…a recap in quotes, cuz there’s just not a lot of time!
Photo by NYTimes Michael Nagle
“In his own songs, played live by a potent funk band, Blitz drew on the stentorian delivery of Public Enemy’s Chuck D, but he also pushed into hyperspeed double-time rapping that was still intelligible as it whizzed by.” – NYTimes
“He’s a socially conscious rapper. Blitz is determined to draw American attention to Africa, and Ghana particularly, comparing American privilege with African poverty.” – NYTimes
“His sing-songy delivery gave many of his songs the feeling of crisscrossed genre mash-ups, swiftly moving from traditional hip-hop to Nigerian high life and hard Afro-funk. Blitz invited his audience on a narrative musical journey, exploring the roots of rap and funk music around the world and the African continent.” – Wall Street Journal
“Blitz The Ambassador’s horn-filled soul band hit the stage with so much polish that it coaxed folks into the aisles instantly.” – Village Voice
Quick thoughts: I thought this was passionate and smart collaborative curation at its finest. Each artist brought something different and the pace of the evening was perfect. From Iyadede‘s fanciful and light set, to a bouncing Spoek Mathambo (who just signed to Sub Pop) whose frenetic set got everyone in the aisles, and ending with Blitz the Ambassador and The Embassy Ensemble topping off the night with a brassy and vivid geographic sonic journey. Epic!
Shout outs to Bill Bragin at Lincoln Center (and the awesome team over there!), CCCADI, Embassy MVMT, and Society Hae for a memorable evening that’s sure to bring each of these artists closer towards spring boarding EVEN more across the United States and wider audiences worldwide.
Blitz the Ambassador is confirmed to play WOMEX in October and has confirmed the following US Midwest tour:
9/10 – CALIFORNIA – Doheny Days Music Fest @ Dana Points
9/14 – KENT, OH – Kent State Univ.
9/15 – DETROIT, MI- Magic Stick
9/16 – MADISON, WI – World Music Festival
9/17- CHICAGO – World Music Festival
9/18- MILWAUKEE, WI – Global Union Festival @ Alverno College
9/19 – AMES, IA – Iowa State Univ.
9/20 – MINNEAPOLIS, MN – 7th St. Entry
9/21 – IOWA CITY, IA – Blue Moose
9/22 – St. LOUIS, MO – Firebird
9/25 – PITTSBURGH, PA – August Wilson Center
9/26- LEXINGTON, KY – Woodsong
