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Thursday, July 20, 2023

Examining African Immigrant Experiences in America

America is a blend of diverse cultures, each with a unique story, contributing to the great American tapestry. One such narrative is that of African immigrants, a group that brings rich traditions, languages, and perspectives, reshaping and enriching American life.

African immigrants form a diverse group, hailing from countries with vastly different cultures, histories, and languages. They're united by the shared experience of navigating the complexities of American life while preserving and adapting their unique traditions. It's not a homogenous experience, but a series of unique, intertwined stories, each worth telling and understanding.

African immigrants have made significant strides in American society. Many have earned degrees, started businesses, and made vital contributions to sectors ranging from healthcare to technology. They've broken stereotypes, overcome obstacles, and continued to make their presence felt.

Yet, there are also challenges. African immigrants must often grapple with cultural differences, language barriers, and systemic racism. They've had to negotiate their dual identities, balancing the demands of their adopted country with the pull of their homeland. These experiences are part of the complex tapestry of African immigration in America, and recognizing them is crucial to understanding this important community.

Moreover, there is a great diversity within the African immigrant community in America. They bring traditions from across Africa, from the bustling cities of Lagos and Nairobi to the rural villages of Senegal and Ethiopia. Each immigrant's story is shaped by the particular culture, history, and geography of their home country, adding to the rich diversity of the American cultural mosaic.

Understanding these stories is critical not just for appreciating the contributions of African immigrants, but also for fostering a more inclusive society. By delving into the experiences of African immigrants, we can learn more about our own society, challenge our preconceptions, and build bridges of understanding and respect.

In conclusion, the African immigrant experience in America is a complex, multifaceted narrative. It's a story of ambition, determination, and resilience, of adapting to a new culture while preserving one's own. It's a story that enriches America and contributes to its cultural, economic, and social vibrancy.

Women's World Cup 2023: Fan reporters in Australia and New Zealand

Meet the supporter reporters who will be giving BBC Sport a flavour of the Women's World Cup throughout the tournament.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/GqW1ylS
via Gabe's Musing's

Johannesburg explosion: South Africa concern over second possible gas explosion

An unexplained blast in Johannesburg killed one person and injured 48 more, South African authorities say.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/qtKWE5U
via Gabe's Musing's

Egypt president pardons rights activist Patrick Zaki and lawyer Mohammed al-Baqer

It comes a day after Patrick Zaki was convicted of spreading false news and jailed for three years.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/7Sjhi84
via Gabe's Musing's

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Kenyan doping: Why positive tests are the start of the solution

Faked medical records, pharmacists, fixers, fame and fortune. Dopers infiltrated Kenyan distance running but the fightback has begun.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/jnTvazS
via Gabe's Musing's

Tunisia's El General: The rapper who helped bring down Ben Ali

El General, whose song inspired Tunisia's pro-democracy revolution, laments the return of repression.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/URcdzjJ
via Gabe's Musing's

Reported gas explosion cracks open Johannesburg street

Dozens of people are injured after a gas explosion in the centre of Johannesburg, local media reports.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/7RlkIpM
via Gabe's Musing's

Women’s World Cup 2023: Morocco and the women’s football revolution funded by a king

Morocco’s women will make their first appearance at a World Cup after a period of investment supported by King Mohammed VI that aims to change attitudes in the country.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/WhAirsQ
via Gabe's Musing's

Andre Onana: New Manchester United signing is definition of the 'modern keeper'

Who is Manchester United's new goalkeeper and why does Erik ten Hag feel he is the right man for his evolving side?

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/AzU7N3h
via Gabe's Musing's

Patrick Zaki: Egypt jails Christian rights activist on false news charge

Patrick Zaki is sentenced to three years over an article he wrote about being a Coptic Christian.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/5ziZ6RG
via Gabe's Musing's

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Kenya demonstrations: 'I feel betrayed by William Ruto'

President Ruto was elected vowing to help poor Kenyans but since coming to power, life has got worse.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/LXkVfvj
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The African Influence on American Jazz and Blues

The sweet, rhythmic, soul-stirring sounds of jazz and blues that we all cherish today bear a rich, fascinating history—one that leads us back to the lively landscapes of Africa. These unique musical genres, deeply woven into the fabric of American culture, serve as a testament to a transcultural exchange that has been pivotal in shaping our global sonic vocabulary.

