Afrika Bambaata - The Pioneer of Hip Hop

Kevin Donovan (Birth name) was born on the 19th of April 1957 in the South Bronx New York. Donovan is one of the originates of Breakbeat Djing and is respectfully known as the GodFather and Amen Ra of Hip Hop. He is remarkable for releasing a series of genre defining electro tracks in the 1980's that influenced the development of the Hip Hop cultures.

In his early childhood Afrika Bambaata grew up in the Bronx River Projects with his uncle and mother, where he was exposed to the Black Liberation movement and witnessed debates between his mother and uncle regarding the conflicting ideologies in the movement.

Bambaata became a member of a group called Young Spades. He quickly rose to the position of the warlord of one of the division. In his duties as warlord, it was his job to build ranks and expand the turfs of the young Spades. He had no fear to cross turfs to forge relationship with other gang members as well with other gangs. The Spades Became the biggest gang in the city in terms of membership and turf.

Bambaata won an essay contest which earned him a trip to Africa. His perspective of the world broaden and his drive was ignited when he watched a movie titled Zulu. He was impressed with the solidarity exhibited by the Zulu nation in the Film. During his visit in Africa, the communities he visited inspired him to stop the violence and create a community in his own neighbourhood.

He Later converted his name to Afrika Bambaata, adopting the name of the Zulu chief Bambaata, who led an armed rebellion against unfair economic practices in early 20th century in South Africa. That can be seen as a precursor to the anti - apartheid movement.

In the late 1970, Donovan formed what became known as the universal Zulu Nation, a group of socially and politically conscious rappers including; B-Boy,Graffiti artists and other people involved in Hip Hop culture. In the year 1982 Donovan and his group went outside the United States on his first Hip Hop tour. He saw that the Hip Hop tour. He saw that the Hip Hop tours would be the key to help expose Hip Hop and his universal Zulu Nation and in addiction it would promote the values of Hip Hop that he believed are based on Peace ,unity, love and having fun.

He brought peace to the gangs. Many artists and gang members say that Hip Hop saved a lot of lives.

Bambaata was involved in the stop the violence movement and with other Hip Hop artists recorded a 12 singles titled "Self destruction", which hit number one on the Hot Rap Singles Charts in March 1989. The single went gold and raised $400,000 for the national urban league to be used for the community anti violence education program.

In London, 1990, Bambaata and John Baker organized a concert at Wembley Stadium for the African National Congress (ANC) in honor of Nelson Mandela's release from prison. The event raised approximatey $30,000 for the ANC.

Channel 502 salutes and respects the true legend that is Afrika Bambaata.

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