Comments on: “So London”

By: Matt Yanchyshyn

Matt Yanchyshyn — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:15:35 +0000

I don’t know if that’s true. Paris is still in my mind one of the world capitals of African music, and international music in general. Ok, NY is a major melting pot and source of much good “world music” these days. And sure, London has much more and better Bengali, Indian, Nigerian, etc. But Paris has it’s thing, too – it’s just different.

For example N. African music is still much more popular in Francophone countries than in the UK. Senegalese music is much more prevalent in Paris than in London, too.. the same could be said for much music from so-called françafrique. Brussels, like Paris, also has a strong African music scene.. quite different from the ones you find in the anglophone world.

Everyone talks about the “glory days” of African music in Paris in the 1980s, but really those people are usually just referring to music from certain West and Central African countries, notably Congo. If anything the African population and number of music groups – ok, not necessarily good ones but sheer numbers – in Paris has increased, not decreased, and the overall population has certainly become more diverse than it once was. It seems like Paris doesn’t have as many big African music stars as it once did, but the reasons why are complicated… and it’s not necessarily any better in other countries including the US or the UK. Just different.

By: David

David — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:58:01 +0000

Funny tunes. Has bangramuffin explored the west indies deeper?
Well what you said about Paris tough is sadly true. Only one thing remains from the golden years when the city used to be a capital of african music: sometimes the audience is able to support some major artists that do not make it in… London or NY! An historical well known example would be Asian Dub Foundation, but there still are others. And not so long ago, Paris almost managed to be a melting pot for raï and other north african styles. But after half a dozen of restrictive immigration and asylum laws, years of constant ever and increased police harassment, no surprise musicians turned their backs on us.

By: John B.

John B. — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:03:14 +0000

Matt: Unfortunately Aku just missed getting into McGill by the skin of her teeth (plenty of Americans looking for a great education at a bargain price this year) so I don’t think I’ll be going there any time soon. When I do plan to go I’ll get in touch by email.

A resto guide would certainly help. There’s so much to choose from in Montreal!

By: Matt Yanchyshyn

Matt Yanchyshyn — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:26:29 +0000

Hey John,

Yes, I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Montreal. My brother studied there and I have plenty of friends who still live there. What kind of travel did you have in mind? I could put you in touch with some good people.. musical types if you fancy seeing some music, or foodies if you’re into some of the great restos there.

Cheers,
Matt

By: John B.

John B. — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:48:14 +0000

Hey, Matt, glad to have you back. The fam & I were in London a few years ago for my brother-in-law’s wedding, unfortunately only for a few days, my first and only visit. One thing that amused me to no end was that, while the hip kids here in the US look to the UK, over there the (mainly Nigerian-British) kids we met just adored my daughters’ fashionable American accents!

I was also in Montreal a couple of months ago, also only for a couple of days (my daughter & I were looking at McGill) & definitely want to go back. I take it you have some familiarity with the city? Maybe you can give me some travel advice?

By: fritzthecat

fritzthecat — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:42:05 +0000

yes, multiculturalism is london’s one saving grace