Pandemixtape #1 — It’s Global!

I’ve been finding lots of solace in music while sheltering in place. It began when I watched quarantined Italians taking to their balconies in collective song and Iranian doctors and nurses dancing to music in between treating patients.

Then I fell down that rabbit hole that is YouTube, where the music of every generation, nation, and genre can be found. My musical tastes have always run pretty eclectic and I’d revisit pieces I hadn’t heard in years and I’d travel across the globe and watch live performances by my favorite singers and discover new ones along the way.

I shared a few here and there with friends and some shared back, introducing me to music from far off places as well as songs that I may have missed in my own backyard (big shout outs to Lulu, Mundo, Amalia, and Lakota!).

Years ago, back when people still played CD’s, my daughter and I used to put together mixtapes as gifts for family and friends. So I’ve decided to put together a series of pademixtapes as a gift for family, friends, and even strangers. The first one focuses on the music of the world.

Though we are physically distancing, we still need human connection. And in the words of musician Roy Ayers, “The true beauty of music is that it connects people.” So let the connections begin! Enjoy!

• Maritza (Portugal) “Chuva” She’s one of my favorite singers and one of her country’s leading performers of fado.
• Angelique Kidjo (Benin) “Redemption Song” Another one of my favorite singers, she performed this at the dedication ceremony of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC.
• Carmen Consoli (Sicily) “Maria Catena” My grandparents came from Sicily as did this amazing singer, another one of my favorites (yes, I have lots of favorite singers!)
• Thandiswa Mazwai (South Africa) “Nizalwa Ngobani” A friend whose band toured South Africa turned me on to this outstanding performer.
• Stromae (Belgium) “Ave Cesaria” Another friend shared this video and the music — a tribute to singer Cesaria Evora — will get you up and dancing (wait for it!)!
• Bhoomi Trivedi (India)”Ram Chahe Leela” This Bollywod hit is choreographed and performed by New Delhi-born Ishika Seth, who currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Te Waka Huia (Aotearoa (New Zealand)) “Whakawateaa” In 2013, I attended the Oakland Intertribal Friendship House’s welcoming ceremony for this Maori cultural and performance company. This video, though not the best quality, gives you a glimpse of the beautiful harmonies and powerful haka of these incredible performers.
• Lila Downs (Mexico) “Cucurrucucu Paloma” From traditional folk music to popular love songs, this talented singer/songwriter creates music that is “part protest, part celebration.”
• Fatoumata Diawara (Mali) “Nterini” My daughter and I came upon this beautiful singer while making one of our mixtapes. This video sings to the migrants of the world.
• Buika (Spain) “No Habrá Nadie En El Mundo” Jazz, flamenco. soul and copla inform the music of this talented artist whose parents immigrated to Spain from Equatorial Guinea.
• Kassav’ (Guadeloupe) “Mwen Diw Awa” Out of the Caribbean, comes this band that has been performing for 40 years!
• Maria Rita (Brazil) “Alto Lá” This talented performer is the daughter of famed pianist/arranger César Camargo Mariano and the late Brazilian singing legend Elis Regina.
• DakhaBrakha (Ukraine) “Baby” This group performed at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens Festival which presents free cultural programs reflecting the rich diversity and creativity of the Bay Area and the world.
• Los Van Van (Cuba) “La Habana Sí” Considered one of the best dance bands in the world, they draw thousands wherever they perform and with this video, you’ll see why.

Coming soon:
Pandemixtape #2: Higher Risk (Oldies)
Pandemixtape #3: Performers Not 10 Feet Apart (Duos, Groups)
Pandemixtape #4: Love in the Time of Covid-19 (Love Songs)
Pandemixtape #5: Gimme Shelter…in Place (Music to Lift Your Spirits)