Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

UK visual artist Dreph has today unveiled a giant public mural in Brixton, London, as part of the global celebrations to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of Marvin Gaye's timeless album, What's Going On The stunning 16-foot piece pays homage to the 40th anniversary of the 1981 Brixton Uprising – a watershed moment for race relations in the UK. Growing tensions around racial inequality erupted into violent clashes between the predominantly Black youth of Brixton and the Metropolitan police force. The uprising was sparked by the same police violence and injustice that Marvin Gaye sang about in What's Going On . The riots took place over three days, devastating the community and injuring over 300 people. Dreph's art represents the musical message of What's Going On , which still held its significance amongst police brutality and racial inequality in 1981 and continues to encourage today's social justice movement. The picket signs reference the ly...

Nigerian-born singer/songwriter Tiwa Savage shares her new single “Temptation,” featuring multi-GRAMMY Award-winning pop phenomenon Sam Smith. Released via Island Records, “Temptation” is the latest single from Savage’s highly anticipated fourth studio album Celia, due out today, August 28th . The track is written by Tiwa Savage, Sam Smith, and Fireboy DML. It was recorded in Lagos, Nigeria and is produced by London. Hailed as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” Savage is the most popular female artist in Africa, and arguably the most popular artist in Nigeria. Last month, the globally celebrated fashion icon offered the first glimpse at her forthcoming album with “Dangerous Love” — a laid-back and enchanting track built on her signature blend of R&B and Afrobeats. Marking her directorial debut, the song’s video finds Savage co-directing alongside Ibra Ake (Childish Gambino, Beyoncé) for a stunning visual shot in Lagos, Nigeria. Named after her mother, Celia showcases Savage’s extraord...

Nigerian-born singer, songwriter and fashion icon TIWA SAVAGE – widely regarded as the 'Queen of Afrobeats' – released her brand new single, "Dangerous Love," via Motown /Island Records on the 8th July. The song is the first official single taken from her long-awaited fourth studio album 'CELIA', aptly named after her mother. Listen to "Dangerous Love" HERE . Produced by Cracker Mallo and recorded in Tiwa's home city of Lagos, Nigeria, "Dangerous Love" is the perfect blend of R&B and Afrobeats. With a powerful, enchanting chorus and silky 'afro' beat throughout, the mid-tempo record is a representation of Tiwa's musical growth and preview to her upcoming project. "Dangerous Love is such a vibe! It's a song that is basically about a girl who is dipping in and out of a 'relationship' with a guy that really doesn't deserve her time or attention. She knows that he is bad for her but she gambling w...