Music around the world

Exchange students share music from origin countries

Story by Victoria Van, entertainment editor

Despite the fact that music has been a great contributor to cultures around the globe, namely American music’s influence as chart-topping songs in multiple countries, the themes in music from different nations are universally appealing to every audience. While music from the states garner worldwide popularity, there is a wealth of music to implement into an everyday playlist.

“In Brazil where I come from, we listen to our own music such as Portuguese funk, sertanejo, samba, forro which are genres we enjoy,” junior Ana Gonçalves said. “We also listen to pop music. I love the singer called Marília Mendonça because her music is so beautiful and very popular in my country.”

“Alô Porteiro” by Marília Mendonça

Although music from the exchange students’ home countries are prominent, American influenced genres are also appreciated. Junior Nino Khvitia, from the country Georgia, listens to rock & roll and classical music. She finds the balance between both countries’ genres yet shares a love for classical artists.

“I listen to a lot of American music, but I also enjoy Georgian rock and roll,” Khvitia said. “My favorites are classical and rock such as  Pink Floyd, Guns n Roses, Nirvana, Marilyn Manson and Irakli Charkviani. I also love to listen to classical music such as Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Chopin, Vivaldi, Bach and Shostakovich.”

“Suls” by Irakli Charkviani

Junior Julia Kubiah mainly gravitates toward the rap atmosphere of music from her mother country, Poland. Citizens of Poland are culturally involved and music is an aspect in which a sense of community is shared.

“If you want to listen to rap, I can recommend Quebonafide, Zeus and Lasio Kompanija as a few Polish rap artists,” Kubiah said.

“HEY”- Muka

Khvitia sees the disconnect with America and other foreign countries because of a lack of branching out and willingness to immerse in a different culture. Khvitia believes that listening to music from another culture is part of a positive learning process in accepting others.

“I think people should be interested to find out how my language sounds in songs,” Khvitia said. “It’s always good to learn something new and listen to other music from different countries.”