I have to agree with him on the importance of preserving traditional forms. It is not always bad that a foreign concept is worked in here or there. It did wonders for American music that many traditional African idioms entered the mainstream. (Blues is African. Just check out Ali Farka Toure doing a call guitar call and response to Bassecou Kouyate's ngoni and watch the fingering.) In Mali and Guinea, they do hip-hop their own way and it rocks. Music and the arts are the blood of a people.
We got to see Johnny's last concert of his 2011 North American tour in Denver last month. Best concert we've ever been too in over 40 years. Johnny is South Africa's ambassador of love.
An inspiring musician and a great guy.
dirkbogarde44 2 months ago
I have to agree with him on the importance of preserving traditional forms. It is not always bad that a foreign concept is worked in here or there. It did wonders for American music that many traditional African idioms entered the mainstream. (Blues is African. Just check out Ali Farka Toure doing a call guitar call and response to Bassecou Kouyate's ngoni and watch the fingering.) In Mali and Guinea, they do hip-hop their own way and it rocks. Music and the arts are the blood of a people.
leftysergeant 8 months ago
We got to see Johnny's last concert of his 2011 North American tour in Denver last month. Best concert we've ever been too in over 40 years. Johnny is South Africa's ambassador of love.
julioxkingbeat 8 months ago
Thanks Afropop for this enlightening and informative interview. Johnny is as always eloquent and incisive.
SequoyahCA 8 months ago