Senegal’s hip-hop artists are voicing their nation’s anger and leading a movement to stop President Abdoulaye Wade from staging what they say is a constitutional coup.
Published April 4, 2012
When Senegal’s democracy came under threat from a president seeking a constitutionally questionable third term, a group of rappers decided to fight what they saw as an illegal expansion of power.
The group formed a coalition whose goal is to ensure political and social change in the West African country. The coalition, known as ‘Y’en a Marre’ (We’re Fed Up), provides a soundtrack to a movement they say is working to improve life for the average Senegalese through changes ranging from a more transparent government to cleaner streets.
Recently
Hip Hop is playing an important role in Senegal's democratic process—which rapper Red Black makes clear with his song "Na Dem."
Senegal rappers and other musicians are leading a movement for political and social change. One of their goals is to defeat President Abdoulaye Wade's bid for an unconstitutional third term.
Gateways
Grantee
Ricci Shryock has covered West Africa since January 2008 when she first moved to Senegal as a freelance multimedia journalist.
She reports on politics and human rights throughout the region and also...
