On August 9, 2020, Belarussian voters went to the polls in a presidential election. Long-time president Alexander Lukashenko who has governed the nation since 1994 and who is often called Europe’s last dictator claimed victory. Lukashenko announced he had won the election with a reported eighty-plus percent of the votes. This has been contested by both the Belarussian opposition and by most election observers. Since the election, the nation has been rocked by protests, while the government has violently cracked down on any unrest. What does this all mean for the future of the Lukashenko presidency? Doug Becker examines the history of Belarus and the fallout from the 2020 election with Margarita Balmaceda and Tatsiana Kulakevich.
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In her weekly chat with NZ First Minister Tracey Martin, Bronwyn asked about the Department of Internal Affairs using facial recognition software, NeoFace. The US company Datawork Plus who won the contract have faced privacy controversy overseas, making some hesitant about their involvement in New Zealand. In what seemed like a huge scandal, RNZ published an article with an Official Information Act request about the contract. Martin, as the Minister of Internal affairs, explains why she see the issue as having been wrongly reported.
This morning Zoë brings us an update on Auckland theatre live from a face-painting and balloon animal making workshop (very on-brand). Live shows are back at the Basement Theatre where you can see Bubbah - My Ode To South Auckland and Before Karma Gets Us; plus this is your last week to catch the online action at Kōanga Festival. Whakarongo mai nei!
Andrew and Michael from Die! Die! Die! join us in the studio to talk about their freshly pressed, blue, 7" record featuring I Seek Misery and 450, plus some upcoming gigs! Definitely get yourself a ticket here, you don't want to miss this one.
Lucky for us, Marlon Williams pops into the studio on this Friday morning after announcing another seven dates on his tour around Aotearoa. As we eagerly await the Marlon Williams + Kacy & Clayton release, Plastic Bouquet, Rach chats to Marlon about what we can expect from the new record. Plus, a very special live version of 'I Wonder Why'. You don't want to miss out on tickets for this, get them here!
Zoë's got the theatrical goods for us this morning: two shows at the Basement theatre from Chris Parker and The Actor's Programme, plus a Silo Theatre pop-up at Samoa House. Whakarongo mai nei for all the deets!
Sian O’Gorman and Phillipa Neels of London based all women vocal drone choir NYX are in Aotearoa and popped in to studio to chat about their new folk horror record 'Deep England' made with Gazelle Twin. Whakarongo mai nei to learn more about the group and their new project, plus head along to the Audio Foundation tonight for an immersive listening party!
Blind Mango Chutney presents a mini Blue Note special of some rare re-releases, plus the debut of the jazziest track from Waiata Anthems 2021 by Goldsmith Baynes (our very own Dr Mark Baynes with vocalist Allana Goldsmith).
Playlist:
Phineas Newborn Jnr Trio - Grooveyard
Lee Morgan - Roccus
Lee Morgan - Absolutions
Emma-Jean Thackray - 3rd Eye / May There Be Peace
Alex Reece - Pulp Fiction
Goldsmith Baynes - Tiipuna
Miles Davis - Mr Pastorius
Donald Byrd - Pretty Baby
Dexter Gordon - Cheese Cake
Mbongwana Star - Shegue
Jasmine Lovell-Smith - Yellow, Red, Blue
Lou Donaldson - Sassy Soul Strut
Duke Pearson ft. Flora Purim - Stormy
Big John Patton - Latona
Jimmie Noone - It's Tight Like That
This week, we're celebrating five years of the Sounds of Sydney segment on Universal Harmony! With our Australian bestie, Carlos, each week, we cross over and hear what life sounds like in our slightly bigger, sister city.
Episode 442 includes some of my fav selects from Carlos over the last five years, plus some new 'feature tunes' from both Carlos and myself, dr.Snikkers.
~ universal harmony ~
Percolating a grateful ora whilst massaging the creative mind
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