Global Notes: What happens when music and politics mix

Global Notes: What happens when music and politics mix
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi sings with pop star Gigi D'Alessio in Naples, Italy. AP/Salvatore Laporta
Global Notes: What happens when music and politics mix
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi sings with pop star Gigi D'Alessio in Naples, Italy. AP/Salvatore Laporta

Global Notes: What happens when music and politics mix

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On today’s Global Notes, Jerome and Eight Forty-Eight and Radio M host Tony Sarabia listen to what happens when music and politics intersect.

This collision is familiar all over the world. In Senegal, recording artist Youssou N’Dour recently announced he’s running for president. Silvio Berlusconi, who just stepped down as Italy’s Prime Minister, was once a well-known cruise ship singer. And Haitian President Michel Martelly used to go by the stage name of “Sweet Micky;” as a keyboardist, he interspersed political commentary in his live sets.

Today, Worldview dives into the best and worst in the small but spirited genre of musicians turned politicians.

Watch Berlusconi perform with his regular music collaborator, Apicella:

To hear all our Global Notes segments with Eight Forty-Eight and Radio M host Tony Sarabia, check out our series page. Or, download our podcast so you don’t miss a beat.