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Global Spin: Watch Soca Group Kes Represent Trinidad And Tobago With Percolating Performance Of "Jolene"
Kes

Photo: Jackson Warner Lewis

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Global Spin: Watch Soca Group Kes Represent Trinidad And Tobago With Percolating Performance Of "Jolene"

In their performance for Global Spin, watch soca heroes Kes bring the sounds of Trinidad and Tobago worldwide with an exhilarating performance of "Jolene"

GRAMMYs/Feb 15, 2022 - 07:18 pm

With all due praise to Dolly Parton, let's add another "Jolene" to the Tower of Song. Enter the Trinbagonian band Kes, who perform soca music — an offshoot of calypso characterized for its blend of African and East Indian rhythms.

Consisting of brothers Kees (lead vocals), Hans (drums) and Jon Dieffenthaller (guitar), as well as bassist Riad Boochoon, Kes do the ineffable — they spiritually lift the viewer like they're physically in front of them.

In their performance for Global Spin, a video series highlighting luminous artists the world over, let Kes work their unique magic with a dynamic performance of "Jolene."

In the song, which previews the band's upcoming album, out this summer, Kes ask for coconut jelly, peas and rice, and an island breeze — you can practically feel a gust of tropical air.

Watch Kes' soul-nourishing performance of "Jolene" above and check out more episodes of Global Spin.

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Global Spin: Teni Asks For "No Days Off" In This Energetic Live Performance
Teni

Photo: Courtesy of Teni

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Global Spin: Teni Asks For "No Days Off" In This Energetic Live Performance

Nigerian singer Teni celebrates her hard work with this upbeat performance of "No Days Off," a single from her upcoming album, 'Tears of the Sun.'

GRAMMYs/Nov 9, 2023 - 06:13 pm

Nigerian singer/songwriter Teni traveled from Atlanta to Lagos as a young adult in a leap of faith. After a few months of grinding and "No Days Off," she quickly built her dream life — though it did mean she had to question a few people in her inner circle.

"Pay me my money, pay me my dough/ Is you my friend? Or, is you my foe?/ I'm about that life, is you about that life?/ Come outside if you about that life," Teni sings before switching to pidgin. 

In this episode of Global Spin, Teni delivers a high-energy live performance of "No Days Off" from her October show in Los Angeles.

"No Days Off" is a single from her upcoming album, Tear of the Sun, which will arrive on Nov. 17. "'No Days Off' was made everywhere in the world. That's why it really is called 'No Days Off,'" Teni explained in a press statement. "It was made in Lagos. It was made in L.A. Some parts of it were also made in Cape Town."

Press play on the video above to learn more about Teni's journey to success, and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.

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Global Spin: Hataałii Pays Homage To His Navajo Heritage In This Picturesque Performance Of "Story Of Francisco"
Hataalii

Photo: Courtesy of Hataalii

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Global Spin: Hataałii Pays Homage To His Navajo Heritage In This Picturesque Performance Of "Story Of Francisco"

Strumming an electric guitar in the middle of a desert road, Indigenous alt-rock singer Hataałii uncovers the unfortunate irony of life with "Story of Francisco," a track from his latest album, 'Singing into Darkness.'

GRAMMYs/Nov 2, 2023 - 05:04 pm

Life has a way of dealing unlucky circumstances sometimes. As Indigenous alt-rock singer Hataałii tells in the "Story of Francisco," you can have a shimmering gleam in your eye, only to have the universe's "unholy jester" take it from you.

"Your age-old stone breaks apart somewhere/ By the child whose mother has lost her hair/ To our great defeat, limping up the stairs," Hataałii recounts in the song.

In this episode of Global Spin, Hataałii delivers a live performance of "Story of Francisco" from a desert road, paying homage to his roots in Window Rock, Arizona, the capital of the Navajo nation.

"Story of Francisco" is a track from Hataałii's latest album, Singing into Darkness, which the singer released on June 30 via Dangerbird Records. On Nov. 1, he premiered an expanded edition of the LP, which hosts three new tracks and five demos.

Singing into Darkness largely explores Hataałii's experience as a Navajo citizen, from the erasure of Indigenous culture throughout history to the unique dynamics between tourists and the residents of reservations.

Press play on the video above to watch Hataałii's scenic performance of "Story of Francisco," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.

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Global Spin: JINI Is Impatient In Love During This Passionate Performance Of Her Debut Solo Single, "C'mon"
JINI

Photo: Courtesy of JINI

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Global Spin: JINI Is Impatient In Love During This Passionate Performance Of Her Debut Solo Single, "C'mon"

K-pop soloist JINI offers an electrifying performance of "C'mon," the title track from her debut EP, 'An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove.'

GRAMMYs/Oct 26, 2023 - 05:00 pm

K-pop soloist JINI feels the highs of a blossoming relationship — wearing their t-shirt and her hands running across their "beautiful face." She's impatiently ready for the next stage, and there's only one word that can sum up her emotions: "C'mon."

"Baby, come on, come on, come on," JINI calls in the chorus of her new single. "Wanna love you harder/ Wanna make it louder/ Wanna listen to it/ Baby, you're my favorite song/ 'Cause you feel like music."

In this episode of Global Spin, JINI delivers a performance of "C'mon" outside a motel while receiving support from a band of pianists, guitarists, and drummers.

"C'mon" is the lead single from JINI's debut EP, An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove; the original track features Aminé. The project dropped on Oct. 11 via ATOC with four more upbeat tracks, including a Korean version of "C'mon." Next month, JINI will host her first in-person fansign event in Los Angeles.

Beyond music, JINI is an ambassador for Mac Cosmetics. According to her artist biography, she aspires to "shine her light on the world, leaving an indelible mark on both the music and beauty industries."

Press play on the video above to hear JINI's energetic performance of "C'mon," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.

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Global Spin: POW Offers A "Dazzling" Performance Of A B-Side From Their Debut EP, 'Favorite'
POW

Photo: Choi Na Rang

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Global Spin: POW Offers A "Dazzling" Performance Of A B-Side From Their Debut EP, 'Favorite'

Just after making their official debut on Oct. 11, K-pop quintet POW deliver their first performance of "Dazzling," an easygoing love song from their mini-album, 'Favorite.'

GRAMMYs/Oct 19, 2023 - 06:04 pm

There's nothing quite like a summer fling; the feelings are high and the stakes are low. And as POW's love story "Dazzling" proves, sometimes a relationship — fling or not — can make every day feel like "a summer night," regardless of the season.

"Love and peace, young and free/ Here, good vibes only/ Hot and cold, fast and slow/ Life is sweet and salty," POW sings in "Dazzling," switching between English and Korean. "Let's seize the day/ For that someday when this becomes a gleaming memory."

In this episode of Global Spin, POW — the new K-pop group that just debuted on Oct. 11 — delivers a lighthearted premiere performance of "Dazzling." Each member takes a turn at the microphone as they sit in a clay room.

"Dazzling" is a B-side from their debut mini-album, Favorite. The K-pop quintet is the first group under GRID Entertainment. According to a press statement, POW hopes to "make a bold entrance to the music scene with a bang, promising an ambitious quest to deliver a refreshing and entertaining experience to global listeners."

Press play on the video above to watch POW's feel-good performance of "Dazzling," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.

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