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Leaf  Music Support PUZZLE 

Colombia has a rich, diverse tapestry of music, from cumbia and vallenato to rock en español and modern pop. We’ll look at two mega stars who have taken their music global, Shakira and Juanes. Afterwards, taste more of Colombia’s music, with a playlist we created for you!

Although Shakira may be best known for her brand of Latin pop, mixed with elements of the world’s folk music, she grew up on a diet of rock ‘n’ roll. Bands like Led Zeppelin and the Ramones helped shape how she sees herself as an artist. Beyond the over 400 awards she has won for her music, she is the founder of Pies Descalzos Foundation, a charity helping impoverished children throughout Colombia. Above you can see a metal statue of the lady herself, present in Barranquilla (her birthplace). It’s 15 feet tall, and weighs six tonnes. Of course, we can’t mention Shakira without mentioning her dance moves. Inspired by belly dancing, she has made everyone take notice of the way she moves her hips.

Juanes started his first band, Ekhymosis, in 1987, playing heavy metal. He was aged just 15 at the time. However, it was when he went solo and released Fíjate Bien in 2000, that the world started taking notice. The album received six Latin Grammy Award nominations, and is certified platinum. Juanes was named one of the most influential people in the world, by TIME in 2005, partially due to his activism work to eliminate the use of landmines globally.

Sources: Chicago Tribune http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-01-12/news/0301120069_1_shakira-william-mebarak-rock-side

Wikimedia Commons https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/EsculturaShakira.jpg

Soul, funk, disco, hip-hop and jazz itself are all influential ingredients that make up acid jazz. It’s a genre that came to be during the 1980’s in the U.K, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the dance genre in the spotlight (at the time), acid house. Percussion-heavy and groove-laced, it’s common that ensembles include a DJ as well as a full band.

Jamiroquai and the Brand New Heavies are two of the most commercially successful groups in the genre, both from London. 1994’s Brother Sister album did well in the charts for the Brand New Heavies, spawning hits in “Spend Some Time” and “Dream On Dreamer”.

Led by frontman Jay Kay, Jamiroquai have sold over 40 million records worldwide, scooped four prizes at 1997 MTV Video Music Awards and won a Grammy in 1998. By far, their most well-known track is “Virtual Insanity” from their third album, Travelling Without Moving. Many fans eagerly await their as-yet-untitled 8th studio album, expected some time this year.

Today, acid jazz has become more intertwined into what some would call neo soul, or jazz rap. You can hear the elements within A Tribe Called Quest’s output, and Chance the Rapper has cited acid jazz’s influence upon his appropriately titled Acid Rap mixtape.

Start exploring acid jazz on our Leaf.fm web playlist or on the app!

Easter is traditionally a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, but more recently it’s become associated with the Easter Bunny and eggs. The origins of the Easter Bunny likely derive from rabbits as a symbol of fertility, whilst eggs represent new life.

Highly decorated eggs were supposedly exchanged amongst Russian high society in the 19th century, which later developed into today’s Easter gift giving. We have a gift for you, a special Easter playlist filled with uplifting and inspiring songs for this weekend. If you haven’t already, download our app, and take this unique holiday with you wherever you are.

This Saturday we will be celebrating our first Leaf.fm Music Festival in San José Costa Rica, if you happen to be around come join us! it's going to be amazing!