These Non-English Genres Will Change How You Listen To Music

Recently, the Grammys caused a bit of controversy by renaming the award for best “World” album to best “Global” music. The controversy was not about whether they needed to make a change, but rather about what difference this nomenclature could possibly make. The problem is that this category includes so many diverse types of music that it is absurd to group them together. Imagine including heavy metal and house music in the same genre because they happen to be recorded by English-speakers.

The fact is that by listening to music made by non-English speakers, you have the opportunity to expand your tastes into a plethora of genres that are very different to what you know.

If you listen to music primarily for the lyrics, this is a little more difficult. Of course, you can always run the lyrics through Google Translate. Or you could try learning the language.

Take a look at this Lingopie review for an app that will change the way you approach language-learning. It gives you access to foreign-language shows with interactive subtitles to help you learn. It is a lot of fun, and more effective than trying to parrot-learn terms and phrases.

Many people who speak English as a second language will tell you they learned it from watching shows like Friends with subtitles on. This was not necessarily how they planned on learning a language, but Lingopie does a great job of creating an engaging learning experience using the principle. You only ever really learn a language by seeing people speak it. With or without linguistic skills, try out these non-English genres that will change the way you listen to music.

Gqom

Having developed in South Africa as recently as the 2010s, Gqom has already made its impact outside the country’s shores. Gqom is a type of electronic dance music with roots in kwaito, South African house music, and techno. Instead of bombarding you with a wall of sound, gqom is minimalistic, with booming bass, repetitive lyrics, and a gritty rawness.

It is great to dance to, as well as perfect to listen to when you want to both enjoy music while focusing on work. Beyonce and Gorillaz have both worked with gqom artist Moonchild Sanelly in recent years, and Kendrick Lamar featured Babes Wudomo on 2018’s Black Panther Soundtrack.

Japanoise

Noise music is not a uniquely Japanese genre. There are noise artists around the world, including in the US and UK. However, as is often the case when something hits their shores, the Japanese have truly made an art of it, taking it to its extremes with hardcore noise.

Japanoise is certainly not for everyone. In fact, most people will not develop a taste for it. But it is worth listening to, if only to get an experience of the sheer chaos. It is not music you will ever sing along to or even bob your head to. Try it for yourself with bands like KK Null and Masonna.

Brazilian Experimental

Every country has an experimental scene. Brazil’s just happens to be more accessible, while being incredibly culturally exciting. Bands like Meta Meta blend local genres like samba with African influences. These they draw both from communities in Brazil, including from within the Candomblé region which has a major African diaspora, as well as communities in various parts of the continent.

Give Meta Meta a try. Also check out Kiko Dinucci & Bando Afromacarrônico.