The Nahmias Cipher Report

Watch Carlos Baute’s sultry duet with Spanish diva Marta Sánchez in the official video of ‘Colgado En Tus Manos.’

Featuring images of Ethiopia that are rarely portrayed in the Western media. Like so much of what we are shown of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, there is more than meets the eye; greater diversity, cultural richness and fulfilled lives that do not require nor seek the pity of other nations.

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 [...]

Ayanna Nahmias, Editor-in-Chief Last Modified: 23:57 PM EDT, 20 January 2010 When I first saw the video by Mary J. Blige titled, “Take Me As I Am,” I was recovering from a life long addiction to personal and work relationships in which I allowed myself and my talents to be undervalued and unappreciated. It is [...]

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!

January 7, 2010 is the day that Ethiopians will celebrate Christmas. Although there is no direct correlation between a Jewish festival and this date when Ethiopian Christians among others (i.e. Russian, Serb, and Ukrainian Orthodox Christians) celebrate Christmas, I did find a unique minor holiday that reinforced the shared history, Gizret.

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!