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

“OH AFRICA ” FEAT KERI HILSON Senegalese born Global superstar Akon , has sold over 1.5 million albums and even more singles in the UK alone, and over 8 million albums world wide. It comes as no surprise that Akon was chosen to team up with Pepsi to sing the World Cup inspired song for this summer’s tournament in South Africa . ‘Oh Africa ’ is a fitting ode to the nation hosting the World Cup, and sung patriotically by one of the continent’s most loved figures. Akon is joined by R&B’s woman of the moment, Keri Hilson , who shares vocals alongside him. The Soweto Gospel Choir , the thirty-plus member ensemble who memorably performed at the first of Nelson Mandela’s 46664 concerts in Cape Town in 2003, also team up with Akon on the single. Not forgetting a group of fifteen specially picked young people from across the world, who sing with the choir to form the chorus, representing the unity of the World Cup. The video to accompany the song was directed by Gill Green , who has

" FIRFELIES " SOARS UP THE CHARTS TO THE NO.1 SPOT! As tickets for his UK tour sell out fast, Owl City's global phenomenon ' Fireflies ' soars up the UK charts to No.1!! Owl City’s single ‘Fireflies’ has already sold nearly 3 million copies in the US, topped the Billboard chart - twice - and the iTunes chart in 6 countries, yet until recently he was still relatively unknown in the UK. However, following its early release due to popular demand here in the UK and with very little promotion, ' Fireflies ' topped the UK charts on Sunday. Adam Young , the talented young man behind Owl City is modestly taking his latest chart topping success in his stride. “ It hasn't quite sunk in yet and I suspect it never really will. It's surreal to think that a song I wrote in a basement in the middle of blustery Minnesota has made it as far as it has. Needless to say, I'm completely thrilled .” Owl City can’t wait to hit the road in the UK and, judging by t

Michael Franti & Spearhead SINGLE: SAY HEY (I LOVE YOU) : MONDAY 1st FEBRUARY ALBUM: ALL REBEL ROCKERS : MONDAY 8th FEBRUARY Oakland, CA born Michael Franti has occupied a unique position in American music over his two decade career. Cutting against the grain of fashion, he has been an outspoken champion of social justice - whether that's fighting for human rights, veteran's rights, ridding poverty or producing his 50,000 capacity 'Power To The Peaceful' festival each year. His newest album ' All Rebel Rockers ' has struck a loud chord Stateside and become a hit record. Recorded in Jamaica at the Anchor Studio with Island Records legends Sly & Robbie, the album produced the rapturous dancehall-reggae hybrid lead single 'Say Hey (I Love You)'. With Kingston's own Cherine Anderson on guest vocals, the single has sold a million copies (certified platinum) in the US, and the video has been watched close to 4 million times on Youtube. Commerc