For last week’s ONE Act, we asked you to expand your music horizons and listen to a new sound coming from Africa: Baloji. The Congolese-Belgian rapper sings all about freedom, justice and democracy in a fusion of pan-African beats, hip hop and jazz — and we weren’t surprised to discover that you like him just as much as we do. Here are some of the nice things that you said about Baloji, which we will share with him in a tweet (you can tweet him at @Baloji, too). Thank you for all those who participated — we had folks from Chile, Argentina, Canada and the US!
Your music is groovy and unique sounding, you have some real talent going on. Keep up the great work -Monica
Baloji, live free speech! I am Brazilian and I saw that your style of music looks like our style. Only better understand the lyrics of your songs after you explained! Please ask to put English subtitles …. laughs …. I’m glad you bring joy to his people through your work. Congratulations! -Priscila
Music helps the people come together and inspired them to be part of one unity. And don’t forget always be true as you’re doing now. Sending all the love from South America (Chile). -Ellen Ramirez
What inspires me is just knowing that there are so many beautiful people around the world who care enough to put themselves 2nd for a moment and focus on someone else who’s needs are more important. It gives me inspiration just knowing that those kids or grownups around the world wake up in the morning with nothing to look forward to, but yet they manage to keep going. -Nyesha Taylor
Hey Baloji, I’ve never danced to punk rock before, but one of my favorites is Reggae. If I was still able to dance, I wouldn’t mind dancing to your music. Interesting and clear that you the band, as well as the people dancing; were having a great time. Terrific, keep going. -Linda
Sounds good. I like it.. Think band is great.. Favorite part is when the song ‘breaksdown’ and that one guy starts singing. Best of luck with everything! -Luke
LISTEN TO YOUR HAPPINESS Baloji music, but more happiness I see the enthusiasm PRODUCE SEE IN IT, HE HEARD IN MY LIFE TOO LITTLE MUSIC FOR YOUR MUSIC AFRICA IY ENCANTO.TE ME WISH ALL THE SUCCESS AND YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE DOING YOU LIKE, OF BUENOS AIRES ARGENTINA WITH A BIG HEART HUG -Cristina Avalos
love your music! And love your interest in DEMOCRACY / FREEDOM & JUSTICE ! I’d buy a CD ! More power to you ! -Suzannah Mee
Kinda Will.I.Am, kinda Ike Turner, kinda Sammy Davis Jr., totally cool! Yay Baloji!!! -Kathy
Great Sound!! Luvv ya Fusion,Luvv ya Voice! Let us know if U come to Australia! -Leila
beautiful soul shining through baloji, keep going -Jo
Love, love, love it…. -Rose
Dear Baloji: I enjoyed your song Nazonji. A cool African funk, rap, jazz sound! Good luck to you and your fellow band mates! -Stephanie Sheehan
My toddler son and I loved the music! We were sitting here at the computer and he was just dancing away on my lap! What a great sound! -Briana
Excellent. I want to hear more of him -Eric Amundrud
Great sound!!! Keep up the good work ! -Maria Dulce
wow man, I can tell you perform with passion and pride! keep it up! I wish I could understand the lyrics ’cause the rhythm is catchy and it sounds poetic. well done man! -Craig Tinning
Not too long ago, I had the chance to interview Baloji, a Belgian-Congolese rapper, at a video shoot in Brooklyn with MTV Iggy. With a four inch-high wedge of hair, dapper blazer and thick-soled combat boots, Baloji doesn’t look like a typical rapper, but don’t let that fool you. His politically charged lyrics, sung in French, Swahili and other African languages, have bite — and are a constant reminder that you should never forget your roots, no matter where you come from.
Two weeks ago, Tai Anderson, ONE member and bassist for the band Third Day, posted his thoughts on the suffering in the Horn of Africa on the band’s website. Tai’s reflections echoed what I’d heard from others and in my own head. They’ll likely resonate with many ONE members. We’re grateful to be able to share them on here. -Mark Brinkmoeller
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If there is one thing that inspires me more than music, it is when people come together for the common good. Chicago’s annual music festival, Lollapalooza, brought together my twin loves for a weekend of fun. With a clipboard in hand, a smile on my face and a couple other great ONE members by my side, I was able to help in the effort to add almost 3,000 new voices to ONE.
Shangaan electro is a new genre of music from South Africa that’s gaining lots of media hype. NPR music blogger Otis Hart describes it as “a hyperactive hybrid of the traditional mbira, or thumb piano, and synthesizers that can reach 180 beats per minute.” If you can’t imagine what that might sound like, listen to it in this video below. That girl can dance!
Adam Levine of Maroon 5 says ONE’s new iPhone app will make it easier for members to raise their voices against poverty. This post was originally published on Huffington Post’s Impact.
Last week, the band Third Day posted ONE’s petition on the budget to their Facebook page. The post prompted more than 200 comments, but Tai Anderson, bassist for Third Day, noted that these posts “drew huge criticism, some healthy dialogue, and some flared tempers.” In a post on the Third Day blog, Tai attempted to answer some of the critique and offered his own perspective. — Mark Brinkmoeller
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Baloji. Photo credit: MTV Iggy
-Monica 
-Jo 
! -Maria Dulce
