In a humid rehearsal studio, Liberia's pop queen is practicing her newest single -- a song called "Thank You" to be released for President Bush's visit there next week.

Her head tilted back, Juli Endee pulls the microphone close and belts out, "Thank you, George Bush."

"Thank you for democracy," she croons over the electric guitar, shaking her hips wrapped in yellow cloth. "Thank you for the rule of law," she sings. "Thank you for debt relief."

edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/02/15/...s.bush.ap/index.html

Pass the sick bucket !

Before anyone takes her too seriously, it appears that she launches CDs for ANYONE who may have power / influence !!! -

http://allafrica.com/stories/200802140676.html

You're not quite in the know about this.

In Africa 'praise' songs are very popular and an important part of the culture. Whole albums are dedicated to politicians, business people, philanthropists and so on.

Also GW may not be liked here in the UK but in Africa especially Liberia that is a completely different ball game.

DJKZ wrote:
You're not quite in the know about this.

In Africa 'praise' songs are very popular and an important part of the culture. Whole albums are dedicated to politicians, business people, philanthropists and so on.

Also GW may not be liked here in the UK but in Africa especially Liberia that is a completely different ball game.

You are probably right - as Liberia is not, never has been, and never will be, of worth from a cultural point of view, I've never taken any notice. Of course, IF I trawled their culture I MAY find something of interest - but I suspect the odds are several hundred billion to one, don't you?

And as for George doing them some good!? ... what kind of deal is it? Do they realise what they are giving up in return (because they WILL be giving something up, won't they?)?

All cultures have worth ITK. Just because you can't see past western culture does not mean it has not cultural worth. Besides I sdid Africa and not just Liberia and you cannot tell me that Africa has no cultural worth can you ?

As for your criticism of GW, it's all right sitting in cozy England playing the armchair political pundit (no disrespect by the way) but if you're on the ground in Liberia where America has a lot of power and influence you have to be practical. You would be singing like a canary to get all the help that you can get. But I don't want to be dragged into an argument on the dynamics of the relationship between the West and Africa.

Love Africa (particularly the North - I don't know the middle and South that well) and love the music - I was into Khaled almost before France had heard of him!

Agree with you there, JK. Have loved Khaled for years too. In fact North African and Middle Eastern pop at its best is hard to beat.

As for sub-Saharan Africa, I think ITK has a point. They haven't had their time yet, and have been put back decades developmentally by Western colonisation. Their turn will come.

In The Know wrote:
DJKZ wrote:
You're not quite in the know about this.

In Africa 'praise' songs are very popular and an important part of the culture. Whole albums are dedicated to politicians, business people, philanthropists and so on.

Also GW may not be liked here in the UK but in Africa especially Liberia that is a completely different ball game.

You are probably right - as Liberia is not, never has been, and never will be, of worth from a cultural point of view, I've never taken any notice. Of course, IF I trawled their culture I MAY find something of interest - but I suspect the odds are several hundred billion to one, don't you?

And as for George doing them some good!? ... what kind of deal is it? Do they realise what they are giving up in return (because they WILL be giving something up, won't they?)?
How do you say "effete snob" in Liberian? I must check my Assimil.

Joke aside, what you are saying is totally irrelevant. The song is not intended for people with fancy computers and iPods, wi-fis, maybe two incomes per household, the occasional skiing holiday and cheap Ryanair flights to Venice for a weekend with the missus.

Africa happens to be THE musical continent. Most of what we do is pale in comparison. That doesn't stop dross from being produced, of course. And "praise" songs are usually paid for in cash. This is one way for musicians to stay in business (we have chosen advertising - to each his own). I can't really see GW paying for a tribute in Liberia, so I don't know what the deal is there.

Meanwhile, check this video. DJ Zidane produced a track called "Guantanamo" in the popular Zouglou style in Ivory Coast. I have yet to hear a statement as clear as this from a Western artist in a popular style. We're all being very coy musically when it comes to international politics.

Ivory Coast is in civil war. People get shot for less. Who has the balls to do this in the UK?

Classy stuff Mike

Michael wrote:
How do you say "effete snob" in Liberian? I must check my Assimil.


... with Bongo drums ?