Toubab Krewe, the North Carolina instrumental quintet acclaimed for their “distinctive, remarkable fusion” (Billboard) of West African music with American rock, have traveled to Africa many times to perform and study. Now, they are donating their remix of Youssou N’Dour‘s song “Wake Up” to ‘OPEN Remix’, a charity EP supporting the IntraHealth OPEN Initiative.
Senegal’s N’Dour, a Grammy Award-winning artist and internationally acclaimed humanitarian, has partnered with global non-profit IntraHealth International on the project, which will address critical health issues in Africa by putting the latest open source technologies directly in the hands of local health workers to help them communicate and collaborate.
Collaboration was a key element of the EP as well: Toubab Krewe and DJ Equal (featuring Umar Bin Hassan of The Last Poets) join Nas, Peter Buck of R.E.M., Duncan Sheik, Q-Burns Abstract Message, Hawke, Afrissippi and Beef Wellington on the digital EP, each interpreting “Wake Up” in their own unique way.
“Youssou is one of Africa’s greatest artists,” says Toubab Krewe percussionist Luke Quaranta, “and it’s a privilege to be part of this project. We love to work with other musicians, and here collaboration can help save African lives.”
The ‘OPEN Remix’ EP is available free with a suggested donation at digital retailers, including Amazon MP3
Watch the OPEN trailer:
Toubab Krewe‘s ‘Live At The Orange Peel
Get ‘OPEN Remix
Submitted by Shore Fire Media
