Rap Against Dictatorship is a group that has grown out of the pro-democracy protests in Thailand which have been a direct challenge to the military, the political establishment, and the monarchy. They use hip-hop music infused with language that is very jarring in the ultra-polite and deferential Thai society. They express the rage and passion… Read more »
Category: Hip Hop
Common and John Legend, “Glory”
The rapper Common was initially approached to write a song for the movie “Selma” about that pivotal campaign during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. The movie depicts the marches from Selma to Montgomery calling for voting rights, a protest which led to President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Common invited John… Read more »
“Peace Over Violence”
“Peace over Violence” (Towards a peaceful Zimbabwe 2018 National Elections) Article by Lance Muteyo Elections in Zimbabwe have been characterised by massive politically-motivated violence which has left a lot of ‘scars’ in communities. History tells us that politically-motivated violence occurs in every society at some point during its existence. Be it in time of independence… Read more »
Emmanuel Jal
Emmanuel Jal’s book War Child: A Child Soldier’s Story is one of his ways of fighting against war and working for peace. The other way is through his African hip-hop music. As he says in the book, “It is time for me to tell my story using the music and lyrics that are my weapons… Read more »
Matisyahu
Profile of Matthew Paul Miller, a Jewish musician known by his Hebrew name Matisyahu or “Gift of God” who weaves together reggae, rock, and hip hop music.