K'NAAN

Troubadour

2009-08-27

K'naan was born in Mogadishu, Somalia and lived there until he was 14, partly during the civil war of the early nineties. He fled with his family and wound up, eventually, in Toronto. He was discovered at the U.N. at a conference by Yossou N'Dour and later emerged with a record contract. His debut CD won Canada's Juno award for best rap record. K'naan's been in some song-skirmishes with other hip-hoppers who have ridiculed his choice of musical topics (often Africa and the have-nots), but the kid doesn't back down. He definitely has something important to say and the talent to bring a strong message. This sampler from "Troubadour" (recorded at Bob Marley's studio in Jamaica) gives you a taste of his approach. The reggae-tinged "Wavin' Flag" has become a bit of an anthem at his concerts. Michael J. 09/09 W-Hip Hop

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 04/2004

    Children of the Revolution
    Liberation

  • reviewed 09/2007

    AMIINA
    Kurr

  • reviewed 04/2007

    THE MOTHERS
    Township Sessions

  • reviewed 05/2004

    Ozomatli
    Street Signs

  • reviewed 01/2007

    KRISTO NUMPUBY
    Assiko City

  • reviewed 03/2008

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    Umalali: The Garifuna Women's Project

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.