African Drummer Latyr Sy Beats Japan Down

www.latyrsydiaspora.com
African percussionist and Senegal Native Latyr Sy has been drumming in Japan for the past 5 years. He brought his beats to the United Colors of Benetton fall/winter 2008 fashion show to support Benetton's "Africa Works" campaign. Latyr said he began drumming as a child in Senegal because it was something he had picked up and liked to do. His love and skill for drumming grew into a career that has brought Africa's beat around the world to places like France, Korea, China, Germany, Egypt, and Japan where he resides.

Being a percussionist isn't something Sy set out to be. He plays because he loves the music and hopes to induce happiness and a feeling of festivity in all who hears his music. African music and culture being spread around the world and Japan is one of his goals. His percussionist group has members from multiple countries in Africa besides Senegal. Working with Benetton who promotes projects like Birima's micro-credit Program in Senegal which fosters economic stimulus, education, and productive small businesses, can do more to help develop African nations than political involvement can, Sy feels. Events like the fall/winter 2008 United Colors of Benetton fashion show helps to promote awareness and culture to the masses.

Latyr Sy uses his talent throughout Japan by conducting live performances, TV appearances, band recordings, and collaborating with musicians in various genres from Jazz and Latin, to Folk and Rock. He teaches African Drumming and holds workshops to further encourage interests on a national level, from elementary school and above. When people hear his name and his music, Sy wants them to be happy and let out what they feel on the inside as the beat of the drum moves them.

Springroove 2008 Japan-N.E.R.D and Kanye West (www.DaiTime.com)

Even the babies of the world love the Roc!


Springroove 2008, Tokyo's Largest Hip Hop and R&B concert fest. This year the headliners were Rihanna and Neyo with a Bape Heads Show Stage which featured Kanye West, N.E.R.D, and Teriyaki Boyz. I went just in time for my personal headliners NERD and Kanye. They did an hour set each and rocked it! I stayed in the BAPE Stage room and didn't bother to see Rihanna and I'm not a Neyo fan.

NERD did a variety of their tracks including "Brain", "Fly or Die", "Rockstar", "Lap Dance", "Maybe", and their latest single "Everybody Nose". The crowd was difficult at reacting besides us die hard NERD fans and the various people who had their select favorite singles. Pharrell kept going down the stage with his silly kicking dance. The band rocked it and I loved their drummers and guitarists.

Kanye West, Kanyeably late, started a half an hour past when he was supposed to go on. He is a great performer and puts his all in his shows. I kept bustin on his serious gaze into the camera, he's so dramatic. I love him! He performed everything I wanted to hear from "Good Morning", "Homecoming", "Gold Digger", "Champion", "Through the Wire", "Get Em High", "Good Life", "Heard Em Say", "Can't Tell Me Nothing", "Jesus Walks", "Touch The Sky", "Flashing Lights" and many more. I was done when he did my favorite from this year, "I Wonder". He even got on his Alicia Keys when he went to the keyboard for his own "I Wonder" playing medley. I will cry if he doesn't come back with his Glow In The Dark Tour. I highly suggest everyone go to that!

At the end of the show, Teriyaki Boyz took the stage with DJ Nigo (creator of Bathing Ape) to perform their Pharrell and Kanye collaboration tracks. They did their newest single "Zock On" which features Pharrell and Busta Rhymes. Then they performed with Kanye to "I Still Love H.E.R.", and Pharrel closed out with "Number 1".

This was a great show for Kanye and N.E.R.D. to not have been headliners. I went just to see them and was not disappointed!

(Apologize for the distorted Kanye sound-base was kickin!)

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Taking you to Nike's 10th Anniversary B-Boy Park. One of the largest underground break dance battles in Japan. Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo
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Daisha "Daiwu" Hunter
www.DaiTime.com
"OverSeize in Japan...Come With Me"