Former Talking Head and current Renaissance man David Byrne recently put together a 2 1/2 hour mix tape he calls The Beautiful Shitholes. Explaining the mixtape, Byrne writes,
I assume I don’t have to explain where the shithole reference came from.
Here’s a playlist that gives just the smallest sample of the depth and range of creativity that continues to pour out of the countries in Africa and the Caribbean. It is undeniable. Can music help us empathize with its makers?
The artists and song titles are displayed as the songs progress in the widget above, but includes contributions by Ibeyi, Amadou & Mariam, Miriam Makeba, Orchestra Baobab, Songhoy Blues, Tinariwen, Fela Kuti, and Oumou Sangaré, among many others.
Not only is this a fun listen and a sunny soundtrack for your day, but it's essential music - as Byrne notes, it may help us overcome the xenophobia and mistrust that some divisive politicians attempt to spread.
How can you hate someone who makes you smile and tap your feet like this?
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