From Calabash Music. Our friends at Nomadic Wax are in Senegal this month producing a unique documentary film, called 'African Underground: Democracy in Dakar', showing how local hip-hop is shaping the current Presidential Election. Each week they are sending back 5-10 minute video segments. This "real-time" documentary style allows for immediate discussion of music and politics in Senegal. Upon their return, these segments will be made into a full length documentary.

I had the pleasure of meeting Benny Herson, the brain behind Nomadic Wax at the Sweet Mother Tour conference in April, 2006. He shared his story of how he went to Senegal and helped hip hop artistes there find a voice internationally and how he has continued to promote hip hop talent from the continent around the world.

Senegalese hip hop is very respected around the world because of groups like Daara J, Positive Black Soul, Gokh Bi, etc. It is believed that they were at the forefront of a political revolution and change in 2000 that enabled Abdoulaye Wade to assume the presidency who acknowledged their support.

He and Nomadic wax are at work again. This time, they are producing a series of episodes detailing the run-up and aftermath of Senegal's elections which was on 25th February. Apparently, unemployment is still high in Senegal, the fight against poverty is on the back pedal, and the economy is ailing. The conscious rappers seized another opportunity to influence change and Nomadic Wax is documenting it. It is believed, Wade has won the election. (Confirmation should be coming in the next few days)

I personally admire the work of these hip hop artistes in being a voice for the Senegalese youth. There is a growing generation gap on the continent and our governments are not doing much to ensure that the future leaders would get the opportunity to lead and lead well. African underground rappers have the opportunity to be the voice of the youth, air their frustrations and concerns and inherently inspire them to excellence. This is where I am most concerned, the music should not be the way to show that the youth wants to be heard, it should be the educative tool to encourage activity, patriotism, excellence and hardwork amongst the populace.

We'll be watching as Nomadic Wax documents.

Watch the African underground channel


Link to Annansi's blog entry on the subject