Acknowledging music's powerful role in black people's freedom struggles across South Africa and the world, a group of Eastern Cape artists held a public discussion on the history and politics of hip hop on Friday 26 April.
Acknowledging music's powerful role in black people's freedom struggles across South Africa and the world, a group of Eastern Cape artists held a public discussion on the history and politics of hip hop on Friday 26 April.
From 12pm to 2pm a panel including hip hop artists Yahav (Port Elizabeth) and Trusenz (East London), as well as local performers like Grahamstown writer, comedian and poet, Tsepiso Nzayo, shared their knowledge at Rhodes University's General Lecture Theatre.
Organiser Xolile Madinda said the event wasn't an academic lecture, but rather a platform for young artists to discuss 'The Lost Revolution' and what the arts mean for those still struggling today.
Music, literature and art played a significant role in the political consciousness of black youth around the world during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, Madinda said.
He said black people's struggles for freedom were amplified, fuelled and unified by liberation songs and poetry.
"We are healing the broken community by engaging youngsters to share information," Madinda said.
The panel was asked to discuss the following: What role does your genre play in community building and what are its limitations? Does your genre play a role in holding government and the powerful elites accountable? What must the youth do to build an environment of conscious politics for today and the future?
Afterwards, Olde 65 in New Street hosted performances by Sons of Laws, Yahkeem, Bless, Trusenz and others.
The show was supported by Biciko Communication, the Rhodes University Student Representative Council and organisations such as Around Hip Hop.
