Afrolution Out Now!
May 27, 2006
AFROLUTION VOL. 1 – Out 26 June 2006
‘Afrolution Vol. 1′ epitomises the birth of a new movement fuelled by a fervent desire to create space for new expression in global hip-hop. The CD/DVD compilation serves as the grand inauguration to African hip-hop and no doubt will occupy a historical reference point for the future of this new genre.
With hip-hop boasting a copious amount of sub genres – commercial, gangsta, conscious, Latino and UK hip-hop to name just a few – why would anyone take another new genre like African hip-hop seriously? Judging by the CD it will be by the sheer quality and innovation of the music and thus will appeal to both hip-hop lovers and curious urbanites.
With Africa being such a diverse continent with many cultural dynamics and influences, it was never going to be an easy task putting this album together. After much in-depth research the final 13 tracks that made it onto the compilation display an eclectic mix of styles. It features tracks by artists from eight African countries, both Anglophone and Francophone: Kenyan producer/writer/ performer Wawesh , Tanzania’s Maasai hip-hop group X Plastaz , UK-based Nigerian award-winners JJC & 419 Squad , Malawi’s Real Elements , Smokey from Gambia, from Senegal Omzo and the pioneering Pee Froiss , from South Africa innovators Cashless Society and Emile YX , and finally from Zimbabwe Metaphysics (plus side project Migrant Souls ), DKR (Divided Kingdom Republic) and Begotten Sun .
On the accompanying DVD there are six music videos plus some amazing footage from the B-Boy championships at the African Hip-Hop Indaba event in South Africa. There are also seven interviews with some of the artists featured on the compilation, plus other industry figures, such as Arrested Development’s Speech and Patrick Neate (award-winning British author of global hip-hop book ‘Where You’re At’) and UK’s premiere African DJ Eric Soul , all giving an insight into African hip-hop and also a perspective on how non-Africans view the scene.
‘Afrolution Vol.1′ shows that the cross-pollination of hip-hop ideology and African urban culture has given birth to a proud new generation of African artists embracing global music, while keeping true to their roots.
To download the album on Calabash Music click here!
Information courtesy of Trenton Birch and Ilka Schlockerman
Comments
Got something to say?
