In it’s 9th year, globalFEST has become one of the most highly anticipated and diverse cultural events in the US and an essential catalyst for the world music field in North America. The 2012 edition will feature a groundbreaking crop of French and Francophone artists:
BelO
The singer, songwriter, and guitarist’s vision interweaves the Afro-Caribbean depths of Haitian tradition with a progressive voice for social and political transformation. BélO keeps the socially conscious spirit of reggae alive, mixing it with the vibrant sounds of his native Pétion-Ville, Haiti’s music central, and a globally informed, upbeat vibe.
Mayra Andrade
Andrade has drawn from Brazilian and French songs, as well as African sounds, to create music that engages jazz, acoustic, and chanson traditions. Now based in France, her musical curiosity has taken her from São Paolo to the streets of Havana. Andrade’s approach shines in a pared-down setting with a cosmopolitan trio (Munir Hossn: guitar; Zé Luis Nascimento: percussion; Thierry Fanfant: double bass).
SMOD
SMOD’s beginnings as a popular Bamako crew took a fascinating musical turn when Sam, son of Malian pop duo Amadou & Mariam, picked up the guitar. The result was a distinct roots-rap hybrid sound that incorporates crunchy organic sounds, strong flow, and Afro-centric beats, a mix the group has dubbed “Afro-Rap.” Defying Malian and American rap orthodoxy, SMOD breaks into new musical territory with a flourish that caught the ear of globalist producer Manu Chao.
Wang-Li
Wang Li hails from Tsinghao, a Northeastern Chinese coastal city on the Yellow Sea. He grew up playing jaw harp, and later played bass in Western-influenced bands in college. But his life took a surprising turn once he graduated: Li wound up in an austere French monastery. There, he discovered a new contemplative, intimate vision for the jaw harp and Chinese sheng.He went on to study jazz at the Paris Conservatory and became fascinated with improvisation.
Zaz
Velvet-voiced French vocalist Zaz began singing the blues (and Basque roots music) in Bordeaux. Soon finding herself setting Montmartre street corners dancing, bringing Piaf to Siberia, and playing for Colombian salt miners and enthusiastic Egyptians as the front woman for several groundbreaking, globally informed French bands. Her songs sweep in all her worldly influences ¬– from Latin vibes to Middle Eastern beats – all linked by her husky, rich voice and quirky, grooving interpretive sensibility.
Date: January 8, 2012
Time: 7pm - midnight
Place: Webster Hall
01/01/12 >> 
