Category: World Music & Travel

Diwali Today – India’s Biggest Festival Of Light – Celebrate Inner Light Of Good Over Evil – Diwali Represents Much More Than Light! – It Is A Calling To The World

On By kevymichaelsIn Celebration, Creativity, Cultural Difference, Deepak Chopra, Diwali, Happiness, Music, Peace, Reincarnation, Religion, Seasons, Spirituality, Unity, World Music & TravelLeave a comment

Audio Narrative

I am fortunate to have been introduced to the Indian culture over 20 years ago. Indians are very dominant in the IT Systems field. This is where I spent most of my career. They are exceptionally brilliant people. We worked well together on many projects in some of the world’s largest corporations. I still keep in touch with several Indian friends that I’ve worked with within the United States, and abroad.

But what attracts me most to Indian culture is greater than their intelligence. It is their peacefulness and inner light that draws me to them. Their vibration is immensely powerful especially to those like me who have meditated for over 20 years, and who is curious and open to all cultures and faiths.

I have attended Indian weddings, baby rituals, and have been invited to dinner in the homes of Indian families, which was all a great honor. Every event and venue was full of love and joy and was quite colorful. I love colors. I see them as a reflection of God’s light in a myriad of God-created hues. Light is energy; therefore, colors have a power that can influence our spirit. The Indian culture knows this well, as I do.

Today Indians around the world celebrate the festival known as Diwali, the festival of lights. It is a festival that is based on an Indian god who defeated evil. Diwali is a celebration of good over evil. If there were ever an appropriate time to celebrate good over evil, now is that time considering the state of world affairs, politically, economically, and socially. We should all celebrate Diwali today and every day.

Continue reading “Diwali Today – India’s Biggest Festival Of Light – Celebrate Inner Light Of Good Over Evil – Diwali Represents Much More Than Light! – It Is A Calling To The World” →

Senegal’s Bright Diamond – Youssou N’Dour Along With AI Revealed Senegalese & Other Happy African Music – So Moved By This Music! – I Don’t Need To Understand The Languages – I Can Feel That It’s Good!

On By kevymichaelsIn Africa, Africans and African Americans, Afrobeats, Black People, Happiness, House Music, International Music, Jazz Music, Music, Reggae Music, Soul Music, World Music & Travel, World News3 Comments

Yesterday, after working out at the gym, I played African music on my smartphone as I exited the building. A middle-aged White lady who was unknowingly behind me heard the music and said, “That’s nice music, happy music.” I had never characterized African music as happy music, though I agree that it evokes happiness.

I mentioned that the lady was White to contrast that many African Americans, and other races, are not familiar with the beauty of African music, especially West African music.

Many Latinos are unaware that Salsa music originated in Africa. Salsa is a set of Afro-Caribbean rhythms fused with jazz and other styles. The truth is that its origins have always been much debated, although as a general rule it is mentioned that it comes from a fusion that came from Africa in the Caribbean when they heard European music and wanted to mix it with their drums.

I have recently found more White people in tune with African music than my own people, in restaurants, in grocery stores, outdoor events, etc. Just last week I met a White young man who was very familiar with West African music from having worked in Africa, while in the Peace Corps.

Prince – Welcome 2 America – Musically Masterful, Funky, Raw, Political, Spiritual, Jazzy, Rock, Controversial & Rebellious – All The Things I Love In Prince…In Life Seasons

On By kevymichaelsIn Chill, Life Seasons, Music, Racism, Vibration, Wisdom, World Music & Travel4 Comments

I’ve always loved Prince.

Audio Narrative

I have ever since high school. He was very popular in New Orleans, and when I went to college in San Francisco, he was very popular there. When I lived in London, he had a cult following. He had a shop there, in Camden Town. I visited his shop and I appreciated him even more because his shop was full of incense, candles, and was very metaphysical, the kind of stuff I love. I’ve actually met Prince in person as well, in San Francisco at a record store. He had quite a following of look-a-likes at the Studio West dance club, in Embarcadero, San Francisco.

Studio West San Francisco: In the early to mid-’80s, this was one of the best clubs. It was along the Embarcadero with beautiful views. People used to come from all over, the scene was mostly rap, with some techno, along with the favorites back then including Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson, etc. …Lot of young folks, especially Asians, Mexicans, & Blacks.

I’ve always liked Prince; I was like a Prince’s-head. I followed him from the very beginning with the first album that I remember, Soft and Wet. I’ve seen him in concert as well. He is amazingly energetic and performs nonstop for 3 or more hours.

