It is fair to say that of all Spanish-language singers, Shakira (according to Wikipedia, "the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time") is the one who does not really need any promotion — or at least not on this blog. The English lyrics is also not her strongest point. But she most definitely can sing and dance, as this live performance of Ojos así demonstrates. This song first appeared on Shakira's 1998 album, ¿Dónde están los ladrones?
Kirill
This week's song will require a 13 minutes of your attention but I hope you won't regret it. It is called Allah Hu and is performed by Faiz Ali Faiz Qawwali ensemble, guitarist Chicuelo and two flamenco singers, Duquende and Miguel Poveda. It appears on Qawwali Flamenco double CD + DVD box.
...is Lóstregos by Galician gaita (bagpipe) player, Xosé Manuel Budiño. This song is taken from his 1997 album Paralaia and features vocal of Mercedes Peón.
Kirill
And now for something completely different: I'd like to introduce a Senegalese hip-hop trio Daara J. They rap in French and in their native Wolof, but in Esperanza (as you may have guessed) you will also hear Spanish.
Kirill
...is Para No Vivir Desesperado from Piñata, the latest offering of Mexican Institute Of Sound. (The 'Institute' consists of one man, Camilo Lara, but it is a fun record anyway.)
Kirill
The star of this week is the pianist and singer from Seville Diego Amador with soleá Quiero olvidarte.
Kirill
This week's song is Quien Manda a Quien performed by this unique Colombian/Congolese fusion band, Colombiafrica - The Mystic Orchestra. (No it is not sung in Spanish but it's a great stuff all the same.)
Kirill
I'd like to introduce a wondeful singer from Barcelona, Mayte Martín. This week's song (bulería) is called Ten cuidao.
Kirill
As you are just about to discover, Grupo Fantasma is a very cool Latin funk band. They are coming from Austin, Texas. Check out their latest CD Comes Alive. This week's song, Laredo, is taken from their self-titled debut album (2001).
This week, it is timeless classic Cucurrucucú paloma. I chose this version performed by the Mexican-American singer Perla Batalla. Listen to more of her songs at her website.
Kirill
