The mass protests across the Arab world have so far forced regime changes in Tunisia (14th Jan) and Egypt (February 11th), and the involvement of NATO in Libya means the dust up there is unlikely to end until Gaddafi is ousted (The Guardian has an excellent, constantly updated, interactive timeline of the entire Arab spring.)
But while the world has been following these events, our buddies at Nomadic Wax have been finding out how hip-hop artists (from North Africa and the Middle East) have been inspired by and have responded to the events, the result of which is Thawra: Youth & Hip Hop in the Arab World, a mix of music, in-depth reporting and perspectives, giving you the story behind the music and the music behind the story.
Thanks to the team of DJ Magee, DJ Nio, and British journalist Rose Hackman for the tremendous effort. How about giving them a holler on Facebook?
TRACKLIST
1. Intro by Krs One*
2. 25 January by Ali-Loka (Tunisia) *
3. Démoralisé by G.O. Man XtraZik (Tunisia)*
4. Prisoner by Arabian Knightz (Egypt) (Prod. by DJ Caz)
5. Head of State by El General (Tunisia)
6. #Jan25 by Various Artists. Featuring Omar Offendum (Syria/USA), The Narcicyst (Iraq/Canada), Ayah, Sami Mater, and Others.*
7. Rebel by Arabian Knightz (Egypt) (Prod. by Iron Curtain)
8. On Vise Plus Haut by Mr. T & Limbra (Tunisia)*
9. Ego Trip J Represente by Mr. Mustapha & G.O. Man XtraZik (Tunisia)*
10. Egypt 25 by El Far3i (Jordan)
11. Revolution by Rah Zemos (Lebanon/Canada)
12. Where I’m from by Nomadic Massive (Canada/Algeria) ft. The Narcicyst (Iraq/Canada)
13. (Background Instrumental) Shukran by Dj Nio (Italy)
14. Rasallah by Hagage ‘AJ’ Masaed (Yemen)
15. (Background Instrumental) From Rebel to Basement Sad Ins Demoralize pt. 2 by Dj Killa (Tunisia)*
16. Superhero by Omar Offendum (Syria/USA)
17. I am Searching by Alfaress (Morocco) ft. Tameeka Jones
Extra Instrumental Track:
“Africans Don’t Wanna Understand” – Ben Herson and Dan Cantor (Originally part of African Underground Vol.)
*KRS One recorded by Nio @ Trinity International Hip-Hop Festvial, 2010.
*tracks Courtesy of Rebel Records (Tunisia)
