by Ben Herson (www.nomadicwax.com)

What was your first experience with hip-hop in your country?

My older brother was the first to introduce me to Hip-Hop. He had a tape with KRS One’s “the bridge is over” and I remember trying to memorize the words of that song. Hip-Hop spread like wild fire during the early 90’s. Everyone had the high tops haircuts and karl kani jeans back then. Some were even wearing bubble jackets in 90 degree weather. But when Public Enemy came to Ghana in 94’ for Panafest and did a free show at the stadium, that was when I knew I wanted to be a part of this culture.

What made you gravitate towards hip-hop?

The freedom of expression it gave people like me on a whole other continent. It was obvious these rappers were the outcast of society and they had found a voice through Hip-Hop to let the world know what they were going through. I was attracted to the possibility that one day I too will have an opportunity through Hip-Hop to let the world know about the struggles we were going through in Ghana.

Why hip-hop as opposed to other traditional or local music?

I have always loved our traditional music, being that I grew up playing the djembe in our local drum and dance troupes. I always found a way to add traditional music to my version of Hip-Hop. I guess the reason why I lean more towards Hip-Hop is that it has become the global form of communicating…almost like the lingua franca of the disenfranchised. I know I can go anywhere in the world and meet someone who does not speak English, Akan or Yuroba but speaks Hip-Hop fluently.

What issues do your people struggle with in your country?

Predatory loans from the likes of the World Bank and IMF who have successfully replaced the old colonial system. Structural adjustment plans which disregard our basic human needs in favor of globalization. Education that is not tailor made for our practical purpose therefore promoting extreme brain drain by our professionals. Corruption.

What role does hip-hop play in dealing with/talking about these issues?

Hip-Hop has helped shed some light on the reality on the ground. Through international artist touring more on the continent, media attention rises and hopefully through that some of these issues can be solved. Also local artist speaking about these issues in their rhymes goes a long way to educate the masses.

Can hip-hop be used as a means for political transformation?

Hip-Hop is political transformation by nature. We are all transformed by the power it has to uplift our intellect and educate us on basic human and civic rights.

Has hip-hop created a viable source of income for your people in your country?

Absolutely, where I’m from we have found a way to flip Hip-Hop into our own using local languages and calling it Hip-Life. Many people have made a good living doing Hip-Life and hopefully many more will.

What are the biggest problems facing the hip-hop scene in your country?

The lack of much political content in our local music has always baffled me. For a people so disenfranchised, I’m always astounded by how much the party and bullsh*t theme has dominated our soundscape. I believe that more can be done to educate our people about their rights through the music.

What do rappers in your country feel the biggest problems facing hp-hop in the United States?

I think the over commercializing of the art is the biggest issue we see with our brothers and sisters in the United States. The blatant disrespect for the culture as a whole and women specifically. That is the sad reality of where Hip-Hop is today.

Hip-hop has been around for over 30 years. Where do you see hip-hop heading on a global scale over the next 10 years?

I believe most of the influential artists who will dominate Hip-Hop in the next 10 years are going to be international artist. Akon is an example of where the art is going. The internet is another tool that will influence the next 10 years of Hip-Hop. Easy accessibility to music through file sharing will introduce the world to artist they would have never heard of. People are tired of the same old themes and will welcome some fresh concepts and ideas.