Continue reading “Prince – Welcome 2 America – Musically Masterful, Funky, Raw, Political, Spiritual, Jazzy, Rock, Controversial & Rebellious – All The Things I Love In Prince…In Life Seasons” →

Poetrimony – Guest Blogger & Poet – Afzal Moolla – Johannesburg, South Africa – Through Struggle – Creating Profound Emotive Art

On By kevymichaelsIn #BLACKLIVESMATTER, Africa, Africans and African Americans, Black People, Coronavirus, Cultural Difference, Grieving, Guest, Guest Post, Hate, How People Act, International Music, Life Seasons, Peace, Poem, Poetrimony, Police Killings, Politics, Racial Equality, Racial Equity, Racism, Revolution, World Music & Travel, World News5 Comments

Audio Introduction

Biography – Afza Moolla

I was born in Delhi, India while my parents were in exile, working as anti-Apartheid activists for the African National Congress. I subsequently traveled wherever my parents’ work took them. I feel I still haven’t stopped traveling.

I live and work in Johannesburg, South Africa. I’m 39 years old and particularly appreciate good literature, be it prose or verse. I share my literary musings with my most strident critic: my 12-year-old at.  Read More

Scribbled Verse – Scribbles by Afzal Moolla

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Socially Conscious Songs That I Love – Heavily Reggae Influenced – But Others May Surprise U! – So Much Music – Loads Slow – Worth Waiting 4

On By kevymichaelsIn Afro Pop, Afrobeats, Black People, British Music, Euro Electronic Rock, Funk, Golbal Warming, Gospel, Happiness, House Music, Jazz Music, Life Lessons, Life Seasons, Loud Music, Music, Politics, Racial Equality, Racial Equity, Reggae Music, Religion, Soul Music, Stevie Wonder, Vibration, World Music & TravelLeave a comment

I’ve said this before, but I will say it again as a preface to this post. I do so boldly because I am not afraid of talking about those things that no one wants to discuss or admit. I enjoy courageous conversations. Those who are so brave are often the pioneers of progress. We should all speak up and speak out.

With all the coronavirus hype, I believe that there is a great deal of mind control at work. It amazes me how it seems the whole world “Follows” whatever is popular in media, such as raiding shelves of toilet tissue, fearing the coronavirus, making hasty decisions without question or investigation, “Liking” Nas X’s depicted encounter with Satan, twerking, being a “bad bitch”, or whatever.

Most people are being programmed and don’t realize it.

Well, we all are, including me, but I realize it. It is mainly being done for profit. AI is now forming our perceptions and emotions. I know this! I am very connected with the latest AI, machine learning movements. I have an over 20-year career history in technology.

Continue reading “Socially Conscious Songs That I Love – Heavily Reggae Influenced – But Others May Surprise U! – So Much Music – Loads Slow – Worth Waiting 4” →

SHARE – Feel Good On A Stevie Wonder Vibe! – Dat’s Whazup! – Maybe U Can I See Like Stevie Wonder – I Can, Every Now & Then

On By kevymichaelsIn Africans and African Americans, Awakening, Biden, Black People, Chill, Chilling, Creativity, Happiness, Hate, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Life Lessons, Life Seasons, Meditation, Music, Poem, Poetrimony, Politics, Potentiality, Potrimony, Prayer, Seeking, Soul Music, Stevie Wonder, Truth, Unity, Vibration, Wisdom, World Music & Travel13 Comments

“We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.” – Stevie Wonder

This is a Feel-Good post.  I hope that you want to feel better today.  I do.  We need it.  I will try my best with this post. 

The vibration in the atmosphere has been tense.  I believe that the Lord wants us to have more alone time to reflect and reconcile our differences with The World, to perhaps lead us to reconciliation, inner peace, and Love.  I have had to go inward and introspective on a daily to keep my vibe up high.

Today, my vibe is very elevated!  I am looking forward to the new life that begins each day.  I see sleep as dying each night and waking reborn.

But this moment, the new Season just before us, post-Lobster, post-COVID19, post-insurrection, post-everything 2020 is more eagerly anticipated by everyone.  The unknowns and adventure of it all can be absolutely exhilarating, if you are imaginatively creative, and are vibrating higher than most.  I am that way today.  Are you?

I am looking forward to a more discerned and refined me, blossoming in this new Springtime.  For I know that Spring always comes.  Always, period point-blank. 

