Music

Herbie Hancock begins 'Imagine' tour by Jasmine Parker SAN FRANCISCO (SDA) — Herbie Hancock's Imagine Project, an unprecedented international recording and film project featuring collaborations between music legend Herbie Hancock and a dozen superstars from every region of the planet, kicked off June 21.

The Imagine Project, which uses the universal language of music to express its central themes of peace and global responsibility, embodies an extraordinary lineup of international superstars from all corners of the world. Artists include Dave Matthews, Anoushka Shankar, Jeff Beck, The Chieftains, John Legend, India Arie, Seal, Pink, Juanes, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Chaka Khan, K'Naan, Wayne Shorter, James Morrison, and Lisa Hannigan.

The album and film stands, on one level, as powerful testaments for the goals of world peace, humanity and tolerance, and respect for our planet, but The Imagine Project shall remain at its core, entertainment content that is creatively and emotionally deeply fulfulling.

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Muti Appointed CSO Music Director

CHICAGO (SDA) — The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, with unanimous approval from its Board of Trustees and overwhelming support from the musicians of the CSO, appointed world-renowned conductor Riccardo Muti as its tenth music director. Maestro Muti will begin a five-year contract as music director in September of the 2010/11 season. He will conduct a minimum of 10 weeks of CSO subscription concerts each season, in addition to domestic and international tours.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra welcomed the orchestra’s tenth music director to Chicago June 1. He was appointed on May 5, in an announcement that was celebrated worldwide. In the span of just over 25 hours in the city, Muti was honored at a special event at the Peninsula Hotel with trustees and the Music Director Search Committee; met with the full staff of the CSO Association; was reunited with the CSO musicians at an intimate private lunch; and gave a number of one-on-one interviews to local and international media.

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'Waka Waka' an honour for Africa

By Monica Laganparsad

LONDON — This week, the song by Colombian singer Shakira, featuring South African band Freshlygground, hit number one on the South African music charts and reached seven globally. Speaking to the Sunday Times from Cameroon, two of the band members, Ze Bell Jean Pau and Dooh Belly Eugene Victor, said they were ''honoured" that their song had been used as the official Fifa song. Pau, 58, has retired from the army, while Victor, 50, is still in the service. Their original song titled, Zangaléwa, inspired by a military march, was released in 1986. The song, paying tribute to World War 2 riflemen, was an instant hit. Pau, Victor, and a third band member Emilie Kojidie wrote the song after serving time in the army. The song has become a chant for soldiers, policemen, sportsmen and boy scouts during training and rallies throughout Africa. Said Pau: ''I didn't know Waka Waka was the (Fifa) official song until I saw it on the Internet. It's a joy and an honour for Africa for this song to be chosen." The duo said they were not consulted before Shakira recorded the song. While the Latin pop princess has written new English lyrics, the chorus is the same as the original.

Both Shakira and the band are credited on the official Fifa CD - she for the lyrics and they for the music and inspiration. ''We haven't received a copy of the CD as yet. So we do not know how we have been credited. We heard that we will receive royalties and it will take a while before we receive anything," said Pau. On the World Cup, Pau said: ''The vuvuzela is like the song, the message is the same. It keeps the players going on the pitch."

The band is planning to shoot a video and a remake of the song in South Africa. Meanwhile, cyberspace was abuzz this week with criticism from music critics and fans, who have slammed Fifa for failing to choose an African artist. Somali musician K'naan's Wave your Flag has become the unofficial people's anthem for the soccer showcase. It hit the No2 spot on the local music charts this week, and is two steps ahead of Shakira on the world charts at No5. To view Golden Sounds Zangaléwa click on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRpeEdMmmQ0&feature=fvw
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The Nigerian Talking Drum Ensemble

LOS ANGELES (SDA) — The Nigerian Talking Drum Ensemble was founded in 1985 by Master Drummer Francis Awe, in response to the growing international interest in the Talking Drum. Since it's inception, the Ensemble of drummers and dancers has educated and entertained audiences worldwide. The Yoruba name for the Talking Drum is Dundun, which means "sweet sound." It is called the Talking Drum because its sound emulates the tonal quality of the Yoruba language. Read more . . . ____________________________________________________