The Re-Birth of Hip Hop 4|7|2012

It is easy to write or comment about the negative aspects of hip-hop music because controversy and infamy has proven to be a hot seller in this society. But, hip-hop artists who rap positively or about political, social or economic empowerment receive scant attention, the Explore South Africa Tour (ESAT) plans to change this.

What is the ESAT all about?

ESAT is a mass conscious music movement, with a mission to harness the spirit of innovation, creativity and activism at the core of the Hip-Hop community, empowering hip hop artists, fans and brands, transforming communities across the globe.

In a recent radio interview a Spokesperson for ESAT said; “their work is guided by the vision that global change begins with individual activism and local investment in holistic, sustainable programs and initiatives. ESAT embraces every nationality and culture bridging music across racial and political boundaries, in turn reshaping hip hop as we know it.

Photo credit: Digi Pixel

Furthermore, conscious hip hop needs a major boost into the forefront of the world stage. This is what has fueled the initiative, creating a platform that showcases phenomenal hip hop artists with a message,” she continued.

ESAT has rounded up hip hop artists from across the globe for a great cause. Performers on the roster include headliners AZitiZ from the US and DJ Duce from Johannesburg, South Africa. Wageble from Senegal, Styles P from the USA, Kiki Romeo from West Africa, Eureka The Coverboy from Botswana, and Jah-I-Witness from the USA. Other artists to be announced at a later date.

Hip hop artists plan on bringing a message of hope, peace and harmony to the masses through the Explore South Africa tour. “We can overcome the ever-growing trend towards negativity in Hip Hop and hold steadfast to positive beliefs and ideals while maintaining great success and influence,” the spokesperson continued.

In an interview with ABC News, Moussa Lo, a.k.a. Waterflow from the band Wageble ,said he became a hip-hop singer not for success or his own glory, but to be “The voice of the voiceless, Hip-hop in Africa needs to grow, we are the journalists for the people.”

It’s an exciting time for hip hop fans! This conscious music movement will unite US and South Africa Hip hop artists for a tour that some are saying is paramount in helping to unite a multitude of cultures with one thing in common, push, The Message”.

This initiative, presented by AZitiZ Entertainment and Headgear Media also aims to assist conscious hip hop artists, fans and brands to enter into the South African market with the hopes networking, sharing their love for the genre as well as learning the in and outs of the music business via the Future of Music Global Hip Hop Industry Panel of Experts.

Event sponsors include The HYPE Magazine, Digi Pixel, LA Channel 36 and EOTM TV.

The tour launches in Johannesburg South Africa April 7, 2012, visit www.exploresouthafricatour.com for more information.