Democracy in Dakar

the ARTS & DESIGN : Snapshot

In March of 2000, Senegal gave way to a new democracy with the election of Abdoulaye Wade, fueled largely by the support and power of Senegal’s politically-conscious Hip Hop culture, a fact that Wade acknowledged in his acceptance speech. Senegal’s youth rose together to fight against then Senegalese President Abdou Diouf, a leader who was at the helm of a pseudo-dictatorship that reigned for over forty years, “Today is a day of joy. You know, it is the end that explains what preceded a process. I have been striving for 20 years. And today, I am very happy by the fact that what seemed impossible is now a reality.“ Wade’s first term, however, was marred by criticism and corruption, making the 2007 presidential one for debate. There was widespread disillusion and speculation as to whether the election could be held legitimately; Wade’s first term was far from the new era that he had proclaimed that he would bring forth.

Throughout Wade’s reelection campaign, and subsequent reelection, Nomatic Wax filmed an online documentary series featuring interviews with members of Dakar, Senegal’s underground Hip Hop community. Launched on February 20, 2007, “African Underground: Democracy in Dakar,“ 10-minute documentary shorts were uploaded to YouTube, MySpace, etc. every three days, creating a dialog and a look inside the community that so heavily influences Senegalese society.

In conjunction with, and following the release of, the web series, Nomadic Wax released “Depths of Dakar,“ produced by Ben Herson. “Depths of Dakar” featured many of the artists that made appearances throughout “Democracy in Dakar.“ A statement released by Nomatic Wax prior to the launch of both the web documentary series, and the studio album, best conveys the reach and influence that Hip Hop has had on Senegalese society.

“Rap is still CNN in Senegal. It provides an on-street mouthpiece
for the spread of political information and social change. The
presence of political content in local rap in Dakar largely sets it
apart from mainstream American rap music. The depth and talent
of the underground Hip Hop scene in Dakar is evident in every
track.“

Beginning September 23rd, coincidentally during the same time as Abdoulaye Wade’s United Nations visit, “Democracy in Dakar” will have four screenings at Harlem’s Maysles Cinema. During the official premiere, on September 26th, the final screening will be free to the public and will have performances from artists featured in the film, as well as a full discussion panel.

Nomatic Wax, founded in 1999 by Herson, has set a precedent for shining a light on global music, focusing on Afric and Africa Diaspora. With the completion of Democracy in Dakar, and its global success at film festivals, Nomatic Wax has two films currently in production, “Democracy in Paris”—featuring African and Arab immigrant during France’s 2007 election—as well as “Bronx to Bamako” which will follow the journeys of four emcees. Democracy in Dakar, and Nomatic Wax’s upcoming projects, promise to open up new worlds, where Hip Hop still has a mass effect on the socio-political consciousness of a nation.

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