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Togolese hip-hop

Togolese hip-hop is the style of old school hip hop of America mixing with the traditional music of Togo.Togo has very diverse and rich traditions in music and dance, which is in part reflected by Togo's regional hip hop scene.

History

Although hip hop was already present in west Africa as early as 1985, the movement did not reach Togo until 1990.[1] Before graffiti, MCing, DJing, and beatboxing, breakdance was first introduced to Togo's capital, Lomé, by Bizzar MC and Wy-Kiki.[1] It became so popular in local clubs that a school of breakdance was established.[1] Eric MC, who was inspired by his experience with hip hop in Ivory Coast, created a dance group as well.[1]

Togolese hip hop music began with the Black Syndicate, a pioneering group which consisted of O. Below and Y. More from Lomé.[2] Most Togolese hip hop artists are students from high schools or universities. The world of Togolese hip hop may be narrowed down according to each artist's style of music. Some hip-hop artists appear to mix popular songs made up with rapping beats. The most influential and well-known rapper from Togo is Eric MC, also known as "The Black Man",[3] who won the Togo Hip Hop Awards twice with his debut album "Adjamofo".[4]

Some Togolese hip hop contains influences from soul music.

Journalist and DJ; Patrice leonel fouda is presenter of world music and Togolese Hip-Hop.

The first advancement for hip hop's recognition in Togo happened in 1992 when MC Solaar performed in concert at the Palais des Congrès de Lomé.[1] Force One Posse, the first official Togolese rap group, performed the opening act along with Eric MC, Wy-Kiki, Sino, Ali-Jezz, MC Creator, and Bad Boy.[1] Eventually, the group released "Dagma Vanesa", an album that did not garner public attention because of a lack of financial resources.[1] Other rap groups emerged after the concert, including "World Reality".[1]

Hip-hop in Togo in the branch of rap started from the Black Syndicate and Dady. In the years around 2000, some rappers grew up in different areas in Lomé, such as Hodada from Hope's Raw Records, and Immortal Adze in the mouvement in Adidowood step.[5]

Togo Hip Hop Award

Togolese authorities and the Minister of Culture have not regarded Togolese hip hop music as having a proper cultural identity. In 2003, the Togo Hip Hop Awards was established as an annual festival[6] during which Togolese hip hop artists are gathered from the North and the South, as well as from abroad. These awards are considered to reinforce cooperation and relations among hip hop artists.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Hip-Hop in Togo". Music In Africa. 2016-10-20. Retrieved 2018-12-14.
  2. ^ Fofo magazine. Retrieved February 20, 2006, from Planete Afrique
  3. ^ Le grand Portail de la culture hip hop au Togo (Tonglolese Hip hop portal)
  4. ^ Cerclehiphop.com (dead link; see Tongolese Hip hop portal)
  5. ^ "Hip-hop togolais immortal adze". www.soundcloud.com.
  6. ^ Togo Hip Hop Awards. Retrieved March 26, 2006 from Le grand portail de la culture hip hop au Togo (Tonglolese Hip hop portal)
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