The Nahmias Cipher Report

Ayanna Nahmias, Editor-in-Chief Last Modified: 13:30 PM EDT, 27 April 2012 First Published: 15:03 PM EDT, 15 January 2010 LONDON, England – Helen Folasade Adu “Sade”, 53, who was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, has come out with a follow-up single to “Soldier of Love,” aptly titled “Love is Found.” It is amazing to watch [...]

2face Idibia sings a wonderful anthem to the beauty of African women in his anthem song “You Are My African Queen.” It is a video that resonates with me and I am sure it will with you as well.

Not only are each of us unique but the women of Africa are vastly under represented in terms of beauty and strength because the Western media typically highlights the struggle and wretchedness of the lives of these women and their children.

Though this is a reality in many parts of Africa, the women of Africa a nonetheless striking, strong, incredibly diverse, intriguing and enchanting. The African beauties most familiar to Western cultures are the Nilotic women from Ethiopia, Eritrea or Somalia. Woman like Iman and Liya Kebede who grace the runways and covers of Eurocentric magazines.

In Tanzania and Nigeria where I grew up, “everyone is an artist because art in Africa is not a commercial enterprise but is part of life itself.” This is true of all the disciplines, sculpture, art, and music; however, unlike sculpture and art, music is immediately accessible. Whether the vocalist sings in Xhosa, Portuguese or French the listener comprehends the essence of these songs. Music is the lyre of our souls and though there are many great voices that hail from all parts of the Diaspora, for me these matriarchs of Africa have created a lasting legacy capable of transporting us from the ennui of our daily existence to the coasts of Cape Verde, the sensuality of Cuba, the heart of a South African township, or to the vaulted halls and stages of Paris, France.

“Say You’ll Be Mine” is the 2009 release by a young Cape Verdean singer named Marcia. As with much of the music produced outside of the US and European markets, artists may be hugely popular in their countries of origin, but barely register on the charts in these Western markets. This small island archipelago off [...]

New African Soul in the vein of Cassandra Wilson, Miriam Mekada, Cesaria Evora, Sarah Vaughan and Sade. The rhythm of Africa from North to South and East to West. Viva Africa!

The more burdened we become by the cares of the world, the easier it is for us to forget the dreams of our youth. I like this song because it is an anthem, a reminder to me and I hope to others to never forget our dreams that can yet be realized and definitely achieved if we believe.

2009 Ethiopian & Diaspora music videos featuring artists from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. Check it out!

Listen to the music of Ayala and Malka Ingedashet, two Israeli Ethiopian vocalist and sisters who join the ranks of Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, India Arie, and Macy Gray.

Meeting Miles Davis at one of his last performances in Philadelphia before his death a few weeks later.