Ephraim Bugumba News Today

Ephraim Bugumba is a Chicago-based Congolese-American artist who uses music to share his story as a survivor and multi-talented artist. He visited the Vocalo studios to discuss the message behind his music, and his new single “HighWay Love.”

Nigerian-American artist Nola Adé is making waves in the Chicago music scene, blending soulful harmonies with vibrant Afrobeats to create a genre she describes as Afro-soul.

NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest is gearing up to hit the road this June with contest winner Little Moon, stopping in Chicago on July 6 with two local contestants added to the bill as openers.

This year, folk and Americana artists have been using familiar sounds to create bolder work than ever before.

Pairs well with: Pensive summer days; long nights that end with the sunrise Matthew Smith, lead vocalist of the New Jersey-based band Hodera, hopes his first Tiny Desk Contest entry "makes you feel something." Something is an understatement. Notable for its emotive songwriting, "Best Intentions" will transport you to forgotten memories and kindle residual passions. Performing in his backyard surrounded by loved ones, Smith raises his husky voice to the sky to expel inner demons and make amends....