Sometimes you have to nearly beg for a good description from a musician. Not from the NYC-based band Turbine.

The French poet, playwright, and novelist Victor Hugo once wrote, “As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled.”  He was reminding us about the real reward in giving and charity towards others.  I was reminded of this quote when I was introduced to an exciting social entrepreneurship venture –Tiyya Locals – which is devoted to assisting the refugee community in America. The mother/daughter team who founded Tiyya Locals have partnered with the Los Angeles-based East African Community Center to provide newly arrived immigrants and families in need with basic necessities as they make the transition to life in America.  Since so many of these families have endured unspeakable hardships just to get to the U.S. (i.e. war, famine, political persecution, etc.), they deserve a helping hand.Tiyya Locals’ co-founder, Meymuna Hussein, explained, “In the Oromo/Ethiopian dialect, the word TIYYA is used as a form of endearment towards someone you care about – loosely translated as ‘my love’ or ‘my dear.’ We here at Tiyya Inc., would like to express our love to those suffering in our backyards of the United States.”Consequently, Tiyya Locals is selling anti- sweatshop, 100% organic cotton, free trade t-shirts printed with biodegradable ink in order to help provide basic needs such as food, clothing and furniture to local families and refugees in needs.If you are interested in helping this fledging organization give back a small measure of what you have received, they are always looking to partner with other like-minded individuals/organizations.  And of course, don’t be too shy to buy.  Summer is coming soon – so show off your new body in 2010 with a Tiyya Locals shirt.  This year, the new black is green – and giving back is oh-so-cool.

Music does more than entertaining the masses. It employs people and passes on life changing skills.

East-West classical stars premiere at Darbar Festival of Indian classical music... Damian Rafferty http://www.flyglobalmusic.com contributors@flyglobalmusic.com Europe: City Guides/Events

New Delhi, March 15 : This is their first trip to India but members of BBC Sound System, a band from Senegal, have seen many Bollywood films, love the sound of tabla and say Raj Kapoor is famous back home.

It is with a heavy heart and much sadness that Sheer Sound reports the tragic loss of yet another incredibly talented young musician

Kwaito stars TKZee, will perform with an 8-piece band at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Not sure what to do on the public holiday of 22 March? Join the crowds as they head for Jozi's top live music venue - The Town Square at Gold Reef City Theme Park

A group of young mountain climbers from the United Kingdom may have been placed in the Guiness Book of Records after playing music on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Controversial South African "zef-rap" crew Die Antwoord, have signed to Interscope Records - an American record label renowned for platinum-selling artists such as Dr Dre, Game, Eminem and 50 cent

THE African Entertainment Society of Iringa will coordinate the Inter-University Music Festival Competition 2010, of which three universities in Iringa town will be participants.

This is their first trip to India but members of BBC Sound System, a band from Senegal, have seen many Bollywood films, love the sound of tabla and say Raj Kapoor is famous back home.

A nasty trademark battle has broken out between the South African Football Association (Safa) and Bula Music after one

IT took one group's courage for the choral music genre that has become known as Vapostori music to be recognised. It was never imagined that this type of music would one day steal the limelight from the established genres in the country. But Vabati VaJehovah persevered through trials and tribulations to record the first ever "Vapostori" music album at the turn of the millennium and now this type of music has become widespread.

Angolan rapper Everest pseudonym of Ireneu Miguel Vilombo has said his debut album entitled "Sentido Único" has enough quality to win the country's market.

The Angolan singer João Domingos Saldanha da Silva will release on 27 March his debut gospel CD entitled "Jesus Amigo", at Luanda's Independence Square. Speaking to Angop on Saturday, João Domingos explained that the CD comprises 13 tracks produced by L.S Produções and recorded by "Solar Produções".

The Brazilian D7 films Producer will present, in Luanda, the project dubbed "Língua Mãe" which consists of holding music workshops, in the Angolan capital city.

The Angolan rapper Phay Grand released on Saturday his new album entitled "O que é isso", at a sale and autographs signing session, in Luanda's Independence Square.

The Angolan rapper Sandocan is holding on Saturday and Sunday a session of selling and autographs signing of his second CD entitled "Renascimento do Tubarão", in Viana District youth house, in Luanda.

While hipster America's romance with West African music may not last long, a live look at the source is long overdue .