Africa´s influence on Western music

African music has had a history of influencing Western music. The influence from Africa on the Americas in history is well known. But it is also common that many artists today are influenced by Africa.
One such example is Vampire Weekend. Here you can find an article on Pitchfork where a person of African descent discusses Vampire Weekends borrowing from African music, including aspects of influences, appropriation etc.

Beyoncé has been influenced by African music and culture on numerous occassions. She recently also performed in a concert in South Africa to honour Nelson Mandela.

The most well known example of African influence is of course Paul Simon´s album "Graceland" where he travelled to South Africa to record music.

A visit to Robben island

Nelson Mandela should have turned 100 years old this year. Last winter I made a visit to Cape town and of course took the boat out to see Robben island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. I really recommend a visit here, since they have former Robben island political prisoners as guides, who tell their own story of how it was like to be at Robben island prisoner during the apartheid era. When I was there, one of the guides spoke with such intensity that it was impossible not to be moved.

Albertina Sisulu turns 100

A lot of men behind the anti-apartheid movement are famous, like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. But of course there have also been many women who have contributed to the rise of democracy in South Africa. One such woman is Albertina Sisulu who should have turned 100 years old this year.

She was a nurse and one of her first experiences of racism in South Africa was when black patients weren´t allowed to be treated in the "European" rooms,but instead had to lay on the floor. Albertina Sisulu was involved in a lot of political activities and was married to Walter Sisulu, another anti-apartheid activist. Click on this link to find out more about Albertina Sisulu.