A cover originally written and performed by Ethiopian artist and activist Ali Mohammed Birra, Leyla McCalla has shared her Tropicalia-inflected version of “Love We Had” today. Serving as an African Diasporic declaration of sonic freedom in the face of all that has kept us apart from one another, listen to the track below. Listen to “Love We Had”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoGDnjWKY2c “Love We …
LEYLA MCCALLA SHARES COVER OF HAITIAN BALLAD “ZANJ” FEAT. ALYNDA SEGARRA OF HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF
Leyla McCalla is sharing the final track in a series of singles that reflect upon the struggle for freedom in our society today. Originally recorded by Haitian political protest singer and folk musician Manno Charlemagne, “Zanj” is originally sung in Haitian Kreyol. ““Zanj” always caught my ear and brought a lump to my throat,” McCalla explains. “The poetry of …
Leyla McCalla finds inspiration from her past and present. Whether it is her Haitian heritage or her adopted home of New Orleans, she — a bilingual multi-instrumentalist and alumna of Grammy award-winning African-American string band, the Carolina Chocolate Drops — has risen to produce a distinctive sound that reflects the union of her roots and experience. Today McCalla …