REFLECTION & REASON

As I write this, I'm listening to an Amapiano mix online from Jay Tshepo. Amapiano, a genre I knew nothing about a few years ago, and could have never predicted the way it would capture me. I am pleased that we can still be amazed, impressed, and discover new sounds, practitioners, and audible movements. Continuously, with infinite amounts of song combinations accessible to us.  As we inevitably become closer, globally, the exposure of sounds is also becoming closer. The great thing about African-based sounds gaining newfound popularity in this current era of music, is that it's so much deeper than just one country or aesthetic. South Africa has a buzz right now, but Nigeria does also. Music of the African diaspora feels comforting to my soul. Instantly. It reminds me that we all groove to the same heartbeat (forgive the obvious analogy), but that even within our similarities, there are such important, intricate details that make each demographic even more special. Each country...

To fall this deeply into Afrobeats and Amapiano as of late is so refreshing and special to me, because discovering a new genre is something that can only truly happen a handful of times in life. I'm a bonafide music lover. And I most definitely live and breathe Caribbean music. On a level. But this. THIS! This music has touched my soul. A few of these songs actually brought me to tears...and they're not even the "tears" types of songs. Pure joy. This music has recently spoken to me in a way that I have to embrace wholeheartedly. Not only because of how it sounds, but mainly because of how it feels. I have to give credit to two DJs in particular who played the significant songs that sparked an entire musical movement for me. DJ Private Ryan , who dropped Akanamali on one of his mixes and sent me into a frenzy of discovery and downloading. Also Sir DJ Corey , who played Gcina Impilo Yam  on a mix that moved my spirit to the heavens. And yes, I'll give additional cr...