Africa

Africa, Arranger, Canada, Country, Elton John, Events, Festivals, Guitar, LGBTQ, Pop, Songwriter, Toronto, Voice August 3, 2024

‘I was at a breaking point’: Why masked country-pop star Orville Peck dropped everything last year and returned with a terrific duets album

The musician’s new record, ‘Stampede,’ features Willie Nelson, Beck, Elton John and Kylie Minogue. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Who is that masked man? It’s a question that proudly gay South African country singer and songwriter Orville Peck had been asking himself lately. In fact, when Peck, known for concealing his face in public, headlined the Budweiser Stage on July 3, he revealed to the audience that his…

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Africa, Beyoncé Knowles, Composer, Grammy, Herbie Hancock, Producer, Regions, Songwriter, Voice, World Music April 18, 2024

‘All women suffer from injustice’: Mali singer Oumou Sangaré on why she’s still speaking out for women in Africa and beyond

Sangaré, who has been opposing arranged marriages, polygamy, sexual subservience and genital mutilation for more than three decades, makes a rare Toronto appearance on April 20.by Nick Krewen Special to the Star She’s known worldwide as “the Songbird of Wassoulou.” But over the past three decades, Malian singer-songwriter Oumou Sangaré, who makes a rare Toronto appearance on Saturday, has meant so much more, especially to the women of Africa. Since…

Africa, Canada, Composer, Ed Sheeran, JUNO, Songwriter, Toronto, Voice, World Music April 20, 2019

Woman stuck in refugee camp sees album she co-wrote score Juno nomination

Nick Krewen Special to the Star March 11, 2019 When it came to recording Naath, the 2019 JUNO Award World Music Album of the Year contender by  former Sudanese child soldier Emmanuel Jal and his sister Nyaruach that was crowdfunded by what Jal calls “invisible angels,” there was also a very visible one who donated to the cause. Peter Gabriel. “That was a shock,” says dreadlocked rapper Jal, 39, during…

Africa, Events, Festivals, Toronto, World Music July 5, 2013

How Afrofest evolved into Toronto’s largest celebration of African culture

Authentic foods, arts, crafts and music from across the continent highlight event, now celebrating 25th year. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Fri Jul 05 2013 It was as good an omen as any. Michael Stohr recalls that 25 years ago at Queen’s Park during the debut of Afrofest, a downpour threatened to dampen the celebrations of those attendees waiting patiently for South African trumpet superstar Hugh Masekela to take to…

Africa, Alberta, Alt. Rock, Beatles, Canada, Garage Rock, Hard Rock/Heavy Metal, Producer, Rock 'N Roll, Songwriter, United Kingdom, Vancouver April 22, 2012

Nickelback burns up ACC

  Nick Krewen Special To The Star, Published on Sun Apr 22 2012 Rock ‘n’ roll is supposed to be larger than life. Last night at the Air Canada Centre, Nickelback made it seem mammoth. Operating under the notion that bigger is better, the four deans of lustful, bone-crunching rock offered the estimated 14,000 in attendance (and pop star Avril Lavigne) everything that one would expect from a dazzling marvel:…