This week, The Times published Tems’ profile, a 28-year-old Nigerian singer-songwriter, has in recent years: become the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, appeared on Beyoncé’s album “Renaissance” and received was nominated for an Oscar for co-writing “Lift Me Up” for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” She will release her debut album next month.
To me, Tems’s music — which fuses R&B and Afrobeats — has an honesty to it: Her tone is raw and her lyrics are direct, often produced without particular fuss. However, her hooks are the killer; they seem built to be hummed around the house or shouted through speakers. These elements come together to capture vividly feeling – would that hurt (“Damages), challenge (“Madness) or piety (“Me & You”).
So it’s no surprise to learn about her emotion-based creative process from her work. “I just had a feeling, I had a signal,” she told Times reporter Reggie Ugwu. “You were just the vessel, it just came out of your mouth.”
Tems is one of a number of artists from countries in Africa who have entered the Western mainstream. Burna Boy sold out Citi Field in New York last year; in February, the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance went to South African singer Tyla for “Water.” And Western artists – including Beyoncé, Drake, Usher, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez – have featured African artists in their music or appeared on remixes of already popular songs .
Last year, for Old World, Young Africaa Times project on Africa’s baby boom, I spoke with Nigerian artist, Mr. Eazi. He told me that one benefit of the growing popularity of music from Africa is that Africans have been able to gain some control over the narratives of their continent. “People discover Africa first, not through the lens of CNN or The New York Times but through the lens of music,” he said.
There are a number of reasons for the global interest – talented artists, the border-crossing power of the Internet, collaborations with Western stars – but one that I can speak to personally, with as a British person, is the role of the diaspora.
My relationship with continental music began with my father, who used to play Highlife – songs that resonate with age and feature piercing guitar riffs – sung in Nigerian Igbo. (Here is an example.) As my peers and I grew up, we grew to appreciate African music without depending on our parents. Songs from artists like D’banj, Wizkid and Burna Boy are regularly in rotation at house parties.
There is a vibrant cultural exchange between the continent and its diaspora. African diaspora youth attend concerts and music festivals such as African peopleand many people travel to Nigeria and Ghana to party during the holiday season, affectionately known as “Detty December.” Mr. Eazi told me that diasporas in places like England have played a role in popularizing African music globally: “These are the people who define what is cool and embrace the African character.” Their phi,” he said.
Here’s the playlist for your weekend meals; it includes big names from the continent and several artists from the diaspora. Amapiano – a house music genre with roots in South Africa – appears, as does “1er Gaou”, an Ivorian song that is a staple of African hall parties. Enjoy.
Related: Hip-hop dominates the French music industry inject new words and phrases from Africa to the suburbs and cities of France.
CULTURE WEEK
Film and television
Other big stories
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Countries at the World Health Assembly disagree on a treaty on how to handle future pandemicsincluding how to ensure equitable access to vaccines.
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Families of victims of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas sued Instagram, a gun manufacturer and publisher of “Call of Duty,” accused them of “grooming” the teenage gunman.
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A gang attack in Haiti killed three members of an Oklahoma-based missionary group.
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Donald Trump has preempted doubts about the fairness of the 2024 election, on average, once a day since launching his campaign, increased sharply from 2020 and 2016a Times analysis found.
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Ozempic and Wegovy medicine reduces the risk of complications, heart problems, and death One study found that in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
CULTURAL CALENDAR
🎬 “Hit Man” (Out now): This is the year (year?) of Glen Powell. After making a big splash with Top Gun: Maverick, he co-stars with Sydney Sweeney in the romantic comedy Anyone but You and has now achieved what our film critic Alissa Wilkinson calls a “ romantic, sexy, fun, satisfying and a genuine star turn” as one philosophy professor with an interesting hustle side in “Hit Man.” Directed by Richard Linklater (“Boyhood,” the “Before” trilogy), the film will begin streaming on Netflix in June, but, as Alissa said, “If you can see it in theaters, it very worthwhile.”
Potato salad with lemon and mint
If you’re planning a picnic or cookout this weekend, you might be thinking about potato salad. While I love the classic mayonnaise version, these can backfire when the temperature rises, especially if you’re planning on hosting an all-day party. But don’t be afraid! I have a perfect alternative, an olive oil-based sauce that tastes delicious. Potato salad with lemon and mint. It’s also loaded with scallions, which add a pleasant crunch and sharpness, while a sprinkling of chilli gives it a hint of spiciness. And it won’t have to sit out for hours if it’s not all devoured beforehand.
REAL ESTATE
The hunt: An owner of a French-born, Canadian-based fashion brand wants to find his American dream in the Hamptons. Which house does she choose? Play our game.
What you get for $1.6 million: A Queen Anne Renaissance house in Durham, NC; a two-bedroom condominium in Palm Beach, Fla.; or a modern farmhouse in Barrington, RI
Your next home: After publishing our update Renting vs. Buying ComputersThe Times wants to hear from readers who have recently chosen between renting and buying. Tell us your story here.
Pan Instagram: A few years ago, direct-to-consumer cookware became all the rage on the internet. Now you can find it for free.
Dance like it’s the ’80s: TikTok users may be biased against Gen Z but some of the hottest videos today retrace the steps of their Gen X parents.
How to: ONE Vegetarian guide – or just add more vegetables to your diet.
In the work: Meet a woman Maintain the operation of a candy factory.
ADVICE FROM WIRE CUTTER
Better packaging
There’s one essential that Wirecutter travel expert Kit Dillon recommends to anyone who asks: packing block. Isn’t the idea of small bags compressed inside a larger bag a bit silly? Maybe. But in reality it’s actually pretty great. Our experts recommend Imagine your suitcase as a wardrobe and the cubes as individual drawers. Pack each block in such a way that you can organize your drawers (for me, that’s swimsuits and underwear in one drawer; shirts in another; pants in the third) and take out only what you need when traveling. Voila. Packing and traveling, made simple. — Sofia Sokolove
Monaco Grand Prix, Formula 1: There is a gap between the allure of the Monaco Grand Prix and the race itself. Monaco is the highlight of the Formula 1 season and perhaps the sport’s most famous event. However, as Ian Parkes explains in The Times, The race has grown more predictable over the years as Formula One cars keep getting bigger, making it more difficult to overtake other drivers on the tight, twisty roads of this small country. Of course, for many onlookers, the competition is secondary to the spectacle of futuristic cars rushing past lavish yacht parties.
Pro tip: More exciting than the Grand Prix is the qualifying event, in which drivers navigate the track in isolation, trying to record the fastest lap. Their times determine the race’s starting order, which can clearly reflect the final standings. Qualifying takes place at 10 a.m. Eastern today on ESPN2; The race takes place tomorrow at 9am on ABC
