The international flavors of SXSW 2015

Every year about mid-March, the city of Austin, Texas, surrenders completely to the musical vortex of a festival known as South by Southwest, or SXSW, considered the indie music festival of perhaps the greatest importance in the world.

For the 2015 28th edition of SXSW, tens of thousands of music lovers, fans and revelers descended upon the city to hear a fraction of the two thousand bands that played, braving cool temperatures and rain to do so in a musical reverie that lasted five days and nights.

More and more, SXSW’s musical persona takes on a global flavor, as over a third of the bands which play the fest are international, hailing from more than fifty countries playing on about one hundred stages, chosen from more than ten thousand which applied for official showcases.

It was a fest that highlighted nearly unclassifiable yet amazing hybrid beats that draw from a number of international traditions and roots. Here are just a few favorite moments from SXSW 2015 and, for your listening pleasure, check the Spotify playlist^[1] with tunes by the artists mentioned. See you at SXSW 2016!

Stromae

There is seemingly just about nothing this talented Afro-Belgian musician can do wrong. From the way Stromae completely commands the stage showcasing dance moves in lanky, rhythmic strides and struts from side to side of the stage, to his carefully designed instruments and outfits, and of course, above all, to the catchy hooks of his afro-chanteur pop of the highest calibre, Stromae proved why he is an international superstar amongst superstars. Just the fact that he could motivate several thousand North Americans packed into an outdoor patio to sing along to his songs in French is in and of itself a remarkable achievement!

Ibeyi

Naomi and Lisa Kainde Díaz, the French-Cuban twin daughters of Grammy-winning Miguel ‘Anga’ Díaz, renowned percussionist of Buena Vista Social Club fame, demonstrated why they are the indie darlings of the moment. Known as Ibeyi (a name derived from ibeji, the Yoruban word for twins), the sisters first joined musical forces in 2013. In an intimate performance at Central Presbyterian Church, they interlaced their trademark harmonies with keyboards, percussion, electronics and the occasional Yoruban chant, bridging contemporary indie beats and electronica with a West African heritage that took roots in Cuba as of the 1700’s. The twins put on a smart, immensely charming and slightly quirky performance, which easily held the audience in reverent awe broken only by the cheering and standing ovation at the end of the concert.

Buraka Som Sistema

The very late night set by Portuguese ensemble Buraka Som Sistema showcased an irresistible dance club form that draws on African-based Portuguese melting pot grooves. The ensemble includes DJ Branko, Riot on Drums and rapper/singers Kalaf, Conductor and Blaya, who together create an electro ghetto techno heavy with Angolan Kuduro beats. However, it was Brazilian-born MC, singer and dancer Blaya Rodriguez and her extraordinary dance moves that seemed to propel the music which could have kept the audience shaking every conceivable body part all night long.

Seinabo Sey

The regal Swedish-Gambian singer Seinabo Sey’s textured, velvety voice soars in the framework of elegant, intricately-crafted R&B-tinged pop which is hard to classify but very easy to love. Between the notes of Sey’s music you can hear touches of not just the Senegalese and Gambian music she heard from an early age, but the reggae loved by her legendary musician father Maudo Sey as well as the influences of Beyoncé and Alicia Keys which the 24 year-old Sey frequently mentions in interviews. Delivering soulful ballads with great personality and grace, Sey wove a spell around a packed standing crowd at the Empire Garage.