Hip-Hop in Africa. Msia Kibona Clark

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      Hip-Hop in Africa

       Ohio University Research in International Studies

      This series of publications on Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Global and Comparative Studies is designed to present significant research, translation, and opinion to area specialists and to a wide community of persons interested in world affairs. The series is distributed worldwide. For more information, consult the Ohio University Press website, ohioswallow.com.

      Books in the Ohio University Research in International Studies series are published by Ohio University Press in association with the Center for International Studies. The views expressed in individual volumes are those of the authors and should not be considered to represent the policies or beliefs of the Center for International Studies, Ohio University Press, or Ohio University.

      Executive Editor: Gillian Berchowitz

      Hip-Hop in Africa

      PROPHETS OF THE CITY AND DUSTYFOOT PHILOSOPHERS

      Msia Kibona Clark

       Foreword by Quentin Williams

       Afterword by Akosua Adomako Ampofo

      Ohio University Research in International Studies Global and Comparative Studies Series No. 18 Athens, Ohio

      Ohio University Press, Athens, Ohio 45701

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      © 2018 by Ohio University Press

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      Cover: Kanyi Mavi at her home in Gugulethu Township, Cape Town, in 2016.

      Photo by author.

       Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

      Names: Clark, Msia Kibona, author.

      Title: Hip-hop in Africa : prophets of the city and dustyfoot philosophers / Msia Kibona Clark ; foreword by Quentin Williams ; afterword by Akosua Adomako Ampofo.

      Description: Athens, Ohio : Ohio University Press, [2018] | Series: Ohio University research in international studies. Global and comparative studies series ; No. 18 | Includes bibliographical references and index.

      Identifiers: LCCN 2018001344| ISBN 9780896803183 (hc : alk. paper) | ISBN 9780896803190 (pb : alk. paper) | ISBN 9780896805026 (pdf)

      Subjects: LCSH: Rap (Music)—Social aspects—Africa. | Rap (Music)—Africa—History and criticism. | Hip-hop—Africa.

      Classification: LCC ML3918.R37 C58 2018 | DDC 782.421649096—dc23

      LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018001344

      This book is dedicated to Kekeli Kaselema Anthony Numadzi, ninakupenda sana wanangu.

       Contents

       List of Illustrations

       Foreword: “African Hip-Hop Represent!”

       Acknowledgments

       CHAPTER 1. “Boomerang” Hip-Hop and Pan-African Dialogues

       CHAPTER 2. “Understand Where I’m Coming From” The Growth of African Hip-Hop and Representations of African Culture

       CHAPTER 3. “Lettre à Mr le Président” Social and Political Representations

       CHAPTER 4. “Femme de Combat” Gendered Representations

       CHAPTER 5. “Make You No Forget” Representations of African Migrant Experiences in African Hip-Hop

       CHAPTER 6. “Brkn Lngwjz” Language, Identity, and Cultural Appropriation

       Epilogue

       By Way of an Afterword

       APPENDIX 1. Artist Interviews

       APPENDIX 2. Companion Website

       Notes

       References

       Index

       Illustrations

       Figure 1.1. Yugen Blakrok

       Figure 1.2. Reggie Rockstone

       Figure 1.3. Zavara Mponjika, aka MC Rhymson

       Figure 2.1. Shaheen Ariefdien

       Figure 2.2. Songa

       Figure 2.3. Duke Gervalius

       Figure 2.4. Wanaitwa Uhuru

       Figure 2.5. Kenyan b-boys

       Figure 2.6. Wachata Crew graffiti art, 2010

       Figure 2.7. Wachata Crew graffiti art, 2014

       Figure 2.8. Kibacha Singo, aka KBC

       Figure 2.9. Guin Thieuss

       Figure 2.10. Helena Nyerere

       Figure 3.1. Albert Mangwair, aka Mangwea

       Figure 3.2. President Kikwete’s campaign logo

       Figure 3.3. Sarkodie

       Figure 3.4. Daara J

       Figure