Democracy in Dakar - Voice of America Interview
August 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
‘Democracy in Dakar’ Film Shows Power of Hip-Hop Among Senegalese Youth
By Jackson Muneza Mvunganyi
Washington
15 August 2007
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A film on the role of hip-hop in shaping the political discourse in Senegal is getting rave reviews. The documentary Democracy in Dakar is the brainchild of filmmaker and producer Ben Herson, who visited Senegal’s capital, Dakar, in 2003.
Herson first got interested in Senegalese music a couple of years ago, when he was working on his university thesis about Senegalese music. He was amazed at the vibrant music scene in Dakar, given the small resources and financial rewards available to young musicians there. He says he was intrigued by their passion and devotion to music and decided to expand his project into a full-length movie. Herson’s next visit came during Senegal’s presidential election campaign held earlier this year. He witnessed the power of young, politically conscious rappers – and the enthusiasm of their fans.
Democracy in Dakar shows the influence that hip-hop music has among young Senegalese. Herson says it’s a tool that has been used by the youth to voice their frustration with the political establishment. The documentary features rising stars in the Senegalese entertainment industry and plenty of unknown MCs, whose storytelling abilities are much like those of the traditional Senegalese griots.
“The young rappers perform traditional Senegalese rap songs “that tell stories about society, much like ancient griots narrated the lives of ancient societies,” he said.
Young Senegalese musicians, like those in other parts of Africa, have fused traditional music and messages with western styles popular among their fans. Young film director McGee Mcilvan says he saw more than a than a dozen Senegalese rap groups in Dakar which have created unique and distinct sounds.
Many tracks on the video feature what the Senegalese call "ego tripping," a mode of hip-hop that includes bragging. The movie also sheds light on the personalities of the rappers and their inspirations.
Massive Hip-Hop Throwdown in Brooklyn
August 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
WHEN: August 4th 2007 - 8 pm - 2 am
WHERE: Rose 345 grand street Brooklyn, NY 11211
WHAT: Performance
DETAILS: African Underground performance and party featuring MC’s from Sierra Leone, Senegal, Ghana and more! Blitz! Chosan! Foundation Movement! LF and Laylo! Bamboo! and more!!! DJ Sirak and DJ Laylo on the 1s and 2s! Ernesto Abreau, Chauncey Yearwood and Benny Beats on percussion!
Direction to the club click here!
Depths of Dakar gets 4 Afros in Okay Player!
August 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
After setting up shop in a mobile rig for three months, producer Ben Herson returned to New York with some of the hottest underground sounds from Senegal’s up-and-coming and established hip-hop music makers. Three years later, the result, African Underground – Depths of Dakar, makes a good argument for RV-style hip-hop. In French, Wolof and smatterings of English, these artists communicate across a barrier that proves music is the world’s language. Even in absence of trendy producers and knowledge of local slang, the music speaks for itself, telling the listeners when to care, laugh and chill out. Pato’s “Keep It Real” mixes the dance party feel of old Luke songs where you imagine booty-shaking at rapid speeds occurring somewhere near a pool in Miami and the rapid flow of Dizzee Rascal. Oddly enough, this dance music disguises a responsible political message for rappers to remember their duty to the people.
“Geble Night in Blue” by Nightmare is a surreal, dark blend of ODB’s warbling and Mobb Deep’s grimly painted ghetto landscapes (Geble means ‘ghetto’ in Wolof). Wonderfully creepy, it couldn’t have been performed by a more aptly named rapper. On Nightmare’s heels is Adama with the mellow, reggae-tinged “Aduna Bi.” The vibe takes you back to sweet R&B summer songs reminiscent of Shanice and the Fresh Prince. Senegal rap veteran Omzo enlists some Zap Mama-esque vocal talent to add an epic feel to the memories unleashed in “Li Guen Pt 2.” The heavenly chants on the track echo the pain of a man who lost three close family members in one year as the voices sneak into the eardrum and grab your attention when you least expect it.
The smooth R&B is more effective than the high energy, pure rap tracks. Perhaps it’s foreign language bias, but it’s harder to connect to the madness behind an M.O.P.-type group in French than it is to grasp the warmth and passion behind the slow groove music. Then, in the case of Fresh Time Pt 2 (Beyondo Outro) by the Zoo Squad, they give a dose of both worlds - raw opening verses blending into a jazzy instrumental. The hodgepodge of styles on that one track is emblematic of the entire album’s scattered sensibilities of Dakar’s impressive underground scene.
African Underground: Democracy in Dakar in LA!
August 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
African Underground: Democracy in Dakar screening!
Where: Echo Park Film Center
When: April 5th - 8 pm
Echo Park Film Center
1200 N. Alvarado Street (@ Sunset Blvd)
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Google
Map
213-484-8846
echoparkfilmcenter@hotmail.com
Benny Beats Remixes on National Geographic mix-tape
August 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Check out these exclusive Benny Beats remixes with both Pato (Senegal) and Eli Efi and Laylo (Brazil/DR) on the Geo-Remixed National Geographic Remix project! Click the images below or click here!
