Today is May 1, which doesn’t mean a great deal in America, but is celebrated in much of the world as International Workers’ Day. Given that it commemorates American history (specifically, the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago in 1886), it’s strange that the date has no currency here, but for whatever reason, the USA has stuck with Labor Day in September – perhaps because of the more radical associations of May 1, which is celebrated by many communist and anarchist organizations. In any case, here at Flavorpill, the global waving of the red flag has got us thinking about how many great musicians have had leftist leanings over the years. Here’s a selection of our favorites. (Obligatory disclaimer: Flavorpill doesn’t necessarily endorse these bands’ politics; we just like the music.)

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At Coachella a few years back, the ever-feisty M.I.A. asked a packed house of sweat-soaked admirers, “Where my leaders at?!” Good question. Surprisingly few artists today have stepped up with the decisive political or spiritual message that M.I.A. was asking for.

Recently, 27-year-old Nigerian tour de force Nneka — who already has a loyal following in Africa and Europe — made her US debut at Joe’s Pub in NYC, which she followed with a few shows with the Roots. And while it’s still too early to compare her to political/musical messengers like countryman Fela Kuti or Bob Marley, she’s becoming a formidable figure in global music. She calmly rocked the room with her soul-filled voice, championing a strong message of love, unity and political justice from her forthcoming album Concrete Jungle.

As soon as the lights came up, I wanted an interview — even though I’ve only done three in the nine years since I co-founded Flavorpill. A few days later, I sat down with Nneka, a captivating figure who shared some lessons on music, life, spirituality, meditation, and love.

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We’re back with your daily reminder of cool events happening tonight across the Flavorpillaverse. So now you have no excuse for staying in tonight. If you’d rather have this information delivered straight to your inbox each Tuesday, sign up for our Flavorpill City Guides.

If you’re in New York: This compulsive 1982 documentary shuttles between footage of Fela Kuti’s infectious performances at his Afrika Shrine and interviews in which the “prophet” sounds off on multinationals, the “spiritual life” of music, and Nigeria’s militaristic regime.

If you’re in LA: The early buzz surrounding intercontinental duo Bass Science references an array of electronica offshoots, including dubstep, glitch-hop, IDM, and techno bass.

If you’re in San Francisco: Today, Dave Eggers reads from and discusses the people and places in Zeitoun, a piece of non-fiction set in post-Katrina New Orleans, with book sale proceeds benefiting 826 Valencia.

If you’re in Chicago: Like many other movies, Paper Heart is about true love, why it occurs, and if it exists at all. Unlike other movies, Flavorpill is screening it for you for free, tonight!