Hip-Hop in Africa. Msia Kibona Clark
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Hip-Hop in Africa
Ohio University Research in International Studies
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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
© 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
Foreword: “African Hip-Hop Represent!”
CHAPTER 1. “Boomerang” Hip-Hop and Pan-African Dialogues
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
Illustrations
Figure 1.3. Zavara Mponjika, aka MC Rhymson
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