Cellist Yo-Yo Ma has never been able to get this song by Angelique Kidjo out of his head since he heard her sing it a few years ago. It’s called “Blewu.” It’s a dirge for the dead. In the West African Ewe language, “blewu” is a word that urges calm. Yo-Yo Ma and Angelique Kidjo had some free time, so they recorded this duet remotely, in separate rooms. We say “blewu” to all of you, wishing you calm as you head into the weekend.
Without federal support, local stations, especially in rural and underserved areas, face deep cuts or even closure. Vital public service alerts, news, storytelling, and programming like The World will be impacted. The World has weathered many storms, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to being your trusted source for human-centered international news, shared with integrity and care. We believe public media is about truth and access for all. As an independent, nonprofit newsroom, we aren’t controlled by billionaire owners or corporations. We are sustained by listeners like you.
Now more than ever, we need your help to support our global reporting work and power the future of The World.