Global Beats: Hifana (Japan)

It is no secret that Japanese youth culture demands ongoing innovation. W+K Tokyo Lab is an independent record label based in Japan that specializes in the release of hybrid media, combining cutting-edge imagery and music. The city of Tokyo is the label's primary source of inspiration with its throbbing street culture.

Break beat duo Hifana is one of the acts on Tokyo Lab's coveted roster. Hifana are KeizoMachine! and Juicy who first got together in 1998. They quickly developed a strong reputation in the Tokyo underground scene with their creative live performances. The duo mixes up authentic Japanese sounds, Okinawan music with fierce breakbeats, distorted sequencing and a wicked sense of humor.

The group's most current album "Channel H" is a CD/DVD set that combines music and visual storytelling that ranges from the absurd to the surreal.  The video for the single "Wamono" is a good example of Hifana's unusual style. The duo most recently released the single "Analog H." If Western pop artists are looking for ways to infuse their music with something new and hip they should turn to Hifana to keep things interesting. You can purchase Hifana music at iTunes. More information about Tokyo Labs, check out this short movie by Apple.  [This post was written in support of Madonna's Raising Malawi. Donate today. Email me if you have suggestions for Global Beats.)

Previously in Global Beats:

Freshlyground [South Africa]
Kwabena Kwabena [Ghana]
Ivri Lider (Israel)