Super-producer Diplo’s Favela on Blast film explores the vibrant music culture of funk carioca, which has been emanating for two decades from the poorest streets of Rio de Janeiro.
The DJ and Mad Decent founder traveled to Rio with Brazilian filmmaker Leandro HBL to capture the MCs, DJs, and dancers in action, bumping and grinding their way to euphoria. Electronic ’80s funk combines with bossa nova, samba, and other traditional Brazilian influences to create an impossibly bombastic sound, with songs like “Wanna Fuck?” appealing to the primal nature of desire — often leading to massive street parties that threaten to shift the power to the people of the favelas.
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.
Teaming musicians like Sly and Robbie and Miguel Migs with impoverished children, Global Lingo features the talents of those it supports.
The charity compilation is the product of Project Ahimsa, a nonprofit that sprang up in the wake of 9/11 to fight hate by “empowering youth through music.” Its efforts provide instruments and education to children everywhere from India and Guatemala to Colorado. The kids’ own sounds are blended with those of international heavyweights on this fittingly world-class mix.
