Saturday, January 29, 2011

Will the moon shine over Tenang?


We certainly wish to see a minor miracle happen tomorrow when the people of Tenang cast their votes. Although touted as an Umno stronghold, there's every chance that the new generation of voters will opt for change and renewal - and boot out BN, whose candidate from Umno, Azahar Ibrahim can offer only more of the same old arrogance, corruption and hypocritical business-as-usual everybody is so sick and tired of.

Normala Sudirman, the Pakatan Rakyat candidate from PAS, looks like a warm, intelligent, approachable and dedicated woman who values social justice and personal integrity. Tenang voters would do well to have Normala represent their long-term interests.

HERE'S WISHING PAKATAN RAKYAT & PAS A MIRACULOUS VICTORY IN TENANG!



Sunday, January 23, 2011

Better visit Mali than Malicia!



Four different generations of Master djembe drummers of Bamako, Mali, play traditional rhythms of the Bombara people of West Africa. Aruna Sidibe (wearing cap) is an "old master" (grandmaster); accomplished and advanced in years but still able to "throw down" as this clip shows. He is accompanied by his next in line, Brulye Doumbia; and then Siaka Doumbia on dunduns; and Siaka's former student Kaleifa (wearing #21). Music for this and other similar high quality audio recordings by Michael Pluznick are now available here.



Bolokada Conde master drummer (djembe fola) plays for dancers at workshop in Oakland, California. Note: video begins 30 seconds after title.



Dancers (Ami Doumbia left and Malodone right) from the award-winning Santogoola community center and local group in the Sabaliboogoo district of Bamako chant traditional songs and perform traditional based dance choreography to the Danza rythym in Bamako. Mali, accompanied by Aruna, Brulye, Siaka and Kaliefa, four different gerations of Mali drummers. This clip is from an up and comming video. For more information visit www.michaelpluznick.com



Bamako Dance Festival, Mali, November 2007