International SuperStar

Tiziano Ferro has topped the charts in Italy Mexico and Germany. He is by all accounts an international superstar and with good reason, his voice packs an emotional punch that transcends the language barrier. He has written songs in spanish and English and has made nine albums most recently Alla mia età.

I would really appreciate it if everyone who reads this lets me know if they have heard of Ferro before. All other commentary is also welcome.




This is a loose translation of the Lyrics.
Y volveran los angeles-- and the angels will return
A despertarse con tu cafè-- will awaken with your coffee
Pasarà distraida la noticia de nosotros-- the news about us will go unnoticed
Y dicen que me servirà-- and they'll say it'll be good for me
Lo que no mata fuerza te da-- what doesn't kill, makes us stronger
Mientras pasa el sonido de tu voz por la tele-- while the sound of your voice is heard on the TV
Por la radio y el telefono-- the radio and telephone
Resonarà tu adios-- your "good-bye" will resound

De tardes negras-- of black afternoons
Que no hay tiempo-- that there is no time
Ni espacio-- or space
Y nadie nunca entenderà-- and no one will ever understand
Quedarte puedes-- you can stay
Porque la vida duele-- because life hurts
Duele demasiado aqui sin ti-- it hurts so much, here, without you

Aqui yo estoy y tu no estas-- I'm here, and you're not
Y me distrae la publicidad-- the publicity distracts me
Entre horarios y el trafico-- between schedules and traffic
Trabajo y pienso en ti-- work, and I think of you
Entre puerta y telefono-- between the door and the telephone
Tu foto me hablarà-- your photo will speak to me

((Chorus))

Y lucho contra el silencio hablando con el-- and I struggle with the silence, talking to it (the silence)
Y he limado tu ausencia solo junto a mis brazos-- and I've filed your absence by itself, next to my arms
Y si me quieras tu ya no me veras-- and if you want me, you won't see me anymore
Si menos me quieras yo mas estarè alli-- the less you want me, the more I'll be there
Y si me quieras tu ya no me veras-- and if you want me, you won't see me anymore
Y menos me quieras yo mas estarè alli-- the less you want me, the more I'll be there
Y mas estarè alli, alli, alli-- the more I'll be there, there, there
Lo juro....-- I swear...

Music as Cultural understanding

When corporate newspapers bring us global news why do corporate radio stations insist on playing only American songs ? This policy limits the global story to a fraction of important cultural information. News stories are only relevant for a short time, when a song can speak to the human spirit forever. Furthermore while the death tolls of aids victims and the coverage of famines are certainly crucial, so is an understanding of any cultures beauty in order for us to feel connected to these nameless statistics.

South African Jazz artist Selaelo Selota, who recently released the album Lapeng Laka provides a human connection that is lacking in news coverage of international affairs. His music melds classical training in Jazz guitar, the traditional sound of the SePedi culture and his incredible vocal talent, which is somewhat reminiscent of Jack Johnson.
I don't believe the following song is off his most recent album but it is a good example of his style.

If anyone has ideas for a series on African artists feel free to comment or if you have an opinion on Salaelo Selota feel free to post that as well!