Global Ginga

This podcast is representative of Carnaval in Brazil - there is high energy, diversity, and inclusivity, with music from all parts of the country and a variety of artists whose music is deeply rooted in Brazilian culture and history. Grab your "Caipirinha," call your friends and  turn up the volume.  These are all new releases. Let's Ginga!

On this episode, we got a mix of funk, psychedelic rock, disco and Latin pop!  These are all artists touring the US right now, so look them up if you want to watch them live!

1) Los Amigos Invisibles - a Venezuelan funk, disco, pop and jazz group who has released 11 albums and won a Latin Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album in 2009 and Best Alternative Song in 2019.

2) Os Mutantes -  a Brazilian psychedelic rock band that gained international recognition in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 2019, the band announced a tour of the United States to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their iconic album "Mutantes," which was released in 1969. 

3) Alex Cuba - an amazing lyricist who plays a mix of Afro-Cuban jazz, funk, and pop, underpinned by sanguine melodies, soul-tinged hooks, and a romantic story or two. Alex’s records have earned him Latin Grammy and Juno awards, as well as Grammy Award nominations.

Skavoovie, fellow listeners! We are taking you to the island of Jamaica on this episode!  From Kingston to Argentina, ska, the forerunner to reggae, continues to inspire musicians and fans in all corners of the planet.We had a blast playing, dancing and telling anecdotes about the origin of this genre that is so influential. Who would imagine that the tiny island of Jamaica could have the whole world under a musical spell? Well, it did and still does! Join the Global Ginga party and hit play!

Artists played include:

- Orquestra Brasileira de Música Jamaicana

- Chris Murray

- The Skatalites

- Zazí

- The Pepper Pots

- Playing for Change

- La Mosca

- Cafe Tacuba

- Skank

- King Changó

About us:  

Global Ginga unites what geography and politics divide. We are a radio show (and podcast) that features music from around the world. But we are much more than a radio show, we are a grassroots movement, an event entertainer, a community partner. Created by Carla Leininger, from Brazil, Global Ginga aims to be a multicultural agent of social change through the sounds and fusion of world music. Featuring lounge and dance jams that make clear that quality music comes in all shapes, languages, colors and sounds, guests will hear traditional and underground hot blends of world dance and lounge rhythms -- a constant fusion of the best by the best.

According to Alexa, Shakira has been in a relationship with Gerard Piqué since 2010.  But if you listen to her newest release, you won't think so.  Apparently, salty post-breakup tracks are the stuff big hits are made of.  The song not only not only drops Piqué’s name, but also that of his supposed paramour — and on top of that, goes into minute details.  As of the release of this podcast, the video reached 157,891,318 views on YouTube.  Believe it or not, Shakira gets even more heated during the third verse. “I wish you the best with my supposed replacement,” she tells her ex, before appearing to reference Piqué and Marti’s age gap again. “I'm worth two 22's/ You traded a Ferrari for a Twingo/ You traded a Rolex for a Casio/ You're going fast, slow down.”

But we got some fun new songs on our show!  Plus, Sebastian is back from his Holidays in the Dominican Republic.

We have December 2022 releases as we hear echoes of the 2023 Carnaval approaching. There’s samba, pop, axé, indie, urban, alternative and forró. Portuguese & Spanish. Hop on and let’s go!

Artists include:

Featuring artist from all corners of the world, Global Ginga grooves to many styles of music in many different languages. This show that transcends above program transcends above the average radio show.

Tune in to KZSU on Fridays at 6 PM Pacific time  to hear us LIVE using any of your devices or your Internet connection and let’s ginga!

#oneworldonebeat #globalginga. #globalfusion

The program features music by the artists that made my 2022 so special with appearances in my show and live performances in the Bay Area! It's going to be a fun hour as we reflect on how each artist made us feel! 

