Music and Politics: Senegal is often lauded as one of (if not the most) stable democracy in West Africa. In 2000 when former opposition leader and current president, Abdoulaye Wade, won against the leader of the 'socialist' party who had been in power for 20 years, it truly was a free and fair shift of power. What many people don't know is the important role artists, especially hiphop artists had in that transition. Hiphop in Senegal is still very political. The other day when I was talking to students in the program about the interesting comparison between the now extremely commercial phase of hiphop in the U.S. and the still politically relevant content of hiphop in Dakar, I felt like I was met with a room of blank stares. Hiphop as a social resource? Huh? Anyway, the apparent lack of basic knowledge about the evolution of hiphop in the U.S. just confirmed my point. In Senegal on the other hand, those labeled as 'hiphop artists,' whether in the realm of rap, graffiti, breakdance, or even traditional senegalese wrestling are known for their social commentary (interestingly enough, a famous wrestler here who named himself Tyson and is known for draping himself in the American flag has played a major role in expressing the political rebellion of Senegal's hiphop generation). When Wade ran in 2000 he had the full support of this outreach machine. When he ran again this past summer it was another story. Now, after mismanaging the country's limited funds and trampling civil liberties (sound familiar?), Wade has become the last politician on earth these artist want to mobilize popular support for (well, maybe not the last). Just a few days ago El Malick Seck, a local newspaper editor, was sentenced to three years in prison for running an article allieging that Wade and his son were involved in money laundering from Cote D'Ivoire. With the media being practically shut down by Wade and his pack, it is quite possible that hiphop is the only channel left to voice the disenchantment of the people.

Luckily we Americans don't have to worry about the depressing effects of a coopted media - we're democratic and free!! (note the sarcasm)

If you have time on your hands and happen to find this topic interesting, check out this series of short documentaries about politics and hiphop in Dakar around election times. The series, Democracy in Dakar, was produced by a former student from our program and features, Serigne Ndiaye, my colleague here in Dakar.