Global Hip-Hop Artists Collaborate to Support Inspirational Burundian Politician Alexis Sinduhije

July 6, 2009

After Burundian politician Alexis Sinduhije was illegally incarcerated in November 2008, international hip-hop fair trade label Nomadic Wax joined forces with Sinduhije’s party, Movement for Solidarity and Democracy, to create a hip hop music compilation calling for his freedom. Sinduhije was released from prision in March 2009, however the message of this compilation remains relevant as his candidacy in the 2010 presidential elections continues to be highly contested by the Burundian government.

(Brooklyn, NY)—Controversial Burundian journalist-turned-politician Alexis Sinduhije’s political party, the Movement for Solidarity and Democracy (MSD), is collaborating with international hip hop label Nomadic Wax, to release a free hip hop music compilation focusing on youth and equality in Burundi. The ten minute mix-tape, ‘Democracy in Burundi’—an assemblage of verses by five African and Diasporic emcees, sound bites from a variety of Sinduhije’s speeches, as well as clips from media coverage of Sinduhije—pays special heed to the political repression Sinduhije is facing as a result of his decision to run in the 2010 presidential elections.

The release of this compilation comes at an important moment in Sinduhije’s tumultuous trajectory towards presidential candidacy, which would precipitate an historical election in Burundi. In November 2008, Sinduhije was arrested for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government, although no formal charges were placed on him. Known for his commitment to fairness, equality and conflict resolution, all within the realm of ethnic conflict and political instability in the Rwanda/Burundi region of Africa, Sinduhije’s incarceration attracted international attention. In March 2009, Sinduhije was released from prison, partially due to global pressure. However, his party MSD continues to struggle against politically-motivated assaults and repression by the acting government, as well as former rebel group, Forces of National Liberation (FNL).

Democracy in Burundi works to raise awareness about the political strife experienced in Burundi and across the world. Lyrics raise questions such as, “What’s the meaning of life if I can’t be free? If there’s no equality? If I can’t raise my voice?” Similar to the role Barack Obama played in the United States’ 2008 elections, Alexis Sinduhije symbolizes change in Africa through his devotion to ending corruption and creating sustainable structures to encourage professionalism.

Also similar to Obama, Sinduhije places great importance on issues faced by Burundian youth and their potential influence on the nation’s future. In the mixtape Sinduhije asks, “What’s the point of youth if they can’t encourage us?” The emphasis on youth in African political rhetoric is becoming increasingly common, but diverges from Africa’s traditional stress put on age hierarchies, contributing to Sinduhije’s reputation for radical change.

The expanding significance of African youth as voters and as an important political contingency works in tandem with the rise of hip-hop movements across the continent and Diaspora to impact social change in an unexpectedly powerful way. Starting in 2001, Nomadic Wax was created out of this trend, signing artists across Africa as well as the Middle East, Asia, South America, and Europe with hopes of generating a global hip hop network through which social justice movements could become accessible to one another and the world at large.

This free compilation includes such artists as Diamond Dog (Angola), Baay Musa (Senegal), Yardsteppa (Zimbabwe), Alfaress (Morocco), and Infinite (USA).

This Mixtape includes performances by:

Alfaress (Morocco) www.myspace.com/akaalfaress

Infinite (USA) www.myspace.com/infinitecreation

Baay Musa (Senegal) www.myspace.com/baaymusa

Yardsteppa (Zimbabwe) www.myspace.com/yardsteppa

Diamondog (Angola) www.myspace.com/mcdiamondog

You can view a short video clip of one of the recording sessions for the compilation with Senegalese hip hop artist Baay Musa here: