|
Written by Tessa Doghor
|
|
Saturday, 27 December 2008 |
One look at the baggy jeans, the bling, and Bentleys, and you would think you have hip hop figured out. It would be easy to assume that Hip hop was all about a few successful artistes down the line who have received awards and being acknowledged as excellent and insightful. You could not be more wrong.
Hip hop is more than just ‘fly accents’ and ‘slamming clothes’. It has a history that goes way back. It is not a style, it is a culture. In the days of the slave trade, music was a means though which black people in America were heard. Hip hop was an avenue to express themselves about what they have been through. In the old days, Hip hop was their voice. With so much oppression and racism around, they were forced to come together and establish themselves.
In the new days, Hip hop is the voice they use to communicate with the world and the next generation, it is no longer a fight against oppression and racism (though some of it still exists), it is thanksgiving that the Black man has come of age and can value people irrespective of color race or creed. It was a way of life that maybe was unaccepted by the white folks, now several white people love rap and hip hop.
It was their culture. Knowing how cultural we Africans are, we must understand that Hip hop need not be criticized but understood and that the more we understand it, the more we will learn to appreciate it. Hip-hop in Nigeria has broken into gospel and secular music. There’s rock, afro-centric rock, there’s plain interesting hip hop. The new generation musical artiste has finally received acceptance. From Eben to Naeto C to the Roof top mcs to Asa, to Sasha, Mode 9 and M.I., the face of music has been refined in Nigeria and it is here to stay.
They are making a mark in the sands of time definitely and the future has limitless possibilities. In spite of all the drama that comes with our Nigerian hip hop stars and their perfection and imperfections, their work and music definitely has benefits and impact on the next generation of Nigerians, Africans and African Americans.
 Quote this article on your site | Views: 1428 | Print | E-mail
Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved |
|
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 31 December 2008 )
|
Columns 
