K'Naan

I lean against the outside of the building, watching the crowd enter as I wait for Erik to arrive. The crowd is noticably younger than 'usual' (a term I use loosely, since age is all that the crowd 'usually' has in common). It's not cold outside, but I see a lot of young punks wearing toques and hoodies. There is the familiar smell of fans getting ready for a concert. I'm eager to see what kind of music it is that has brought these people here.

We've been coming to the BDP World Music Series for several years now. Each show has been an opportunity to discover a new flavour of music. Typically we have no idea what genre of music we are going to see or what region of the world the artist is coming from until the music starts. I enjoy the surprise.

After an hour and a half of waiting for the band to start, Erik decides to go home, rather than spoil his Sunday ride by staying up late. I decide to stay. Within moments, a skinny black man walks out with his posse. His outfit makes me think of Snoop Dogg and I wonder how this group ended up on the roster for the Series.

I'm not sure how to describe the music. Raggae-Poetry-Rap-Political-Afrobeats? Whatever it was, it was a very enjoyable and energetic show. The young punks were up in the aisle dancing - with toques and hoodies on. And I'd say the music was so good that I may have to buy an album.