Democracy in Dakar

The role of politically outspoken hip hop artists in Senegal's 2007 presidential elections is the subject of this documentary from filmmakers Ben Herson, Magee McIlvaine, and Chris Moore. The trio presents the Senegalese capital of Dakar as a global center of hip hop, claiming that 3,000 groups are actively creating this style of music in the Wolof language. The rappers interviewed on camera draw a strong distinction between their output and its American equivalent, noting that Senegal's Islamic heritage has erased the misogyny and narcotic celebration found in American song lyrics. Female Senegalese artists, while not high in number, are no less outspoken than their male counterparts in commenting on their country's troubled socioeconomic situation (a 50% unemployment rate, for example). Ultimately, the exact role of hip hop in shaping the election is never made entirely clear here—incumbent president Abdoulaye Wade actually won re-election despite charges from his opponent of voting irregularities (the charges were subsequently dismissed)—but the hip hop community unquestionably offered vibrant and sharp commentary along the way. Combining freestyle hip hop segments with interviews of journalists, artists, and politicians, this is recommended for African studies collections and fans of world music. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)