Music
These tracks prove that language is no barrier to great music
From Sevdaliza to MC Bin Laden, these are the foreign-language tracks that you should be listening to.
The world is increasingly a hyper-globalised society with a renewed focus on diversity on the rise and strongly reflected in the music industry. As the music scene is thirsty for new narratives and fresh perspectives, global artists are putting forward songs that remind us that brilliant tunes can come in any language.
Although Despacito was everywhere in 2017, we understand that to find non-English gems we have to dig a bit further than mainstream platforms, so we've made a compilation of seven of the best songs not in English from the past decade.
1. Sevdaliza – Bebin
Haunting, powerful and political, Iranian-Dutch experimental pop princess Sevdaliza released this song in January 2017 to protest Donald Trump's banning of Muslim people into the US. Sung in Farsi and dealing with themes of love, freedom and the self, the song brings a powerful message to the current tense political climate in the Middle East.
2. Babes Wodumo – Wololo
South Africa has produced some of the most groundbreaking music genres over the past decade, including Gqom – a style of house music that celebrates dark and minimal beats without forgetting the power of the kickdrum and the menacing pressure of a banger. One of the finest examples of why Gqom has started to spread and take over clubs in London and Europe is Babes Wodumo's insanely catchy track Wololo. Sung in Zulu, this song is a huge party-starter.
3. Lay – Ghetto Woman
Brazil has always been known for its upbeat rhythms and party anthems. Ghetto Woman doesn't miss the mark, delivering a track that's a menacing mix of trap and club sounds. Sung in Portuguese, you don't need to speak the language to feel the badass and tuff attitude exuding from Lay.
4. MC Bin Laden – Bololo Haha
MC Bin Laden's favourite mode of currency is boldness and swag. The young Brazilian artist with a provocative name and a rap style that oscillates between obnoxious and cheeky was quoted saying, "My dream is that the beat from the favela may reach the world." More than 18 million YouTube views later, Bololo Haha is now a classic banger with his iconic overuse of machine gun samples as well as the loud rambles of a motorbike. With lyrics proudly announcing that where he is from people laugh and accelerate, this song is an anthem to favelas, street parties and Brazil's flavoursome lifestyles.
5. Kali Uchis ft Reykon – Nuestro Planeta
Colombian-American Kali Uchis is one of the hottest emerging artists right now. Fusing traditional reggaeton sounds with modern R&B beats, this artist has been on the tip of everyone's tongue when it comes to talking bangers. Sung in Spanish, Nuestro Planeta is a steamy track that speaks of passionate lovers and sexual tensions – you'll get this even if you don't speak the language.
6. Bad Gyal – Mercadona
20-year-old Spanish neo-trap artist Bad Gyal has been making waves with her catchy beats and heavily auto-tuned tracks. Sung in Spanish, the lyrics of this song portray the singer as a powerful, success-driven independent woman, a mood that is felt throughout the song even if you've never done more than one week of Duolingo.
7. S.L.A.C.K. – That's Me
Tokyo-based producer and MC S.L.A.C.K. has made a name for himself with a style that's laidback, serene and reminiscent of East Coast hip-hop sounds – something along the lines of boom-bap. Sung in Japanese, the song features a few words in English including 'club, 'hip-hop music' and 'skate', indicative of an up-and-coming artist with a chilled-as-hell attitude.