We are on its horizon.  I listened to Stevie Wonder’s music and watched his videos today, and I feel mighty inspired.  I hope you enjoy it.  Kevy

I am singing about Tomorrow.  Let’s start singing of Love from our hearts.

Stevie Wonder – Ngiculela – Es Una Historia – I am Singing – Apr 18, 2007 –  Crustybrown

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SHARE – I Need That SA BEAT! – AFROBEATS – I Need To Clear My Mind & Move My Feet – I Need That BEAT!

On By kevymichaelsIn Africa, Africans and African Americans, Afro Pop, Afrobeats, Fitness & Exercise, How People Act, International Music, Loud Music, Music, Soul Music, World Music & Travel2 Comments

Today I was feeling like I needed that Afrobeat

Afrobeats make me move my feet, where I can’t sit in my seat.

There is so much on my mind right now.  There so much on everybody’s mind. 

You can only imagine how much we must be filled with thoughts, having to research all the things we hear, constantly tuning into media and social media. 

The Truth can be shocking and a bit discouraging at times. 

This may be one reason why so many don’t dig deep to find facts.  Relying solely on media news and social media is the easy way out. 

The events and uncertainties in life are overwhelming right now. 

Sometimes I need Afrobeats TO ESCAPE IT ALL! 

Today is one of those times.  Kevy Continue reading “SHARE – I Need That SA BEAT! – AFROBEATS – I Need To Clear My Mind & Move My Feet – I Need That BEAT!” →

SHARE – In This Season We Must Meditate, Pray, Ground & Listen To Music That Inspires & Makes U Happy – Over 50 Playlists Of Go-To Happy Music! – Reggae, Gospel, African, Cuban, Latino, Jazz, Disco, House & More! – Music To Take Those Blues Away! – …Far Away!

On By kevymichaelsIn Black People, Chill, Chilling, Funk, Gospel, Grounding, Happiness, Healthy Life, House Music, Inspiration, International Music, Jazz Music, Loud Music, Meditation, Mothers, Music, New Orleans, Old School, Prayer, Reggae Music, Revolution, Seasons, Soul Music, Spirituality, World Music & Travel13 Comments

Audio

I hope that most people who read my post don’t think that I’m full of rage and anger because I’m not.

I am simply a Black man who has been through a lot of trials, and who’s well-traveled, analytical, educated, and brave enough to speak my mind. I really don’t care if my reality has a dismal aspect. It is simply what I’ve experienced in my life, good, bad, and ugly.

Though many Black people don’t speak their true minds, I do my best to encourage them to speak their minds in response to my opinions, even if they disagree with me. I won’t shun them. Sometimes they do comment on my posts. Sometimes they do so in private. Many despise me because of my views as oppose to discussing why they feel differently. That their “monkey”, not mine. I will explain “The Monkey” in a future post.

But I am only sharing with you how I managed through The Revolution that we’re currently in. …And, through the trials that you may experience.

For one, I manage through practicing daily meditation. I’ve done so for about 30 years. I have posted on meditation, as well as on prayer, which too is a long-time daily practice of mine. I do grounding as well. All these things keep me at a higher vibration in spite of expressing frustrations with the things that I’ve experienced. …The things I experienced today. …The trials in which I’ve endured.

But this post is about music. Music is a big part of my life. I see it as the background theme music of every scene and mood in my daily life. …As if my life is video content. I use music to calibrate my mood and spirit whenever it requires calibration.

Continue reading “SHARE – In This Season We Must Meditate, Pray, Ground & Listen To Music That Inspires & Makes U Happy – Over 50 Playlists Of Go-To Happy Music! – Reggae, Gospel, African, Cuban, Latino, Jazz, Disco, House & More! – Music To Take Those Blues Away! – …Far Away!” →

SHARE – To Know More About African American Culture Start By Getting Jazzy – It Is Love Supreme! – One Step From Meditative New Age Music – Healthy Too!

On By kevymichaelsIn Africans and African Americans, Black People, Catholic, Happiness, Health, House Music, Inspiration, International Music, Jazz Music, Meditation, Unity, White People, White Silence, World Music & Travel2 Comments

This post is another mashup. The post is primarily about Jazz music.

I am sharing’s its history and variations as a way for you to become better acquainted with a major aspect of African American culture. It is a mashup because I have additional footage and photos of mural art to share and decided to create content using the images set to various styles of Jazz music. I also wanted to share poems that I wrote, as well as, poems from other poets, adding this all of this to jazz music of various tempos in a visually-enticing video.

