I have cousins who are of African decent, Nigeria to be exact. While they are very versed in all things American, a way for them to stay connected and reminencent of their visits is to listen to and enjoy music done ny African musicians, both in their native tongue and others.
Another example of African Music is done by artist Fela. The link listed is of the song titled "U Thief" Fela, "U thief".Although I don't understand what is being said, you can feel the passion, love, and interest in what is being said. The audience in the video are participating and enjoying everything that is going on as Americans would at a concert.
One of my favorite songs to listen to and may be a favorite for Hispanic and Latin Americans is "Smooth" by Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas. The music screams Latin America, has a Hispanic feel to it. I immediately start dancing and trying to do the salsa. HAHA :) If I react the way I do and I'm not from a Latin American country, imagine how those who are react and feel. Carlos Santana is one of the best guitarist! He plays every note with so much enthusiasm, love, and colorfully. He has extreme, bold moves in his musical adlibs behind Rob's singing. All are characteristics of these countries. For anyone from Latin America, Spain, Hispanic decent this song reminds them of their culture and their home even as they are in whatever country they now live.
Yes it's true that many artists merge from doing music in their native tongue, mainly because there are many immigrants in the U.S, and they want to be globally and internationally known. There are artists like Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, and more. These artists are from other countries such as Canada and Spain. They speak multiple languages and have done songs or albums in that language. I watched the Behind the Music episode on Enrique Iglesias.
Enrique wanted to sing and after a long inner struggle as well as with his father Julio, he launched his music career. After a few albums in Spanish only, Enrique did an album in English and Spanish. He is a success, worldwide!! There is nothing more exhilarating than having a sense of belonging with someone famous or successful that is just like us. Enrique has bridged a gap between Americans and the Spanish with the love of music. His music isn't only for his country, but for all people. :) I'm happy for musical freedom and acceptance.
Celine Dion is another artists that crossed over from singing in her native tongue and singing in English. Celine Dion became someone I listened to after she sang "heart will go on" for the Titanic movie and soundtrack.
Not only can Canadians who live in Canada listen to Celine, but those who no longer live in Canada can enjoy the sounds of fellow Canadian Celine Dion. She sings in French and English. Celine is another example of many artists that have songs and a history that gives people a home away from home experience.
I was in Auto Zone the other day when my cashier started thinking about growing up in Mississippi. The store radio was playing the blues. LOL. She started shaking her head and smiling and said, "you know everytime I hear the Blues I think of home." I asked her where she was from and she said Mississippi. I responded, "yes, it reminds me of the weekends." She happily agreed and we simultaneously mentioned that the Blues provided good cleaning music. The whole house would be done in a few hours. I found this funny and good at the same time. This goes to show that music connects us regardless of where we are from. We can have that home away from home feeling within cities, states and even countries.
Music is that quiet giant that has a huge impact. It is similar to throwing a pebble in the water, causing a ripple effect that we don't know where it ends. One thing is for sure we know it reaches far and wide. :)
Sacorsha
