M-1 Performs in Kenya During African Tour
Three words personify M-1 of Dead Prez in view of his performance during the WaPi (Words and Pictures) gala at the British Council on Saturday: Revolutionary but Gangster! The monthly event is a platform that celebrates graffiti artists, poets, writers, spoken word artists, creative artists and progressive musicians.
Flanked by Umi, a like-minded affiliate of his larger hip-hop outfit, (P.O.W)/RBG family, M-1 gave Kenyan hip-hop fans a rare experience of an electrifying live show by an internationally acclaimed underground hip-hop group. Their characteristic raps laced with radical messages of cultural, social and political revolution, inspired many of the young fans in attendance with a need to raise their consciousness.
At one point, Umi surprised both fans and embassy officials alike, when he viciously censured the British Council, ironically the sponsors of the event, terming its country’s policies as imperialist and oppressive. Amid screams and raised fists, the duo urged Kenyan youth to elevate their self-awareness and to stop buying into the façade of rich rappers in commercial hip-hop.
M-1 and Umi are touring Africa for a documentary shoot. Their next stop is Tanzania where they are also slated to perform. Their Kenyan tour was sponsored by the British Council, Kenyan events organizer Spark Africa, and the producer of the Kenyan documentary Hip Hop Colony, Michael Wanguhu.
Bryan Ngugi
Nairobi, Kenya
Relic wrote:
It’s a pleasant and again powerfully charged wake up call for Kenya and Africa Hiphop community for M1 and Umi to pass their torch here. Hiphop is in the trenches and till now I was feeling I was ready to declare Her burried, only to live in the heart or in the mind as a memory.
Big Up
Posted on 18-Sep-07 at 3:03 am | Permalink
Jo wrote:
Well stated Brian! You have a way with words! Never give up saying what you believe!
From your sister sitting stateside
Posted on 18-Sep-07 at 3:41 pm | Permalink
Jaypee wrote:
It’s heartening to note that Kenyan youth appreciate Underground Hip Hop contrary to common perception created by the mainstream media that this genre is unpopular. Kudos Brian for the great story!
Posted on 19-Sep-07 at 12:39 am | Permalink
underground wrote:
M1 and Umi gave one hell of a performance, the best i have attended yet. their off the cuff utterances were deep: oppression, freedom etc
Where can i get pics and a copy of the DVD?
Posted on 19-Sep-07 at 1:53 am | Permalink
egertonHead wrote:
am glad that underground hiphop has found its way in Africa. I was really fascinated seeing guys rapping aong to the deep lyrics at the event. Big up DeadPrez long live Hiphop
Posted on 19-Sep-07 at 11:00 pm | Permalink
sam wrote:
I honestly didn’t believe that we had such a big crowd that appreciates hiphop as much as u n a few other dudes I know.I know it’s a start cos ma luv 4 this intensifies everyday.Chicks left out,of course! N wat u wrote is impresive dude,……………..
Posted on 20-Sep-07 at 8:37 pm | Permalink
Jamhuri wrote:
Very well written brother Ngugi, would like to request permission to post this on our blog.
blog.jamhuriwear.com and def credit you as the writer.
Thanks
Team Jamhuri
Posted on 24-Sep-07 at 7:11 am | Permalink