As a result, this post is a mashup of Jazz Music, Mural Art & Poetry (by me and other poems from around the world). Not sure, but let’s see how this goes for you. Kevy

Before I go any further, I want to remind you that I am not immediately knowledgeable, off the top of my head, on all the topics on which I write.

I am inspired by life events, observations, relationships, family scenarios, web surfing, and National Public Radio (NPR) to create fresh content. In a sense, I provide a service with my posts. I perform the research, give my opinion, and provide you with references to do further research. You are always invited to respond and even share an entire post.

Though I am African American, and though I appreciate jazz music, I did not know as much about its history, variations, or health benefits until I did the research for this post. I learn something new with every post.

I grew up surrounded by jazz music in New Orleans as a child. My cousin was a DJ at a New Orleans jazz radio station WWOZ. I highly recommend that you download the app for 24 hours a day of free jazz music.

Continue reading “SHARE – To Know More About African American Culture Start By Getting Jazzy – It Is Love Supreme! – One Step From Meditative New Age Music – Healthy Too!” →

Murals In Da House! – Denver’s Outdoor Art Galleries – Turn Up On This House Music Art Walk Mashup – Vibrant Artwork Blows Minds Like Mine

On By kevymichaelsIn #BLACKLIVESMATTER, Africans and African Americans, Afrobeats, Fitness & Exercise, Happiness, International Music, Unity, World Music & TravelLeave a comment

In my opinion, the city of Denver’s personality is very dynamically evolving before my eyes.

With the legalization of marijuana in 2013, the city is booming with new construction, progressive legislation, and appreciation for its natural beauty.  Nearly 39% of Denver’s population is under 30 years old.  The median age is 37 years!

Millennials really showed their true colors, passion, and creatively recently with the protests which are still active.  They let my old ass know who’s running the future, them!  The protests were filled with artists displaying their works.  Additionally, there were concurrent art festivals occurring, as the protests were going on in the background.  I have been changed by the art that I’ve seen.  I have an energized appreciation for, but not for art in a museum.  …Mural Art in the alleyways of the city. 

Prior to the coronavirus, I used to visit the Denver Museum of Art regularly.  Every first Saturday of the month it’s free.  Many of Colorado’s museums are free periodically throughout the year.  Due to the coronavirus, they are closed, without further notice.

Throughout the protest and pandemic, I have never been one to sit at home in fear, sickened by around-the-clock news.  I am still not regularly watching the news and am handling today’s crucial times optimistically.  I am out every day enjoying the scenes and sites of my beautiful city.

juan-nino-9GL3a_YDeSw-unsplash
Photo – Juan Nino – Denver, Colorado, USA

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New Orleans Mood – “Yeah Chile, I Went By The Parade & By My Mama’s and N’em House, Back-a-town”

On By kevymichaelsIn Africans and African Americans, Black People, Creole, Cultural Difference, Happiness, History, How People Act, Music, New Orleans, Old School, Soul Music, World Music & Travel1 Comment

A Taste of New Orleans Culture

I am in a New Orleans mood today. It is kind of difficult to explain, but I will try.

As I’ve mentioned, New Orleans is a very magical city. In a way, it’s like The City of Oz. There are casinos, cruises docking, live jazz in the streets, enticing aromas of Creole food, and boiled seafood, and anything you can imagine to indulge, but only if you do it in excess.

New Orleans has a bar on nearly every corner in certain neighborhoods. They still call them barrooms. As single person, those barrooms are a savior because nearly every day of the week, they feature food. They may have fried chicken, red beans & rice, on Mondays, boiled crawfish (not crayfish) and crabs on Wednesday, and Fish Fry Fridays. A single person doesn’t really have to prepare dinner, because there is always a barroom that serves free food with a drink.

New Orleans is one of the few cities that allows 3 and 4-for-1 drink specials. When you purchase your first drink, additional plastic Dixie cups are placed top down on the bar for your next rounds.

New Orleans offers variety with excitement, ‘the best of’, in the most important categories: Food, Drink, Music, Dance, Gambling, Festivities, and Charm.

On top of all of that, because of its extreme humidity, no one ever really dresses up, except during the Mardi Gras ball season. You just come as you are. That’s why it’s the ‘Big Easy’.

But if you are not careful and disciplined, this Land of Oz, or Sodom and Gomorrah, as Pentecostal Baptists would refer to it, can get you in a lot of trouble.

Continue reading “New Orleans Mood – “Yeah Chile, I Went By The Parade & By My Mama’s and N’em House, Back-a-town”” →