World Cafe

Michael Kiwanuka’s latest album, Small Changes, strips away excess production elements, to remind people why we fell in love with him in the first place, his voice. Kiwanuka, who once again worked with Danger Mouse and Inflo, will talk about big life events and the small changes he made to navigate them. Plus, we will hear songs from Small Changes. It’s Michael Kiwanuka on the next World Cafe.

Charles Wesley Godwin always dreamed of being a professional football player, until he didn’t make the team in college and decided to pursue other hobbies, like the guitar. On the next World Cafe, Godwin talks about switching from sports to music, playing his first gig (in Estonia), and eventually opening for folks like Luke Combs and Jason Isbell.

When you hear Teddy Swims sing, you’re hearing the powerful sound of a man baring his soul. That vulnerability is part of what made his debut album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Part 1, such a success. On the next World Cafe, Teddy talks about what it means to be emotionally open, and he talks about his new album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Part 2.

This Sunday, millions of people around the globe will tune into Super Bowl 59 to witness one of the biggest stars on the planet. Not Patrick Mahomes, but hip-hop’s reigning MVP, Kendrick Lamar. On the next World Cafe, the theme is Super Bowl halftime performers, featuring music from Prince, Tom Petty, Lady Gaga and many more.

Throughout Black History Month, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison is showcasing trailblazers and mavericks of Black music; artists who took risks and pushed boundaries. This week, John discusses the visionary composer, poet, and bandleader Sun Ra, and talks about his experimentation as well as his widespread influence.

Many artists have covered The Beatles, but only one artist, other than the Beatles themselves, has recorded Beatles songs at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. That artist is Lucinda Williams. On the next World Cafe, Lucinda talks about making her new album of Beatles songs in a place where she could feel their presence. Plus, she reveals her favorite Beatle.

Singer-songwriter Conner Youngblood, a polyglot who speaks English, Danish, Spanish, Japanese and Russian, sang in multiple languages on his latest album, Cascades, Cascading, Cascadingly. On the next World Cafe, Conner Youngblood discusses his global travels and performs songs from the new album, live.

Lupe Fiasco is one hip-hop’s most gifted lyricists; words seem to effortlessly flow out of him. But, he doesn’t think there’s anything magical about that talent. As he explains on the next World Cafe, rap is a purely scholastic endeavor for him – a skill that takes practice and study to hone. Lupe also talks about his role as co-founder of the Society of Spoken Arts and as a visiting professor at MIT. Join us.

Kacey Musgraves’ new album, Deeper Well, sees the songwriter entering her mid-30s with a deeper understanding of herself, what she wants, and what she doesn’t want. Kacey talks about asking big life questions and about welcoming this new phase by recording in a new setting: Electric Lady Studio in New York City. That’s on the next World Cafe.

Elsy Wameyo was born in Kenya but grew up in Australia. Duality is at the heart of Saint Sinner – the standout debut from the up-and-coming singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer. Elsy talks about writing and recording Saint Sinner with a newfound perspective, and how she found her true home. With performances from Nairobi, it’s Elsy Wameyo on the next World Cafe.