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 02/2007

    VUSI MAHLASELA
    Guiding Star

  • reviewed 08/2016

    The Sound Of Ghosts
    Come Home

  • reviewed 03/2009

    LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS
    LA LUZ DEL RITMO

  • reviewed 12/2007

    CHEB I SABBAH
    Devotion

  • reviewed 11/2013

    YUNA
    Nocurnal

  • reviewed 10/2008

    John Brown’s Body
    - Amplify

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.