Tracks From Abroad

Bolivia -- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 65

This week Tracks From Abroad checks Bolivia off of the world map with two students and a CIUT DJ.
 
First on the show we talk with Itzal and Imanol, two Bolivian students at U of T. They discuss how to avoid pick-pockets, traditions surrounding coca leaves, and the many kinds of indigenous dances found in Bolivia. This is a must-listen interview for fans of Latin American music and stories.
 
Next on the show we got in touch with Marco Lopez of the show Viento Sur on CIUT. Marco has been hosting on radio for over 20 years, and he features lots of Bolivian music on every episode.
 
Also, TFA will soon cover Colombia with the help of Isabella. Let us know which South American countries you’d like to hear from next by DMing or emailing us at TracksFromAbroad@ciut.fm

Zambia -- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 64

TFA GIVEAWAY ALERT
The 11-piece collective Kuné is giving away 2 tickets to their upcoming performance as well as their newly released CD.
To enter the drawing, like this post and tag three friends in the comments.
 
The show will take place at the Lula Lounge at 8pm on April 5th, and the ticket drawing closes the day off at 12 noon. 
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This week Tracks From Abroad touches down in Zambia🇿🇲 for a family episode like none other.We were joined in the studio by @nessaopokuu of @utscasa , and she brought her mother and brother too!The episode features music selected by @ciut895fm ‘s Karibuni, a long-standing African music show Sundays from 3-5pm.And tune in Mondays at 6pm to Tracks From Abroad! 

Guatemala -- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 63

Tracks From Abroad took a visit to Guatemala this week with two special guests.
Hugo, a biomedical engineering student at U of T, joined first to discuss getting up close and personal with lava, how to eat mango as a snack, and we reflected on the presidency of Jimmy Morales.
Next on the episode you’ll hear Paula Sofía, a terrific singer songwriter from Guatemala. On the episode we play her full album, Quinto de Hora, and she gives us the BTS report on how to write, record and produce an album. This is a must listen conversation!
You can hear the show live Monday at 6pm on CIUT, and we’re always in reach at TracksFromAbroad@ciut.fm. Send your song suggestions and comments for upcoming episodes!

Japan -- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 62

Today Tracks From Abroad visits the long-awaited country of Japan with three special guests.
We start TFA’s 62nd episode speaking with Masayo and Kate of the University of Toronto Japan Association. You will learn about Japan’s Anime scene, the White Day Celebration, and UTJA’s language exchange events where students can practice speaking Japanese.
Next we speak with Taro, a TikTok video maker and English teacher helping Japanese folks learn tricky idioms like 'Christmas came early' and 'pulling my leg.' You can find Taro's funny and informative videos on TikTok at @tarotomoshimashu.
Lastly, TFA's host Jesse wants you to know about a free Taiko drumming performance happening on Friday the 24th at Walter Hall in the UofT Faculty of Music. The ensemble leader, Kioshi Nagata, spoke to TFA for a short overview of the drumming style and it's origins. 
This episode of TFA features lots of great Japanese music, and our show is available as a podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts and others. You can reach us at @TFA.radio on Instagram or at TracksFromAbroad@ciut.fm

Pakistan #2 -- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 61

This week Tracks From Abroad returned to Pakistan for a more modern take on the country's popular music. Electronic dance music is not synonomous with Pakistan, but one U of T student from Pakistan named Razzak Noorani working to change that. Razzak joined this week's episode along with a Pakistani Canadian social entrepreneur Fahad Tariq, an alum of the University of Toronto Mississauga. 
 
First on the show was EDM producer Razzak Noorani who was excited to introduce his new single, 'The Circus.' Razzak debunks misconceptions about his home city of Karachi and describes the natural beauty of Pakistani which so many overlook. You'll also hear Razzak talk about Pati Chai, Pakistan's celebrated hot drink. 
 
