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 03/2007

    Turbulence
    Do Good

  • reviewed 03/2007

    The Prodigals
    Dreaming In Hell's Kitchen

  • reviewed 12/1969

    LOS AMIGOS INVISIBLES
    Commercial

  • reviewed 11/2015

    Maja Vidal
    You're The Waves

  • reviewed 10/2015

    Meg Myers
    Sorry

  • reviewed 08/2007

    COREY HARRIS
    Zion Crossroads

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.