Hugh Masekela + Amadou & Mariam Nominated for Grammys

The Grammy Awards have nominated Hugh Masekela and Amadou and Mariam for "Best World Music."

Hugh Masekela + Amadou & Mariam Nominated for Grammys


The 55th Grammy Award nominations are out and two Okayafrica favorites, Hugh Masekela and Amadou & Mariam, got the nod for Best World Music Album. Bra Hugh is nominated for his tradional South African wedding-inspired Jabulani LP and Amadou & Mariam for their excellent album Folila.

Looking past our issues with the problematic "world music" tag —  we'll let you hear that from David Byrne — and the fact that the Grammys are notably out of touch with modern music (see: Steve Stoute), we'd like to congratulate Hugh Masekela and Amadou & Mariam for this major feat in terms of American exposure. They're joined in the category by Daniel Ho, Anoushka Shankar, and Ravi Shankar. Watch or Okayafrica TV episode with Amadou & Mariam and Hugh Masekelas music video for "Sossie" below.

[embed width="600"][/embed]

[embed width="600"][/embed]

10 Classic South African House Songs You Need to Hear
Music

10 Classic South African House Songs You Need to Hear

Here are 10 of the best South African house tracks released over the years.

Nelson Mandela free from prison visiting a school doing the black power salute.
Music

12 Essential Anti-Apartheid Struggle Songs from South Africa & Around the World

It wasn't just South African musicians—artists from around the continent and the world all stood up in solidarity and released anti-Apartheid songs.