I remember being blown away by Venezuela's Nella at the Bing Studio. No wonder she is Latin Grammy winner!  How about the crazy and fun time with Ozomatli at the Guild Theater? Brazil's Marisa Monte showered us with memories as she played music from her classic repertoire and the long-waited new album, Portas.  Small Island Big Song beautiful performance at Bing Auditorium reminded us how important it is to take care of our planet and to preserve our culture. Pink Martini's night under the stars with the symphony at Frost Amphitheater was unforgettable! The show ended with their fabulous interpretation of the song "Brazil." There wasn't one person standing in that crowd!  How about Lila Downs?  OMG! What an honor to interview this amazing woman/artist/activist who has blessed the world with her captivating voice?  She can inspire our senses singing about mole and mezcal and we are right there, dancing next to her like there is no tomorrow!

Earlier in the year, Brazil's Monobloco had everybody feeling like Rio's Carnaval had just arrived in San Francisco in July! I never thought I would say this, but they played longer than my dance endurance! How about Bomba Estereo?  More than two hours of music under the bright night sky in Berkeley prior to performing at the Latin Grammys.  They were nominated for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Alternative Music and Best Alternative Song. They are winners in my book!

For the third consecutive year, Michael Franti is my most played artist according to Spotify's Wrapped!  As such, my year would not be complete without a live Franti performance! In 2022, he came back to one of my most recommended music venues, the Mountain Winery in Saratoga!  It is always one of the most uplifting shows.  The man is like Bob Marley - it's impossible not to want to be a better person when you experience the Franti music boost!

Aloha!  Hawaii came to Stanford! Thanks to Stanford Live, we had the Holo Holo Festival with the headliner, Kolohe Kai!

Finally, we got to hear Sergio Mendes who had everybody dancing to "Mais Que Nada" at the fabulous venue, Yoshi's in Oakland. Some of our listeners got to attend the sold out show and guess what?  We met the legend! 

To close out the season, we welcomed Okaidja Afroso to the Bing Auditorium to hear Jaku Humor, a well-grounded story of the beautiful and ancient fishing culture of the coastal Gãdangmé natives of Ghana. His angelic voice will uplift your spirit with the song, Luna.

Life Has Been Good - Dirty Heads

Enjoy Every Second - Michael Franti

Mais Amor - Seu Cuca

Sunsets - Ozomatli

Blame it on the Waves - Kolohe Kai

A Lingua dos Animais - Marisa Monte

Ahí - Nella

Ka Va'ai Mai Koe - Small Island Big Song

Carinito - LIla Downs

La Cumbia del Mole - Lila Downs

Auld Lang Syne - Pink Martini

Samba do Arere - Monobloco 

Samba da Bencao - Sergio Mendes

Luna - Okaidja Afroso

Wesley - Bontan Yalele

Two very different albums out of the African diaspora and Brazil  

Gutsy songs for confused times: The sixth album by DA CRUZ (Bern/São Paulo) is called "Baladas da Luta" ("Ballads for the Fight"), and that's exactly what it sounds like. Profound, Brazilian urban music in an attack position against hatred, delusion and political short-sightedness.

Hosted by Global Ginga anchors:  Carla Leininger & Sebastian Ogando (new co-host!).

About:  We unite what geography and politics divide. We are a KZSU radio show that features music from around the world. But we are much more than a radio show, we are a grass roots movement, an event entertainer and a community partner. Created by Carla Leininger, from Brazil, Global Ginga aims to be a multicultural agent of social change through the fusion of world music. Featuring lounge and dance jams that make clear that quality music comes in all shapes, languages, colors and sounds, guests will hear traditional and underground dance and lounge rhythms. Basically, it's a world party :)

Live on KZSU stream on Fridays,  6 pm Pacific Time

On my new episode, I bring the spotlight to island reggae music with Kolohe Kai and more reggae sounds from around the world.

