Hardcore rap Senegal style (Click to listen)
I attended a rap talent show that the English club of the local public high school organized to raise money. It was a hit. Lots of kids, all decked out in their 2-Pac meets Puff Daddy cum Dr Dre fashion with ball caps, high school letter jackets (not sure about that one), baggy jeans, and bobbing heads. They each performed original works that would be hits in the United States - if they had been in English. I was put off initially by the fact that everyone was just mouthing the words but someone pointed out that good microphones were too expensive, so everyone premixed their raps and background music for that night's performance. So while they were not actually rapping on the night of the performance, the recording was all them. Really a professional gig. I look forward to the next one. I like rap music. This musical art form started as an outlet to express inner-city troubles and that is still the case here in Ziguinchor. And, yes, I was the old guy in the room. But it was fun.
The last month has seen a sharp spike in violence. Alleged MFDC gunmen have perpetrated armed car jackings, slit the throat of a woman they accused of informing to the military, robbed a bank, and held many standing battles with the Senegalese army. "Standing" - as in not on the run. These guys are getting cocky and more organized. And fortunately, also more verbal. One leader, who may be behind some of most recent attacks, sent a letter to a local community warning them not to form armed militia to defend their village. The letter was harsh and angry, but it is still showed an effort to communicate. A hard lined group with no interest in social ties would never have bothered with a letter, much less a warning. So, that is a good sign, in my eyes. I take what I can get.I bring this up because some of the kids rapping last Friday had taken on nicknames associated with the recent attacks. Nearly all the kids come from families that have fallen on hard times, and all blame the government. It was not surprising that they begin to idolize the rebels. especially in light of recent successes in the field. There is just no doubt that the youth hold the keys to any sustainable peace in this region. Most of the young men and women I saw that night are not looking to don camouflage jumpsuits and carry automatic weapons anytime soon. They are the local elite that managed to find the financial means to make it to high school. Yet, they are in contact with friends who are less fortunate and far more likely to see the rebellion as a valid option - if they haven't joined already. The hard messages carried with style in their lyrical performances tell me that this group may be interested in helping to find solutions, if given an opportunity to contribute.
On a personal note, I received a call from the shipping agent that my personal effects are scheduled for delivery on Saturday, February 13th. They took nearly four months to get here but it will feel like Christmas when they do.
Peace, love, as I sway to the sounds of the rap song dedicated to saving the Mangroves (no kidding)
I guess you could say this is progress, but since African music has always been rap, that is has always reflected the life, all aspects of life, I hate to think the old is being lost for the new copy cat style. But maybe as with all things the old will become the new again, as history does repeat itself.
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