"Brian Eno once famously remarked that the problem with computers is that there isn't enough Africa in them. I kind of think that its the opposite: they're bringing the ideals of Africa: after all, computers are about connectivity, shareware, a sense of global discussion about topics and issues, the relentless density of info overload, and above all the willingness to engage and discuss it all - that's something you could find on any street corner in Africa.
I just wanted to highlight the point: Digital Africa is here, and has been here for a while. This isn't "retro" - it's about the future. "
Shut up DJ Spooky. Dropping an Eno reference and speaking with glitter-eyed optimism about the similarities between a continent and a tool, which computers still essentially are, don't make you hip. That's like saying ice cream and the Spanish language are similar. Let's see if I can do this. Um, they both involve interesting usage of the tongue. They can both make you smile on a rainy day. Yeah, you get the idea. Go back to being adored by the ignorant experimental music elite for having a shred of insight into an area of music they know nothing about.
PS Shareware means you pay, btw, ie. try before you buy...
2 comments:
uh, no too sure about the venom. But hey... I spent alot of time in various spots like Egypt, Tunisia, Kenya, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Angola etc
I'd be happy to compare notes. It's always a pleasure to see people support progressive music from the continent. If you have some recommendations, I'd be happy to hear them.
in peace,
Paul aka Dj Spooky
Ha, yeah I got a little snarky there. Didn't mean to offend. I'm just always suspect about music with a message. Call me cynical, but most political songs express emotions, but rarely any concrete solutions or plans. It makes sense though. Who wants to listen to a laundry list of social, political, and economic plans for policy?
Coincidentally, I just watched Hotel Rwanda for the first time tonight, a movie that had been long on the list. It appeared a might too sentimental. After watching The Last Just Man it's hard to watch a dramatization of the genocide with a happy ending. Striking though, was the Wyclef song at the end, Million Voices. It was what one might expect: melancholy, vaguely uplifting, with no clear answers. Written perhaps to make the listener feel empathy, or to express the empathy of Wyclef. But where are the solutions?
Post a Comment