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 08/2016

    Corbu
    Crayon Soul

  • reviewed 11/2015

    Peter Cooper
    Depot Light Songs Of Eric Taylor

  • reviewed 06/2006

    ZIGGY MARLEY
    Love is My Religion

  • reviewed 08/2007

    SOMI
    Red Soil In My Eyes

  • reviewed 01/2007

    NATURAL BLACK
    Far From Reality

  • reviewed 10/2010

    DE TEMPS ANTAN
    Les Habits De Papier

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.