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Afro hip-hop and the American influence
Hip hop is a musical genre and culture that originated in America in the 70s /early 80s and was used not just as an entertainment medium, but as a political opinion mouthpiece- a lyrical response by people of color to oppression which quickly made it unique in its own right and completely different from the more popular styles of music back then. This true origin of hip hop and what it actually stands for has been lost from the 90s till the present day.What used to be a medium for expression has been swapped for half-naked women(worse in some cases) and strip dancers in music videos, as well as men with chains as big as their egos. True hip-hop is never used to abuse women or depict them as strictly sex symbols to make videos “colourful”, and appeal to some chauvinistic male empire!!!
Back in the day, we had Fab five freddy who was famous for spraying graffiti on the number 5 train to express political opinions, African Bambaata, Grandmaster flash and the furious five(Keith “Cowboy” Wiggins gave the name hip-hop to this genre), Beastie boys, kurtis blow, koolmoedee, sugarhill gang and so on. Hip hop has always been about expression…Express yourself
The truth is that the origin of hip hop has been attributed to West Africa. If you are aware of the Yoruba “ewi”, it`s quite similar to chanting which uses the rapid flow of words to describe a scenario, tell a story or send a message.
Back to the domestics, is hip hop an American thing? The origin of this genre can be traced back to Africa where the “art” itself was born way before it hit the Bronx,got modified, and grew worldwide.I will have to say that Hip Hop is a modified version of a pre-exisiting african genre…thanks to the bronx.I also have to say i do not agree with the “American-rap style campaign” that our so called “Afro” hip-hop artistes have adopted- it`s a farce. If you go downtown New York at the tube stations, street corners and so on, you will find some “wicked” rappers spitting fire and brimstone through the furnace of the mouth. Americans already have an overflowing stack of rappers. Afro Hip-hop needs more Afro rappers who are original, innovative and unique.
Afro-Hip hop artistes should make more effort to address domestic issues and follow the steps taken by the original icons of hip hop from the south bronx! Fela Kuti was not a hip-hop icon, but he started a global revolution by using his music as a mouthpiece to expose unsatisfactory governance and money-hungry politicians. Afro hip-hop can be used as a channel to address Afro issues.
On a final note, neither Americans, nor the world in general, will appreciate our so called “Afro hip-hop” when it, paradoxically speaking, has the connotation and elements of the red, blue and white spread all over it! Where is the Afro in Afro Hip-hop??? Word to the mother!
* Picture above courtesy of Factory78 Online T.V
Afrowoman: History, Roles and Responsibilities
Mama Africa! I used to wonder where and how this name was derived and remember vividly asking my mum about the origin as a kid. I remember her saying “This coined name signifies Africa`s personification in terms of its ability to breastfeed her own children”.
History shows the significance of the African Woman over thousands of years making reference to her strength, passion, compassion, resilience, long suffering and so many other qualities that makes her idolized and revered by friends,families and the society in general.
Every African culture has a significant story or history portraying the role of the woman in her society. Ancient records show her as queen, goddess, scholar, diplomat, scientist, icon, prophet and freedom fighting warrior exalted with and sometimes above her father, husband and brothers. She is the epitome of multitasking balancing the needs of the husband with that of the children as well as other extended family members not to mention the society.
We have Historical African Women like Queen Nefertiti, Makeda the Queen of Sheba, Queen Ahmose-Nefertari, Queen Tiye, and Queen Nzingha, and the women warriors of Dahomey kingdom and even in recent times, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti(the mother of Fela Kuti the original pioneer of afrobeats, activist and human right activist) who championed the course on recognition of African Women in Nigeria in 1953 and founded the Federation of Nigerian Women Societies . According to Dr. John Henrik Clarke, “The first accomplishment of the African woman, in partnership with the man, was the creation of a functioning family unit. This major step in human development laid the foundations of the organization of all subsequent societies and institutions. In Africa the “woman’s place” was not only with her family. She often ruled nations with unquestioned authority.
Many African Societies still need to understand that the African Woman is not a figure head but an essential member of the family unit who creates equilibrium across it. A father earns his respect and honour among his children by treating their mother with respect and dignity. She in turn sings his praise to the children and he is revered and respected.
So how is the modern day “African Woman” stepping into the shoes of her ancestors? For one, the western influence and education have had positive and negative influences on the African Woman`s role (and I am not saying this as a male chauvinist pig but as a realist). The role of the African woman has evolved over the years due to (but not limited to)these factors which brings me to these points:
Should these apparent stimuli push the African Woman out of her lifelong role?
What happened to her duties inside the home which is very significant in the bigger society?
Do not get me wrong, we have a lot of African Women who are still aware of their roles and playing it to a T, but the question remains – what is going on with the ones that have lost the cause? Where did it all go wrong?
The African Woman needs to realize that she belongs to a lineage of Warriors, Leaders, Inspirers, Home makers and so on. She is the epitome of multitasking, a goddess who is respected at home and the world in general, a ruler and warrior. Her role with regards to the man is not a competitive one in which the man is the adversary, but rather an important partner (and vice versa) without whom her role cannot be complete.
African woman, take your rightful position of respect because you have earned it over time.
Please find some relevant read links below which you can also peruse. I would like some comments and other viewpoints regarding this issue.
http://afrikaworld.net/afrel/atr-women.htm
http://www.colorq.org/articles/article.aspx?d=2002&x=africanwarriors
http://www.globalaging.org/elderrights/world/2004/subsaharan.htm
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