Here’s a playlist that gives just the smallest sample of the depth and range of creativity that continues to pour out of the countries in Africa and the Caribbean. It is undeniable. Can music help us empathize with its makers?
For me, Trump is not the issue. We know and have known for a long time that he is racist. That is a fact, borne out by plenty of evidence. It’s not news—we know what he is.
What is truly disturbing is the Republicans who go along with this person. Their behavior makes them complicit and the same as he is…exactly the same, no difference. Remember that come voting time.
The swells in Davos too—who are happy to get rich off Trump’s policies and are more than fine supporting a racist. None of them has risen to condemn his racism and to say that this man does not represent our values as human beings.
Got that off my chest, now maybe I can listen to some music.
Enjoy.
David Byrne

Playlist

Llegué Llegué / Guararey de Pastorita – Los Van Van
Bacalao con Pan – Irakere
El Baile del Buey Cansao – Los Van Van
Ikiri Ada Lazaro – Ros & Mezcla
Ojos Color Sol – Calle 13 ft. Silvio Rodriguez
Los de Atrás Vienen Conmigo – Calle 13
Me Voy – Ibeyi ft. Mala Rodriguez
Ojuelegba – WizKid
Indignados (Radio Edit) – Kefaya
Malukayi – Mbongwana Star ft. Konono No. 1
Kamelemba (Radio Edit) – Oumou Sangaré
Osali Mabe Staff – Benda Bilili
Moziki Staff – Benda Bilili
Nyaradzo – Mokoomba
Naku Xuva – Monoswezi
Eh Ya Ye – Trio Da Kali & Kronos Quartet
M’bife – Amadou & Mariam
Artistiya – Amadou & Mariam
Ghana Blues – Gerald Toto & Richard Bona & Lokua Kanza
L’Endormie – Gerald Toto & Richard Bona & Lokua Kanza
Na Ye – Gerald Toto & Richard Bona & Lokua Kanza
Hello – Jupiter & Okwess
Il N’est Jamais Trop Tard – Cheikh Lô
Pata Pata – Miriam Makeba
Mona Ki Ngi Xica – Bonga
Utrus Horas – Orchestra Baobab
Senegal Fast Food – Amadou & Mariam
Soubour Songhoy – Blues
Cler Achel – Tinariwen
Zombie – Fela Kuti
Yala – Oumou Sangaré
Gaga Tres – Haiti
Girls Girls Girls – T-Micky & Wyclef Jean
M’pral Domi Nan Simitye – RAM
Baby I Miss You – Carimi
Nou la – Michel Martelly