Mxc Wol | Macc Too | Diafrix | Hip-hop without the disrespect: "African-Australian rappers are dropping rhymes full of fresh stories.
FOR years, Diafrix practised in garages and at small gigs, pioneering an African approach to Australian hip-hop. Suddenly, they're everywhere, edging towards mainstream recognition and securing a prized slot at Glastonbury last month.
Coming up fast behind them is a second wave of African-Australian hip-hoppers, mentored by Diafrix and Melbourne hip-hop artist Mantra.
Diafrix's Khaled Abdulwahad says the reason for their involvement is simple. ''For younger Africans, there are, unfortunately, no role models of black leaders,'' he says. ''Usually hip-hop is something that belongs to them - it's how black people are meant to look in the Western world. But that can be very damaging if they listen to disrespectful hip-hop.
Advertisement: Story continues below
''So when we talk to them, we let them know about the other side of hip-hop - positive artists - and make them understand about racism and politics.''
Melbourne's own Rwandan-Australian female hip-hopper, Macc Too, says: ''Most African-Australians rap about life, about inspiring people, or challenging people. I rap about life - normal life, street life - and to inspire people and sometimes to challenge my haters.''"
Comments