The weeks following Mardi Gras at Tulane linger on with a certain “funk.” It takes a few weeks for the school’s social scene to get back into the normal swing of things, and people often find themselves unmotivated to seek out exciting events happening in New Orleans.
However, we as Tulane students do have a few major festivals coming up, sure to keep us on the edge of our seats until March 9th. That is, New Orleans’ very own Buku Music + Art Project.
Since 2012, Buku has branded itself as a boutique event with the appeal of a massive festival, while keeping a “house party vibe.” Buku combines local food vendors, local visual artists, pop-up street performers, and a variety of big-name musicians. The festival usually encompasses a vast array of music genres, from electronic dance music, to hip hop, to indie rock, and more.
Here’s who to look out for:
HIP HOP/R&B
Migos
It’s obvious that Migos has had an incredible year from C U L T U R E hitting #1 on the top Billboard Top 200 Charts, “Bad and Boujee” going Platinum, and releasing C U L T U R E II, which is an already smash-hit and continuing to rake in numbers. They’ve continued to strengthen and solidify their sound which blends the authentic sounds of Atlanta hip-hop, an edgy twist, and their classic flow.
SZA
SZA has had an incredible climb to success over the past few years, and her album “CTRL” reached the top of the charts with features including Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, and Isaiah Rashad. Her mystifying voice and motifs of love, heartbreak, rebellion, and independence make this album the amazing production it is.
Noname
Originally a slam poet from Chicago, Noname developed a unique rap style and gained massive recognition and critical acclaim after her appearance on Chance the Rapper’s track “Lost” from Acid Rap. In 2016, she released her mixtape, “Telefone” a project three years in the making, which emphasized her struggles as a black woman and the hardships of growing up in Chicago. It was named one of 2016’s “most thought-provoking hip-hop.”
ELECTRONIC
Sylvan Esso
Sylvan Esso is an electronic pop duo from North Carolina. Their second Album, “What Now” deals with the topics of overcoming challenges, experiencing the lows and highs in life, and even allusions to the current political climate. The cynical album is masked by a cheery and cheeky overtone and maintains a glowing, lighthearted tone.
Mura Masa
At just 21 years of age, Alex Crossan, known as Mura Masa is an electronic music producer, influenced and inspired by the sounds of Hudson Mohawke and James Blake. His biggest hit, “Love$ick” ft. A$AP Rocky, a catchy hip hop-meets-electronic collaboration, can be heard at nearly every party. Some other popular pieces include “Firefly, “Love for That,” and “WAVE.”
Hippie Sabotage
Hippie Sabotage is an EDM duo from Whittier, CA composed of two brothers, Kevin and Jeff Saurer. Their funky, electronic dance vibes are sure to have you out of your seat and jumping. They were #1 on Billboard’s Next Big Sound Chart, and have performed alongside artists such as Ellie Goulding and Tove Lo.
Located at Mardi Gras World, the Buku Music + Arts project 2018 will be a truly unmissable event. Buy tickets here!
COVER PHOTO: @thebukuproject
About Ella Swimmer
Ella Swimmer is a senior from Santa Monica, CA. This adventurous Economics major spends her time dancing to hip-hop, practicing yoga, bingeing music and traveling.
Ella Swimmer is a senior from Santa Monica, CA. This adventurous Economics major spends her time dancing to hip-hop, practicing yoga, bingeing music and traveling.
