Jazz doesn’t die, it multiplies; changes form, modulates and manifests itself in the shape and image of a new generation. Jazz speaks many languages, from the sexy pickup line of a Miles Davis solo, to the instrumental argument of a Roy Hargrove solo.

Then, the world happens upon a jazz artist speaking in a new language, with an intelligent touch. We overlook the simple words. We ignore the quiet sounds; we tie five knots on one tennis shoe. We look for over the top, when most of what we need to hear in contemporary jazz, could be easy and natural.

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From time to time, artists choose to stand against injustices in the world . Occasionally we come across an artist whose sole mission is to challenge the system. Artists like Dead Prez, Joni MItchell and Joan Baez were highly criticized for their non-conformist music. A new generation yields new voices, and new artist Nneka is spreading her protest music across America. I guess you could call her the “Nigerian Joan Baez”.

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Yorkers’ Finest MC, Outasight Rides The Yellow Submarine

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