this week, The Times published a profile of TemsThe 28-year-old Nigerian singer-songwriter, who in recent years became the first African artist to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, appeared on Beyoncé’s album Renaissance and received an Oscar nomination for co-writing the song “Lift Me Up” for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is set to release her debut album next month.
To me, there’s a sincerity to Tems’s music—which straddles R&B and Afrobeats: Her vocals are earthy, her lyrics are straightforward, and her production isn’t usually particularly flashy. Her choruses are killer, though; they seem crafted to be hummed at home or screamed through a speaker. These elements combine to vividly capture the Feel — Whether it’s heartbreak (“penalty for damages“), resistance (“Crazy things”) or pious (“You and I”).
So it’s no surprise that the track sheds some light on her vibe-based songwriting process. “I just have a feeling, I have signals,” she told New York Times reporter Reggie Ugwu. “You’re just the vessel, it just comes out of your mouth.”
Temes is one of several artists from African countries to enter the Western mainstream music scene. Last year, Burna Boy sold out concerts, and in February, the first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance went to South African singer Tyla for her song “Water.” Western artists such as Beyoncé, Drake, Usher, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez have also introduced African artists in their music or appeared in remixes of already popular songs.
last year, Old World, Young AfricaThis is a New York Times project on Africa’s youth population boom. I had a conversation with Nigerian artist Mr. EaziOne benefit of the growing popularity of African music, he told me, is that Africans are able to take ownership of some of the narratives about the continent. “People first discovered Africa not through the lens of CNN or The New York Times,” he said, but “through the lens of music.”
There are many reasons for the global attention – the talented artists, the border-crossing power of the internet, the collaborations with Western stars – but as a Brit, I can personally speak to the role of the diaspora.
My connection to the music of the African continent began with my father, who often sang high life music in the Igbo language of Nigeria—songs that crackled with time and featured piercing guitar riffs.Here is an example.) As my peers and I grew up, we gradually began to appreciate African music without the influence of our parents. Songs by artists such as D’banj, Wizkid and Burna Boy were often played at family gatherings.
There is an active cultural exchange between the African continent and the diaspora. Young Africans abroad attend concerts and festivals, such as African ethnic groupsMany people travel to Nigeria and Ghana to party during the festival, affectionately known as theDedi DecemberMr. Ezi told me that the African diaspora in places like Britain has played a major role in promoting African music around the world: “These are the people who define what is cool and embrace their Africanness,” he said.
Here’s the Playlist for Your Holiday Weekend Picnic; which includes well-known names from the continent and some artists from abroad. Amapiano (a genre of house music that originated in South Africa) also makes an appearance, as does “1er Gaou”, an Ivorian song that is a staple at Africa Hall parties. Enjoy.
related: Hip-hop music dominates the French music scene. Inject new words and phrases From Africa into the suburbs and cities of France.
Cultural Week
Movies and TV
Other breaking news
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Countries fail to reach consensus at World Health Assembly A treaty on how to respond to future epidemicsincluding how to ensure equitable access to vaccines.
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Families of victims of Uvalde, Texas mass shooting Suing gun maker and Call of Duty publisher Instagram accusing them of “grooming” the teenage gunman.
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Gang attacks in Haiti Killed three members of a missionary group in Oklahoma.
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Donald Trump has questioned the fairness of the 2024 election on an average day since the start of his campaign. Significant growth compared to 2020 and 2016An analysis by The New York Times found.
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The drugs Ozempic and Wegovy Reduced risk of complications, heart disease, and death A study found that in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Cultural Calendar
🎬 The Killer (out now): This is Glen Powell’s year (years?). After breaking out in Top Gun: Maverick, starring opposite Sidney Sweeney in the romantic comedy Anything But You, he now gets what our critic Alyssa Wilkinson calls a “romantic, sexy, hilarious, satisfying and truly stellar turn” as A philosophy professor with an exciting side job in The Hitman. The film, directed by Richard Linklater ( Boyhood , The Fall trilogy ), will be available to stream on Netflix in June, but as Alisha said, “If you can see it in the theater, it’s worth it.”
Lemon Mint Potato Salad
If you’re planning a cookout or picnic this weekend, you may be thinking of potato salad. While I love classic mayonnaise-based salads, they can be counterproductive when the temperatures rise, especially if you plan on eating a lot throughout the day. But fear not! I have the perfect substitute, a zesty, herb-flavored, olive oil-based salad. Lemon Mint Potato SaladThis one also has plenty of spring onions, which add crunch and a pleasant spiciness, while a sprinkle of chili adds some spiciness. If you don’t eat it all before, it won’t go bad even if it sits for a few hours.
real estate
hunt: A French-born, Canadian-based fashion brand owner wanted to find her American dream in the Hamptons. Which house did she choose? Play our games.
What you get for $1.6 million: a Queen Anne Revival-style house in Durham, North Carolina; a two-bedroom apartment in Palm Beach, Florida; or A modern farmhouse Barrington, Rhode Island
Your next home: After publishing our update Rent vs. Buy CalculatorThe New York Times wants to hear from readers who have recently made the choice between renting and buying a home. Tell us your story here.
Instagram Pan: A few years ago, direct-to-consumer cookware was all the rage on the internet. Now you may be able to find it for free.
Dance like it’s the 80s: TikTok users may be biased against Gen Z, but some of today’s most popular videos Showing the movements of Generation X parents.
how: A Vegetarian Guidelines — or just add more vegetables to your diet.
working: Meet a woman Keeping the candy factory going.
Advice from WIRECUTTER
How to pack better
Wirecutter travel expert Kit Dillon recommends one must-have item to anyone asking about packing: Packing CubesIs the idea of zipping a small bag into a larger bag a little silly? Maybe. But it’s actually pretty cool. Our expert advice Think of your suitcase as a dresser and the cubes as individual drawers. Pack each cube the same way you organize your drawers (for me, swimsuits and underwear go in one; shirts in another; pants in a third) and then take out only the ones you need. Voilà. Packing and traveling made easy. — Sofia Sokolov
Monaco Grand Prix, Formula 1: There is a huge gap between the glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix and the race itself. Monaco is the heart of the Formula One season and perhaps the sport’s most famous event. But as Ian Parkes explains in The Times, Over the years, campaigns have become increasingly predictable. As Formula One cars get bigger, it becomes increasingly difficult to overtake other racers on the tiny country’s narrow, twisting streets. Of course, for many spectators, the racing is secondary to the sight of futuristic cars zipping past luxury yacht parties.
Pro Tip: Even more exciting than the Grand Prix is the qualifying session, where drivers try to set the fastest lap in their cars. Their results determine the starting order for the race, which is likely to reflect the final standings. Qualifying matches will air today at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN2; the tournament will air tomorrow at 9 a.m. on ABC
