http://afropopshop.org<img src='http://files.afropopshop.org/images/86525/aventura.jpg'>Bronx-based group transcending Bachata's traditional soundTue, 06 Jan 2009 11:52:39 -0600http://aventura.afropopshop.org/<img src='http://files.afropopshop.org/images/62970/riog_tavarez.jpg'>Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:52:39 -0600http://riogtavarez.afropopshop.org/<img src='http://files.afropopshop.org/images/59936/the_official_final_four_world_cup_2006_playlist.jpg'>If the music of a country reflects the zeitgeist of a nation (as much I think it does anyway), then I'm pretty darn sure that we can get a sense of whose going to win the World Cup based on the 'Final Four 2006 Playlist' which features music from all four countries playing in the last two games of the World Cup 2006. <br /><br />One might deduce from themes of my playlists (wrestling and soccer respectively), that I'm a sports minded fellow, an assumption that couldn't be father from the truth. In fact, to be totally honest, I wasn't even aware of who was even playing in the World Cup until I got an email from Simeon and a follow up lecture from Erich giving me the rundown of 'who, what, when, where and how' of the Final Four. I now know for example, that France is playing Italy (the 'big' game) and that Germany is playing Portugal (the 'not quite as big but still somehow significant' game). Pretty big developments over here. ;)<br /><br />That being said, with me being as out of touch with the game of soccer and all other sports for that matter (with the exception of Senegalese Wrestling of course), it almost seems appropriate that I make this playlist since I have no allegiances to any one country's team or their music. I'm just like those guys who judge gospel music contests in South Africa where the groups will hold a contest in Soweto and just pick some dude off the street who looks like he doesn't know a damn thing and have him be the judge.<br /><br />So here's the deal with the playlist: <br /><br />1. I've chosen 4 songs from each of the respective countrys playing in the Final Four World Cup: France, German, Italy and Portugal. <br />2. I've laid out the playlist with songs going in that order as well - France, German, Italy and Portugal and back to France again. <br />3. Whoever's country gets the most amount of downloads by Sunday (when the actual final game is scheduled) will win the 'International Calabash Cup' in which the winning team will be awarded 19 free downloads. <br /><br />Now I know the winning team is supposed to win 19 Million dollars for the World Cup - but whatever - a little money ain't no thang. I know that Zizou and Buffon just want to get their iPods filled with French pop and Italian hippie folk. That's the real goal for them. Certainly not fame, honor, respect, national pride etc. <br /><br />With that being said, if you think that you can guess whose going to win simply based on this playlist, please email me at ben@calabashmusic.com and tell me why. If you're right (or wrong but manage to make me laugh) then you might win a few free download or two yourself. <br /><br />Enjoy this eclectic mix, and may the best team win..Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:52:39 -0600http://josegonzalez.afropopshop.org/<img src='http://files.afropopshop.org/images/27202/bakuleye.jpg'><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In Yoruba culture, Bakuleye is a magic wand that awakes a deity living under the earth. As the creator and leader, Pedro Pablo Vargas says, &quot;Bakuleye is the awakening of new ideas.&quot;</span>Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:52:39 -0600http://bakuleye.afropopshop.org/