Only two years old, New Jersey-based MidAtlantic Opera is mounting an ambitious concert this Saturday night at Manhattan's august music temple, Carnegie Hall. Its modest goal: world peace. [...] "Music and diplomacy are interestingly tied together," says Tramm, "and the creative impulse that's necessary to make art and music is a similar — if not the same — creative impulse to communicate and try to get along. Music is a natural form of diplomacy."

Mare Advertencia Lirika, 28, an indigenous Zapotec, has made a name for herself on the Latin American hip-hop scene. Her rap stands out in part because of her indigenous roots, the poverty she's endured, as well as her politicized upbringing [...] This is the backdrop that sparked Mare's rap career 12 years ago, inspiring her to intertwine indigenous identity and progressive politics into her lyrics.

Taiwanese rapper Soft Lipa (蛋堡), Latin rap rock band Boxing (拳) and Chinese Canadian pop rock band io will be featured in a "Taiwan Night" concert that is part of the event, according to GCA Entertainment, which is jointly organizing the concert with Taiwan's Ministry of Culture.

If you have even a passing interest in country music, you'll have heard of Don Williams or Dolly Parton but get ready for some new names courtesy of Nairobi's blooming country music scene. Focus on Africa's Kim Chakanetsa is a closet country fan - and she's been in Kenya, learning about the country's love of country.

Watch Pharrell Williams as he gets to know "the most powerful generation of Africans in history."

US singer Pharrell Williams visited Emisebeni Primary School in Soweto to see the positive impact his collaboration with Woolworths is having on schools and communities in South Africa. Williams visit forms part of Woolworths’ strategic collaboration with the musician to highlight educational advancement, environmental awareness and social cohesion.

Malek Jandali wants to use what he calls the “soft power” of his art to bring about a solution [to the effects of war]. A classical composer and part-time Atlanta resident, Jandali wants to use music to unite, and he plans to do that in an unusual way.