Tracks From Abroad

Belize – Tracks From Abroad Ep. 113

Today’s special edition of Tracks From Abroad takes us to Central America, more specifically Belize. We first speak to Cha Chi, owner of Cha Chi’s Pizza in Placencia. He talks about the music scene in Belize, noting some famous acts that have been through his doors to preform. Lord Rhaburn, C-Wills and the Garifuna Collective are just a few of the incredible acts he mentions that we get to hear on this episode.
We later head up to Hopkins, and speak to Dahlia Miranda and BomBom at Semeti Giffiti, serving up Garifuna meals and preforming cultural Garifuna drumming. We’ll hear from their group, the Dunbei Yurumein drummers and speak about the history of the Garifuna people and what they are doing today to keep the culture alive.
Lastly we’ll take a listen to a song from Danny Michel an artist from Kitchener who collaborated with the legendary Garifuna collective, melding his own musical styles with traditional Garifuna rythyms. All that and more, coming to you live from CIUT 89.5FM Mondays at 6pm.

Germany – Tracks From Abroad Ep. 112

On the 112th episode of Tracks from Abroad we take a voyage to Deutschland and speak to student Victoria and University College Principal Marcus Stock. Victoria speaks about her time growing up in Germany, visiting many different cities, all with their unique charm. She also touches on the ethos of young German kids drinking away at Oktoberfest, listening to, in her humble opinion, unironically good, festive drinking tunes called Schlager Music.
Professor Stock shares some of his personal challenges when adapting to Canadian culture, namely Canadian’s outward politeness; having more than 20 ways to say “no”, which contrasts with many German’s direct approach to communication. He touches on some of the social movements in Germany after the second world war and how they mainfested in music, allowing the German population to grapple with their collective guilt and greif from the war.
We play everything from upbeat Schlager, to mellow classical numbers on today’s packed episode. Join us next week for a vacation special in Belize, Monday at 6PM ON CIUT 89.5FM.

Pakistan – Tracks From Abroad Ep. 111

On episode 111 of Tracks from Abroad we speak to CIUT legend, ex-volunteer coordinator Razzak Noorani. Razzak hails from Pakistan, and brings us some lovely Chai to sip on throughout the course of our interview. Razzak also DJs and shares with us some of the trials and tribulations he’s faced over the course of his music career.
We listen to some of his music that’s been released to the world but also get a couple exclusive listens to tracks still in his vault. Throughout the episode we will hear from other Pakistani acts like Rumer, JoSH, and Nazia Hassan all representing different genres that in turn blend Pakistani culture. Join us next week for an episode all about Germany, Monday at 6pm on CIUT 89.5FM.

Tibet- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 110

Today on Tracks from Abroad we visit Tibet and speak to Phd student Thinley Gyatso. Not to be confused with the Thinley Gyatso who wrote about traditional Tibetan medicine, rather this Thinley is more focused on studying Buddhist religious philosophy. He explains to us his youth living in a nomadic community and Tibetan people's immense respect and connection to nature. We hear some of Thinley's favourite Tibetan songs as well as tracks from Tibetan-Canadian artists Amchok Gompo Dhondup and Dorjee Tsering. We hope you enjoy this relaxing episode full of spiritual wisdom and come back next week for Tracks from Abroad's 111th episode. Only on CIUT 89.5 FM...

France- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 109

While Tracks from Abroad has visited France before, today we are back with guest Baptiste on episode 109. Baptiste specifically shared his love for French hip-hop and gives us a musical tour from the early 90s to the new-wave gaining steam today. We briefly dive into Quebecois rap, and hope to return will a full episode on Quebec someday soon. Baptiste touches on the coldness of mathematics versus his newfound interest in philosophy and art and also speaks about his time living in London, England. We then hear some interviews from last November at Mundial Montreal, first speaking to electronic fusion band Zar Electrik, and later to Seth's good friend Joseph who Jesse interviews atop Mount Royal. Another packed episode coming your way next week on Tracks from Abroad!

Bali- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 108

On the 108th episode of Tracks from Abroad we speak to Dipta from the Indonesian island of Bali. We learn about their traditional silent day, where everything on the island shuts down and pepole take time to reflect upon the year. We learn about why Dipta came to study in Toronto and also about traditional Balinese Gamelan music. We listen to a Canadian Balinese Gamelan group called the Evergreen Club, and hear some of Dipta's favourite indie rock songs coming out of Indonesia. Tune in for an episode on France, next week on Tracks from Abroad.

China- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 107

On this week's episode of tracks from abroad we have a new host! Famous board tech Matthew hops on the mic to interview a friend from China, Arthur. They speak about linguistic varieties often supressed in China, as well as modern C-pop sung in Mandarin. We then take a listen to a wide variety of Chinese-Canadian musicians from Andrew Huang, a talented pianist, to Monsune, an up and coming indie pop musician. Join us next week at 6pm when we take a trip to Bali. Right here on CIUT 89.5FM, the sound of your city.

Spain- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 106

The 106th episode of Tracks From Abroad is all about Spain. We speak to U of T student Cesar who shares with us Spanish music with unexpected influences, from the bagpipes and fiddle of Celitc-influenced northern Spain to prog driven by Spanish guitars. Cesar also teaches us about the wild west of mathematics, including unsolved problems (which are really difficult to guess) and the bounties placed on their solutions. We had a fun time sonically travelling Spain and we hope you do, too! For more international music recommended by international students, tune into Tracks From Abroad each Monday at 6pm on CIUT 89.5FM.

Eritrea– Tracks From Abroad Ep.105

This week on Tracks from Abroad we speak to Soliana, a student at the University of Toronto representing the country of Eritrea.
She tells us about an event hosted recently by her student association, bringing people together from all across east Africa to enjoy a delicious meal together. She speaks on the similarities between Eritreans and Ethiopians, and describes a unique coffee ceremony that comes from Ethiopian culture.
We hear from jazz musician Mulatu Astatke, singer-songwriter Abraham Afwerki as well as Eritrean artists making their name in Canada such as Kibra and Daniel Nebiat. Join us next week on Tracks from Abroad on CIUT 89.5 FM!

Kosovo – Tracks From Abroad Ep.104

On the 104th episode of Tracks From Abroad we travel to Kosovo. We speak to Vesa, who tells us about after-dinner walks, the growing Kosovar arts scene, and the recent split between traditional Kosovar folk and increasingly international pop.
After listening to Vesa's recommended folk songs, we speak with Sahati, an upcoming pop musician and product of the Kosovar arts scene. She tells us about her journey between Canada and Kosovo, and her continuing search for inspiration from both countries.
For more stories from around the world, tune into Tracks From Abroad each Monday at 6pm on CIUT 89.5FM!