Our Playlist

Hey Everyone! I've added many MANY traditional and modern samples from around the world! I chose songs that I enjoyed learning more about and found many songs I would add to my own playlist. I am so excited to look at everyone else's blogs to expand my playlist as well! 

(Each location is divided by a line -- I know it's a lot to look through!) 

Jamaica - Carribean/North America 

One location I absolutely HAD to add to "my playlist" is Jamaica. I took a trip to Jamaica with my boyfriend and his family a few summers ago and I had the best time! Everywhere you went there was some form of music playing. The pictures on the left and right are just very beautiful pictures of the environment and island itself. The picture in the middle actually has a small story which I think shows how much music plays a role to everyone. Basically on the way to this restaurant we had a driver and once we arrived to the location, he got out with us. Wellll the restaurant had a karaoke machine and turns out he is also a singer! He sang a few songs while we were waiting on our food and we also took a few turns singing as well (well not me.. too many people). It was definitely fun and shows how music can bring everyone closer together! 

Now onto the music for our playlist!! 

To begin with traditional music, I went with a style called "mento." Mento is a traditional style that blends African and Caribbean folk music. Most of the songs I found are very upbeat- I mean you cant help but rock back and forth, tap your foot, etc etc. Most of these songs are about love or life in general. There is a mento specific instrument called a Rhumba Box which is a wooden box that has strings and is plucked. I believe this instrument is in the song below (Take Her To Jamaica). Take Her To Jamaica is basically a song telling all the beauties of Jamaica and why you should come visit! Not Me is a song with a, well, hidden message I would say, but I couldn't help but add such a fun and upbeat song. 

For modern music, I went with Bob Marley. Honestly, I feel as though his music fits in traditional and modern, but the majority if not all of his songs are known globally. Traditionally because his music is of course reggae and his lyrics tell the story of Jamaican culture. Modern because he is known globally and the usage of technology for recording and/or performing. The song I chose is "One Love" because it is absolutely beautiful. He uses this song to express the need of love in the world and for everyone to come together which is a beautiful message. 

Take Her To Jamaica - Lord Messam (singing start at 0:25) 

Not Me (Man Smart, Women Smarter) - Hubert Porter 

One Love - Bob Marley 

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Madagascar - Africa 

For Traditional, I chose the song Hira Malaza Taloha which quite literally means Famous Songs from the Past in Malagasy. Eny Rodorodoy Ny Famindra means Echoes of Dance Steps. These songs are meant to be passed through generations. I believe the instrument in the cover and played in the piece is called a Valihas. 

For Modern, I chose the song Tsara Tsara which is sang in Malagasy - the national language of Madagascar. Tsara Tsara translates to good or very good in English. There wasn't a direct English translation I could find of the lyrics, but after doing some research I found the song is meant to provide positivity and is seen as a "celebration of goodness" (of any sorts). Yet again another song you can't help but dance to! 

Hira Malaza Taloha - Eny Rodorodoy Ny Famindra 

Tsara Tsara - Denise Ft. Jaojoby 

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New Zealand Maori - Oceania (Australia) 

Moving into New Zealand's Playlist, I wanted to focus on the Maori. Their culture is absolutely beautiful and I always feel moved by their Haka (the last video included in this section). Haka is meant to show strength and unity with one another. Maori feel strongly for their enviornment and ancestors which play a huge role in their culture. 

For Traditional, I chose Au e Ihu. This is a Maori hymm translating directly to "I am with Jesus." This song is meant to protect and show they are fully protected during war. This song combines the Maori Language and Christianity which is beautiful! 

For Modern, I chose Poi E and Ka Manu. Poi E translates to ball, but Maori also do a Poi dance where they dance as they swing balls - this is a tradition. The song is meant to be upbeat and make you want to dance! This song is a celebration of their ancestors and what Maori means which is why I chose this beautiful song. The Ka Manu is very modern as you can tell by the style and well video itself like the technology used. As you watch the video, you still see videos of the environment and people emphasizing how much these factors mean to them and their culture.  You can also see the Poi dance being performed at the beginning. I love how you don't have to understand the language to fully feel the emotion and love in every lyric! 

Au e Ihu (Soldiers Hymm) - Maori Battalion 

Poi E - Patea Maori Club 

 

Ka Manu - Bella Kalo Lo 

Maori Chant 

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Mongolia - Asia 

The last place to add to our playlist is Mongolia! I think the aspects, instruments, and vocals in the pieces I've provided are extremely impressive. 

To begin I chose Chinggis Khaanii Magtaal as a traditional piece due the instrument being used (morin khurr) and throat singing. Also the attire is beautiful! The Morin Khurr has a scroll which is shaped like the head of a horse (why it is also called a horse head fiddle). This is a string instrument which is traditional to Mongolia. This instrument only has 2 strings made of, well, horse hair! Throat singing I'd have to say is extremely impressive and he did amazing!! 

For the modern piece, I chose Hanggai Flowers. This piece involves traditional Mongolian instruments with a punk rock vibe, which is what makes this choice modern, the genre. I also believe this piece uses the morin khurr and has meaning about the beauty of the environment which are traditional aspects. The emphasis of flowers emphasizes the connection their culture has with nature and their lifestyle! 

Chinggis Khaanii Magtaal - Batzorig Vaanchig (Not an original traditional piece, but elements of video are extremely traditional)

Hanggai - Flowers