Mike Freeman

Airport Cab Ride

By Mike Freeman — 10th March, 2026

I had a pleasant cab ride to the airport recently heading out on my latest trip. The driver was playing music I had not heard before but that immediately caught my attention. It opened a fun dialog during our ride together.

The name of the group he was listening to was Bembeya Jazz National from Guinea. I’m of course familiar with Abdullah Imbrahim and Hugh Masekela from South Africa, and one of my long-time favorites is Salif Keita from Mali.

I greatly enjoy interacting with, and exchanging ideas with different cultures and peoples of the world, especially when it comes to languages, food, and music. It’s what makes our common human existence magical.
# Mike Freeman, airport cab ride, bembeya