The Fugees: classic, nostalgic!

  Some songs are unforgettable, and timeless. Off course, The international hip hop stage counts today some great nouns who don’t have to blush for their creation or their performances. But when the model is too talented, it is hard to appreciate other musics than old classics, which make the work harder for new artists!

  The Fuggees, who appeared in the middle of 90’s, don’t seem to go out of fashion. On the contrary, they are missed by plenty of fans, ready to sing in chorus their greatest hits: “Ready or not”, “Fu-gee-la” (see video) or “killing me softly”. Great Wyclef Jean, divine Lauryn Hill or enigmatic Pras Michel didn’t disappear, they just lead a peaceful existence, taking advantage of an individual carrier sometimes talentuous, relegating the Fugees time to the past. An amazing but revolved past.

  They surely marked a whole young generation, attracted by hip hop and rap in a time when these types were expanding and tended to express a globalised youth’s frustrations and expectations, admirative of the « american musical giant » and fascinated by some of its most successful symbols : Notorious Big, Tupac, Mos Def or Nas. Then, The Fugees appear like an UFO in 1993, shared between virulent texts, rap samples, sophisticated melodies or amazing covers, which belong more to the 80’s RnB or jazz, and sometimes to reggae.

MADE IN JAMAICA, between Reggae and Ragga

 MADE IN JAMAICA proposes to explain and analyse the birth of reggae music and Rastafarism, which is strongly linked to it, its evolution and the new trend of ragga dancehall music, more rude, offensive and violent than its predecessor. With the presence of Gregory Isaacs, Third world, Bunny Wailers, for the reggae part; and Tanya Stephens, Lady Saw, Capleton,  Elephant man and Bounty killer for the ragga part, the casting couldn’t have been more complete and entertaining.

“Reggae music is life, reggae music is love, reggae music is salvation, reggae music is redemption” said one of the protagonists. The evolution of reggae music is told by new and old representatives of the movement and the documentary offers a perfect mix between history, musical scenes, entertaining and quotations. It permits to understand the philosophy of the movement throughout the eyes of its symbols, who represent the “JAMAICAN DREAM”.

How this little island deeply marked by the print of slavery managed to be heard all over the world, creating a new music style, and a new philosophy, that was to become such a huge phenomenon? The film starts with the murder of one of the most famous stars of the ragga movement in the country, Bogle.  spectators already understand that they will see a disturbing movie, that is going to make them forget all their prejudices about  reggae music, supposed to be full of love and tolerant lyrics.

From Marcus Garvey to Bob Marley, from the struggle against slavery to the furious parties of Kingston, the movie perfectly draws the sliding from emancipation and redemption lyrics, on soft and slow rhythms, spiced by the particular voices of reggae legends, to the violent, sexist and sometimes racist lyrics, on loud, energetic and disorganised rhythms of ragga music. Jamaica is described as a poor island, whose youth remains bored and losing hope and goal.

Harlem Globetrotters, the comeback!

  A little bit crazy, often eccentric, but obviously talented, the Harlem Globetrotters come back in Europe for an amazing tour, from the month of March! It is the occasion, for every basket ball lover from the old continent, to enjoy a funny and air show which, each time, fulfils all its promises!

  These “magicians of basketball”, born in 1926 in Chicago, have become a unique sport  legend since by , due to their impressive exploits, and the great nouns who have made up their roster. Team of Basket ball more attracted by fun and derision than competition, but offering a sportive show largely able to make the most famous pros jealous, the Harlem Globetrotters can easily trust their new recruits to represent an 84-year-experience heritage.

  If the idea of watching an entertaining as well as impressive match seduces you, just check your country’s list of exhibitions.

  Since History is always good for your mind, and this one is quite amazing, let’s sum up their   evolution:

  Doing exhibition matches hasn’t always been The Harlem Globetrotters’ vocation, and they incidentally played at a quite good level in 1927, in the Negro American Legion League. At this period  known as “Giles Post” , then “Savoy big five”, it is only when Abe Saperstein buys the club in the same year that they are renamed « Harlem Globe Trotters ». The team only comprises black players, none accepted yet in major leagues.

  It is in 30’s that they start to improvise some “funny mini-shows” during the games. Reece Goose Tatum becomes at the time a kind of expert in this exercise, opening the way to plenty of young « comic-sportive » players.

The last samurai: the forgotten honour

  Some nations can change their own History, but some men dedicate their life to change the destiny of their people.

  Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) is an American captain recognized for his work against the Indians in the 1870’s. Disillusioned and traumatised by his memories, he tries to forget his despair with alcohol and leads a pathetic and lonely existence. So when he is proposed to help to fight a rebellion in Japan, he accepts without great conviction, more attracted by the greed than the honour of serving the emperor.

  In a Japan torn between modern temptation and persistence of traditions, Algren has to train and lead an army of inexperienced soldiers, far from being ready to fight. At the end of a battle, he is captured and will have to stay in his enemies ‘place: the samurais, former emperor allies, totally devoted to serve him. The confusion is total: Who is really the enemy? Who are this people he considered as wild and hostile? And what does its enigmatic and charismatic leader, Katsumoto (the excellent Ken Watanabe) expect from him?

  This story is above all the crossroad of two destinies: Captain Algren, disillusioned soldier, losing faith and ideal, meets Katsumoto, brave and proud chief, full of spirituality, who would give his life for the cause he defends. Apparently opposite, they will learn from each other and one kind of brotherhood feeling will make them closer.