Years in the making, Hazel Eyes captures Kolohe Kai’s emergence in life. The album is inspired by his life passions. He explains, “From the ocean with its soothing power, to the faith that anchors my soul. From my intense desire to help others feel beautiful, to my vows to the greatest wife in the world. This album represents all of me. Every crevice of my heart was emptied into these lyrics. The journey of these past few years has been a hike to remember, filled with important lessons. I hope it inspires anyone listening to grab hold of true love and happiness.”

In addition to the ten original tracks, for the first time ever Kolohe Kai includes on the album one cover song, a reggae rendition of Stevie Wonder’s classic “Isn’t She Lovely.” In this episode, we are going to listen to:

The show continues with Wesli, a Haitian musician who unites Haitian vodoun, twoubadou and rara with reggae, Afrobeat, electronic music and more. In 2019, Wesli received a Canadian Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year. The single "Bontan Iyalélé" features AfrotroniX, a pioneer of the blend of African and electronic music.

Are your feeling the great vibes? Now let’s take a listen to Mista Savanna’s new project, Havana Meets Kingston, Part 2. According to Afropop Worldwide, this new album released on the Cumbancha Label ( I love Cumbancha) is “an ingenious, varied and rollicking set of tunes featuring some extraordinary artists, including the legendary Jamaican rhythm section Sly and Robbie, and Cuban funk rising star Cimafunk." An epic set of 15 tracks, Havana Meets Kingston Part 2 unites the deep roots grooves of reggae, dancehall and rocksteady with the scorching soul of Cuban son, timba and salsa. The Havana Meets Kingston live project will be touring this summer in Europe and later in 2022 and early 2023 in North America.

I hope you enjoy listening to this global fusion as much as I enjoyed recording it for you.

One World. One Beat.

DJ Globally Carla from KZSU’s Global Ginga

The giants of Brazilian music are still around and still touring.  But there is a younger generation adapting their own styles, arrangements and instrumentation to Brazilian music.  On this episode, we introduce you to a few names and styles.  Come along and feast on this young talent!

Do you like feeling good? Feeling inspired?  Today’s Global Ginga is building a bridge between two artists that compose and play from the heart. From the San Francisco Bay Area, I am playing Michael Franti. His music is soulful and will make you want to get up and dance. Franti is a globally recognized musician, humanitarian, and activist revered for his high energy life shows, inspiring music, devotion to health and wellness, worldwide philanthropic efforts and the power of optimism.

It could be the catchy tunes, the positive vibes, or simply the joy of watching someone do what they love. And when it comes to Brazilian music acts, few spread more goodwill than Seu Cuca. This band from Rio de Janeiro is known for its vibrant live performances and upbeat messages of joy and happiness. If you're looking for some feel-good jams to get your groove on, look no further than Seu Cuca!

This episode is full of inspirational tunes, positive and transformational lyrics. These artists most certainly deserve to be on your “feel good vibes” playlist! You do have a “feel good vibes” playlist, right?

Unlike many albums coming out now that have a very real time-stamp on them reflecting on the past year, Alex Cuba was determined to create an album outside of that perspective. The result? Mendó, one of Cuba's most collaborative albums to date, sounding like it just came from a party we all should be attending. The title, Mendó, is an afro Cuban word meaning substance of the soul. Music as it best accompanies us in our life transitions and helps process emotions in ways our science has yet to understand. The six guests on the album, Lila Downs, Cimafunk, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Raul Midon, Antonio Carmona and Gian Marco are all dear to Alex and showcase the talent and versatility of Latin American music to evolve while staying true to it’s afro Latin heritage. 

Sax and Flute player, Ze Carlos Bigorna, from Brazil, brings a rich album called Yramaia, featuring top notch musicians like Maurício Einhorn, Romero Lubambo, Pretinho da Serrinha, Wilson das Neves, Laudir de Oliveira, and Banda Azimuth. The album touched down in different parts of the world and created a very unique sound in every track. The musical arrangements are very rich, exquisite and groovy! 

You got to hear these two!