Hip Hop Africa: New African Music in a Globalizing World
Author(s): Eric Charry
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Publication Date: October 23, 2012
Language: English
Print length: 404 pages
ISBN-10: 0253003075
ISBN-13: 9780253003072
Book Description
Hip Hop Africa explores a new generation of Africans who are not only consumers of global musical currents, but also active and creative participants. Eric Charry and an international group of contributors look carefully at youth culture and the explosion of hip hop in Africa, the embrace of other contemporary genres, including reggae, ragga, and gospel music, and the continued vitality of drumming. Covering Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and South Africa, this volume offers unique perspectives on the presence and development of hip hop and other music in Africa and their place in global music culture.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“an impressive collection of essays that fills a crucial gap . . . Its diversity of themes, research methodologies, national idiosyncracies, historical narratives, and an impressive discography and videography, make for a deep and valuable resource. . . . an important book.” (Journal of World Popular Music, 2014)
“remarkable essays by experts who offer deep historical and cultural connections. . . . readers will gain a lot from the volume’s grasp of the politics and history that underpin hip-hop culture in Africa. The depth of knowledge in this book, as well, will appeal to readers who seek a richer understanding of hip-hop culture on the African continent.” (
Africa Today, 2014)
“a welcome addition . . . The extensive bibliography in this collection will also offer the most voracious reader and researcher of hip-hop a large source for more data . . . offer[s] rich historical material.” (
Journal of African Cultural Studies, 2013)
“an impressive collection . . . addresses the new frontiers and expressive cultural routes of hip hop, emphasizing the linguistic and cultural diversity that African urbanites have brought to bear on this global art form. . . . a particularly useful resource for graduate and undergraduate courses.” (
Research in African Literatures, 2013)
“impressively details hip hop’s evolution throughout Africa . . . presents important arguments in African hip hop scholarship, including discussions on African hip hop’s linkages with US hip hop, and debates over authenticity and imitation. . . . much of the volume’s strength lies in its examination of local hip hop scenes. (
African Studies Quarterly, 2013)
About the Author
Eric Charry is Professor of Music at Wesleyan University. He is author of Mande Music: Traditional and Modern Music of the Maninka and Mandinka of Western Africa and has published extensively on music in Africa.
Hip Hop Africa: New African Music in a Globalizing World
Author(s): Eric Charry
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Publication Date: October 23, 2012
Edition: Illustrated
Language: English
Print length: 404 pages
ISBN-10: 0253005752
ISBN-13: 9780253005755
Book Description
Hip Hop Africa explores a new generation of Africans who are not only consumers of global musical currents, but also active and creative participants. Eric Charry and an international group of contributors look carefully at youth culture and the explosion of hip hop in Africa, the embrace of other contemporary genres, including reggae, ragga, and gospel music, and the continued vitality of drumming. Covering Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and South Africa, this volume offers unique perspectives on the presence and development of hip hop and other music in Africa and their place in global music culture.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“an impressive collection of essays that fills a crucial gap . . . Its diversity of themes, research methodologies, national idiosyncracies, historical narratives, and an impressive discography and videography, make for a deep and valuable resource. . . . an important book.” (Journal of World Popular Music, 2014)
“remarkable essays by experts who offer deep historical and cultural connections. . . . readers will gain a lot from the volume’s grasp of the politics and history that underpin hip-hop culture in Africa. The depth of knowledge in this book, as well, will appeal to readers who seek a richer understanding of hip-hop culture on the African continent.” (
Africa Today, 2014)
“a welcome addition . . . The extensive bibliography in this collection will also offer the most voracious reader and researcher of hip-hop a large source for more data . . . offer[s] rich historical material.” (
Journal of African Cultural Studies, 2013)
“an impressive collection . . . addresses the new frontiers and expressive cultural routes of hip hop, emphasizing the linguistic and cultural diversity that African urbanites have brought to bear on this global art form. . . . a particularly useful resource for graduate and undergraduate courses.” (
Research in African Literatures, 2013)
“impressively details hip hop’s evolution throughout Africa . . . presents important arguments in African hip hop scholarship, including discussions on African hip hop’s linkages with US hip hop, and debates over authenticity and imitation. . . . much of the volume’s strength lies in its examination of local hip hop scenes. (
African Studies Quarterly, 2013)
About the Author
Eric Charry is Professor of Music at Wesleyan University. He is the author of Mande Music: Traditional and Modern Music of the Maninka and Mandinka of Western Africa.