Our Top Discoveries From globalFEST 2020

by Bob Boilen, Anastasia Tsioulcas (npr)
(SOURCE LINK)

Clockwise from upper left: La Chica, Ak Dan Gwang Chil, Cheikh Lō, Sofiane Saidi & Mazalda, Tufan Derince
Bob Boilen / NPR

Want to shake up your music habits and find something out of your usual box? That’s just what globalFEST does for me every year. GlobalFEST brings twelve bands from all over the world to New York City’s Copacabana for a single night, and it’s a thrill ride.

On this edition of All Songs Considered you’ll hear extraordinary music from South Korea’s Ak Dan Gwang Chil, the sweet voice of Senegalese Cheikh Lō, the husky sounds of Algerian rai music from Sofiane Saidi & Mazalda, wild distorted Kurdish wedding music from the Tufan Derince Trio, powerful vocals from France and the band San Salvador, and La Chica’s swooning, arty electronica via France and Venezuela.

Taking us on this musical journey to give context and insight is NPR’s Anastasia Tsioulcas, Afropop Worldwide’s Banning Eyre and WFMU’s Rob Weisburg, host of "Transpacific Sound Paradise." Together, we share our favorite discoveries from globalFEST 2019. -- Bob Boilen

1. Ak Dan Gwang Chil: "Youngjeonggeori"

2. Tufan Derince: "Cida"

3. Tufan Derince: "Ağir Delilo, Pt. 1

4. Cheikh Lô: "Bamba"

5. Sofiane Saidi & Mazalda: "Gasbah Trinsiti"

6. La Chica: "Drink"