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 09/2008

    RAM DASS & KRIECE
    - COSMIX

  • reviewed 02/2007

    VUSI MAHLASELA
    Guiding Star

  • reviewed 08/2007

    TINKERS TEA
    The Mummer's Jig

  • reviewed 06/2005

    Femi Kuti
    Live at the Shrine

  • reviewed 01/2011

    LOREENA MCKENNITT
    The Wind That Shakes the Barley

  • reviewed 08/2009

    HUUN HUUR TU AND CARMEN RIZZO
    Eternal

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.