What gives jazz and blues their magical appeal? It's the alluring combination of syncopated rhythms, improvisational flairs, and expressive narratives, elements that hark back to the musical traditions of Africa. African music, with its polyrhythmic structures, collective participatory nature, and spiritual connectivity, became the foundation upon which these genres evolved.

The journey started with the Transatlantic slave trade, where millions of Africans were forcibly brought to the American South. Their music—filled with soulful melodies, compelling rhythms, and profound storytelling—became a tool of resistance, solace, and community cohesion. Over time, it transformed, merging with European influences to give birth to a new form of music, the spiritual precursor to jazz and blues.

As jazz and blues began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th century, their African roots were evident. Jazz, with its improvisational style, and blues, with its emotive narratives, both mirrored the communal, participatory, and story-driven approach of traditional African music. Artists began to leverage these forms as platforms for personal expression and commentary on society, establishing the genres as potent vehicles for cultural identity and social change.

Today, the African influence in jazz and blues remains undeniable. From the hauntingly raw power of B.B. King's blues to the innovative harmonics of Miles Davis' jazz, every note echoes the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of the African people. Our musical landscape has been forever shaped by this dynamic interplay of cultures, an intertwining of histories and sounds that continues to resonate with every beat and melody.

As we groove to the hypnotic rhythms of jazz and blues, let's pay homage to their roots, recognizing and celebrating the rich African heritage that pulses in every note. For in every soulful chord, every improvised riff, every heartfelt lyric, we are reminded of our shared humanity, the universal language of music, and the enduring influence of Africa on our sonic world.


Russia's grain deal exit is a stab in the back - Kenya

Kenya is in a drought-hit region and Ukrainian grain has contributed to vital food aid supplies.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/oj6uAn3
via Gabe's Musing's

Women's World Cup 2023: The Africans to watch

BBC Sport Africa looks at the Africans to watch from the each of the continent's four teams at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

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US military emails sent to Mali by mistake

Some of the emails reportedly contain sensitive information such as passwords and medical records.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/TUSHzO3
via Gabe's Musing's

Monday, July 17, 2023

LGBT rights in Africa: Will Kenya be the latest to pass anti-gay law?

Homophobia is rising in parts of Africa, with lawmakers pushing for tougher anti-LGBTQ legislation.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/2u78XCv
via Gabe's Musing's

Guinea's Mamaya festival: Thousands dance in Kankan

Several thousand people take part in the annual Mamaya dance festival in Guinea.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/Cu7Z0iL
via Gabe's Musing's

The Role of African Music in Shaping Global Pop Culture

Africa is a diverse continent, a dynamic tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that ripple through time, inspiring millions around the globe. One of the most compelling of these African-inspired ripples is the impact of its music on global pop culture.

African music, in its varied forms, has been a potent force in shaping global pop culture, breathing life into genres, stirring emotions, and fostering a collective identity. From the infectious rhythms of Afrobeat that inspire body movements to the soulful harmonies of traditional African hymnals that echo in modern gospel music, Africa’s musical heritage has permeated the world’s pop music landscape.

At the heart of this influence is the African drum - the Djembe, Talking Drum, and Kpanlogo, to name a few. These instruments have been key in creating the heartbeat of various music genres, from jazz and blues to hip-hop and reggae. The syncopated beats, the emphasis on off-beat rhythms, the call-and-response pattern, all found their roots in African music and have become a cornerstone of global pop music.

Furthermore, the rise of Afrobeat and Afropop, pioneered by legends like Fela Kuti, has birthed a new wave of international acceptance and appeal. Today, African artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Angelique Kidjo are not just topping charts but are also influencing the sounds and styles of renowned artists across the globe.

The influence of African music extends beyond sound—it permeates the way we dance, dress, and perceive the world. It is deeply woven into the fabric of global pop culture, serving as an ambassador of Africa's rich, diverse, and dynamic culture.

In essence, African music has not only shaped the rhythm of global pop culture, it has become its very heartbeat. It serves as a reminder that culture is not static, but a dynamic entity, continuously evolving and adapting, much like the vibrant rhythm of a drum echoing across the continents.

Women's World Cup 2023: How Banda overcame gender eligibility row

Star Zambian striker Barbra Banda could light up the Women's World Cup despite missing the African qualifiers following a row over her eligibility.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/KyksouL
via Gabe's Musing's

Gilbert Deya: Kenyan 'miracle babies' pastor acquitted of child trafficking

Televangelist Gilbert Deya was accused of stealing five children two decades ago.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/vmOF7ni
via Gabe's Musing's