Next on the show is Fahad Tariq, the co-founder of the non-profit organization Shift which 'turns poop into power.' Shift builds anerobic digestion systems in developing countries where firewood is their primary source of cooking fuel. With a small up-front cost, Shift changes the lives of villagers who no longer suffer from smoke inhalation while cooking their meals. TFA interviewed Tariq shortly before he spoke at TEDx UofT in February 2023. 
 
You can follow our show @TFA.radio on Instagram, and if you are a student artist intersted in getting your music on FM radio, email us at TracksFromAbroad@ciut.fm

Italy #2 -- Tracks From Abroad Ep.60

Tracks From Abroad crosses the 60 episode mark tonight as we visit Toronto's Little Italy neighborhood. TFA has met dozens of new faces during the last 10 episodes while amplifying diverse voices on UofT’s campus every step of the way. 
Our show features interviews with Lenny Lombardi of CHIN radio and Italian exchange student Tommaso from Università di Macerata. You can watch TFA's full interview with Lenny Lombardi on Tracks From Abroad's Youtube page.
Lenny discusses how the founding of CHIN radio by his father, Johnny Lombardi, played a role in developing a vibrant community in Little Italy. He gives recommendations on where to get the best espresso and gelato on College Street, and shares some wisdom on the importance of soccer matches to Italians. 
Italian exchange student Tommaso kindly recorded a walking tour of Little Italy with TFA's host, Jesse McDougall. It was Tom's first time in Little Italy, and he appreciated the subtle touches that made him feel at home. 
TFA also desperately needs student volunteers to keep the show running for the next season. Upcoming shows include Pakistan with Razzak, Bolivia with Itzel and Imanol, and Zambia with Vanessa of ASSA. If interested, you can email the show at TracksFromAbroad@ciut.fm
So tune in for a rich cultural experience, every Monday at 6pm on CIUT 89.5 FM.

The India Feature -- Tracks From Abroad Special Edition

This episode is a combination of the best moments of India on Tracks From Abroad. TFA has done 3 episodes about India with various guests and musical styles, so we combined the best moments into 1 hour!

India #3 -- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 59

This week @matrix.msngr joined TFA to discuss southern India where he grew up on Cape Comorin. At @uoft Markus is finishing his masters as a mechanical and industrial engineer.On the show you'll hear Markus's custom playlist which includes 'soup songs' made specifically for the heartbroken. Who knew? Markus also talks about the cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan, the astounding amount of languages in India, and the Snake Temple: a sacred building containing holy snakes which gave his town its name.TFA also played music by Toronto’s own @ozzylyall !Listen to TFA Mondays at 6pm on @ciut895fm , and follow the show @TFA.radio on Instagram.

Argentina -- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 58

This week Tracks From Abroad took a trip to Argentina, the winner of the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament. On the episode you’ll also hear a live performance of Argentine folk music recorded in the CIUT 89.5 FM studio by El Ceibo Folklore.
First on the show is U of T student Abril, a 4th year political science student who tells us about her home of Mar del Plata and the several other Latin American countries where she’s lived.
At the halfway point you’ll hear our interview with Patrick and Patricio , a guitarist and percussionist in El Ceibo Folklore. This Toronto band embraces the traditional sounds (and dances) of the Argentine countryside.
Keep it locked on TFA for more international music and edutainment brought to you by members in our community!

Lithuania -- Tracks From Abroad Ep. 57

Finally, the day you’ve all been waiting for…Tracks From Abroad is visiting Lithuania with a full hour of music and discussions including a chat with the Ambassador of Lithuania.
First on the episode is Elžbieta. Elžbieta is a theater student, kick boxer, and world traveler who talks on TFA about identity and superstitious Lithuanian holidays.
TFA’s diplomat guest Darius Skusevičius called in from Ottawa to discuss how he got into the foreign service and what his work is like day to day. Darius mentions a marathon he ran in close proximity to polar bears, and if that doesn’t catch your interest, nothing will.
Catch this week’s episode of Tracks From Abroad Mondays at 6pm on CIUT 89.5 , or anytime on Spotify.