News & Events

April 2010

Recording A Revolution

Recording A Revolution

Alex Johnson and Saman Piracha

In shabby recording studios across Kano, Nigeria, young Hausa Muslims escape the harsh conditions of everyday life through artistic expression. Influenced by American hip-hop these aspiring artists have revitalized the music scene in Northern Nigeria and are reshaping the face of youth culture.

But many of these artists face strong opposition from government officials who say the music is immoral and exposes Kano’s youth to Western corruption. As the government fights to preserve traditional customs through its state censorship board, the rappers use music to express their own sense of Muslim identity and to speak out against poverty and prejudice. Tired of the depressed conditions surrounding them,
the youth believe their music can be the inspiration for change.

|