Hip Hop African Podcast

In this solo episode of The Hip Hop African Podcast, Msia explores the question: What is Hip Hop Studies? The episode approaches Hip Hop Studies from an African Studies and cultural studies perspective. Msia explains that Hip Hop Studies is not simply the study of rap music. It is an interdisciplinary field that examines hip-hop […]

Description: The stories told through Hip Hop’s musical artists are unique when looked at through an African lens. This episode of Continental Cadences explores why African Hip Hop “hits different” by examining aspects of the genre’s complex versions of identity and how they are portrayed through the musical artists’ performances. The goal of this podcast […]

This podcast is hosted by Shamma Alhammadi and Sandra Senpeteri, and it takes a closer look at Ghana through conversation, culture, and personal perspective. We talk about what makes Ghana unique beyond the usual facts, highlighting its history, identity, and the stories that give it real depth.

The Hip Hop African Podcast introduces a student series showcasing final projects from the Hip Hop & Social Change in Africa course at Howard and George Washington Universities. The episodes explore African hip hop's role in culture, politics, and identity, emphasizing its significance as a tool for resistance and social change across the continent.

In this episode of The Hip Hop African Podcast, South African hip-hop pioneer Osmic Menoe discusses the history and evolution of hip-hop in South Africa. He reflects on his roles in founding Back to the City and the South African Hip Hop Awards, and addresses the impact of AI on music production.

In this episode of The Hip Hop African Podcast, Msia delves into the ongoing debate about the differences between Afrobeats and hip hop. She highlights their distinct characteristics and the impact of globalization and streaming on their classification. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing African hip hop's unique cultural and activist aspects.

A Hip Hop African Podcast conversation with Dokta, Senegalese graffiti pioneer and FESTIGRAFF founder, on African hip-hop history, graffiti as pedagogy, and community-centered cultural production.

In this episode of The Hip Hop African Podcast, DJ Ready D reflects on his musical journey and the evolution of hip hop in South Africa. He discusses his early experiences with hip hop during apartheid, his role in shaping Cape Town's scene, and the importance of mentorship and community in the genre's development.

In this episode, we talk with Simon, rapper and co-founder of Y’en a Marre, the Senegalese movement that turned hip hop into a force for political change. Simon reflects on the group’s impact during the 2011 elections, their call for a “New Type of Senegalese,” and his new project Rapping History, which uses hip hop to decolonize education and reclaim African narratives.

This episode features a mixtape with 24 tracks from various African MCs, showcasing diverse styles and languages, from established artists to rising stars. The mix highlights the continent’s music landscape.

In the Let Her Cook episode "Unapologetic," students explore African women in hip-hop, featuring artists Eno Barony, Keko, Gigi Lamayne, and Reespect. They emphasize these women’s assertive expression and activism through music, discussing themes of confidence and social challenges, highlighting their powerful presence in the industry.

This mixtape celebrates the power of hip hop as a tool for resistance, pride in identity, and unity within the African Diaspora. It features artists like Styles P, Aminé, Blitz The Ambassador, and Wale, exploring how African migrants and first generation Black artists navigate systemic oppression while embracing Pan-Africanism.

In a 2024 interview, Malal Talla, also known as Fou Malade, discusses his influential role in Senegalese hip hop and activism. He reflects on his musical evolution, the political journey of Y’en a Marre, and the challenges faced by politically driven hip hop. The episode emphasizes the importance of culture in driving social change.

After a year-long hiatus, the podcast returns, with interviews and bonus episodes showcasing student projects centered on diaspora artists and discussion of gender and identity in hip hop. The podcast aims for a sustainable format of shorter monthly episodes while continuing to highlight diverse voices.

South Africa's ZuluMecca recently released her new EP "Seams", which showcases her powerful lyrics and unique style. A versatile artist, ZuluMecca is a talented lyricist and actress and in this episode, she discusses her journey in Hip Hop, the balance between authenticity and industry demands, and the influence of spirituality on her music.

Go to the announcements page for information on events and albums discussed in the episode. In this episode, I break down the road to breakdancing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. I also have a solo debate about the topic of appropriation, referencing Ada Enechi’s 2023 article: Are Black People Being Pushed out of Hip Hop? […]

In this episode, Breeze Yoko provides an overview of the graffiti scene in S. Africa, highlighting its unique history and evolution. Breeze also shares his experiences traveling across Africa and talks about graffiti laws and ongoing struggles against government regulations in S. Africa. Breeze Yoko also discusses experiences with intellectual property theft in creative industries.

This episode we discuss a wide range of hip hop-related news and events, including political protests, dance competitions, and recognition in prestigious institutions like The Grammys and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We also discuss the upcoming 30th anniversary of Prophets of da City's performance at Nelson Mandela's inauguration, along with upcoming events in various locations.

A conversation featuring Cameroonian artist Astrid Mafogang explored her experience as part of the African diaspora in the music industry. They delved into identity, representation, and her incorporation of Cameroonian identity into her music despite being based in London.

“All of these different cultures are a part of me. I didn’t want to limit myself to one sound.” -Six SixSaidIt is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly flows across the borders between hip-hop’s hottest subgenres to create a sound that is uniquely her own. In this wide-ranging conversation, I had the opportunity to speak to […]

This year, our Spring Series covers South Africa. In this episode, we have a conversation with South African Hip-Hop pioneer Emile YX?. Emile is part of the pioneering Hip Hop group Black Noise, one of the earliest Hip Hop groups in South Africa. He later co-founded the Hip Hop NGO Heal the Hood, which is […]

Political protest in Senegal and South Africa, Unkut Awards, events in Cali & South Africa, and new releases from Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. Find links to the events and albums in our “Announcements“ The beat for the podcast intro is by Modenine If you have any questions, let us know. feedback@hiphopafrican.com Follow […]

This episode features a conversation with Senegalese hip hop artist Magui Diop. Magui Diop is an upcoming emcee representing another generation of Senegalese hip hop artists and Senegalese hip hop women. She is a product of one of the world’s largest and most respected hip hop scenes and has been influenced by Senegal’s tradition of […]

News & Events Submissions for the 2024 Ghana Music Awards To qualify for nomination, songs entered must have been released between 1 January and 31 December 2023. The deadline for filing nominations is 31 January. Trinity International Hip Hop Festival The 18th annual Trinity International Hip-Hop Festival will take place April 5-7, 2024 at Trinity […]

This episode is a sit-down conversation with Toni Blackman. Toni is an artist, hip-hop activist, writer, and cultural ambassador. She holds the distinction of being the first hip-hop ambassador to the U.S. State Department, and her work has had a significant impact on the global perception of hip-hop. She has decades of experience in the […]