Programs & Events
Nigerien Rappers promote Peace, Tolerance, and Anti-Corruption
From January 3-23, 2009, eighteen of Niger’s best known Hip Hop artists joined Ambassador Bernadette Allen on the U.S. Embassy-sponsored 2009 Hip Hop Caravan. The Caravan was organized by local NGO Association FOFO and the American Cultural Center in partnership with the Nigerien Ministry of Culture, and traveled to nine major urban centers in Niger (Dosso, Birni N’Konni, Maradi, Zinder, Diffa, Agadez, Tahoua, Tillaberi, and Niamey) to promote the themes of peace, tolerance, and the local fight against corruption. Participating music artists representing various regions of Niger wrote and performed original songs in French and local languages addressing these key themes, which are crucial to ensure stability, promote development and secure foreign investment for Niger.
Groups/artists traveling on the concert tour included Djaz La Rue, Guillotine, Bagzam (Niamey), For My People (Maradi), H12 (Zinder), Sah Fonda (Tillaberi), Eman Kayan (Agadez), Kombolaty (Dosso), and Wassa Boys (Tahoua). Association FOFO also produced a compilation CD of the original songs performed by the Caravan participants and popular Niamey groups Kaz-Liman and Black Daps. These CDs, along with hats and t-shirts promoting the Caravan themes of peace, tolerance, and anti-corruption were distributed to concert-goers and at local schools along the Caravan route.
The 2009 Hip Hop Caravan Compilation: Peace, Tolerance, Fight against Corruption, can be downloaded for free via the U.S. Embassy Niamey website (available soon).
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| Ambassador Allen address the crowd in Niamey |
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| Ambassador Bernadette Allen poses with popular Niamey rappers Guillotine |
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| The Secretary General of the Region of Zinder addresses the crowd |