(Senegal) While here in the USA we think of rap as a homegrown phenomenon, the members of Gokh-Bi System maintain that it was actually inspired by "tassu" - a form of communication practiced by the jelis (griots) of Senegal, characterized by rapid-fire rhymes over percussion. Brought by slaves who survived the Middle Passage, it embedded itself in the African-American subconscious until it emerged again as hip hop. The band extolls the virtues of hip hop, that gives voice to the poor, and they exhort all rappers to "impress the elders...be amazing!" The video is more than just a colorful and upbeat rap, though. 100% of the proceeds for the song "Rap Tassu" will go to the installation of water pumps to prevent the spread of malaria in the band's home town of Pikine Guinaw Rails, Dakar, Senegal.

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(Senegal) While here in the USA we think of rap as a homegrown phenomenon, the members of Gokh-Bi System maintain that it was actually inspired by "tassu" - a form of communication practiced by the jelis (griots) of Senegal, characterized by rapid-fire rhymes over percussion. Brought by slaves who survived the Middle Passage, it embedded itself in the African-American subconscious until it emerged again as hip hop. The band extolls the virtues of hip hop, that gives voice to the poor, and they exhort all rappers to "impress the elders...be amazing!" The video is more than just a colorful and upbeat rap, though. 100% of the proceeds for the song "Rap Tassu" will go to the installation of water pumps to prevent the spread of malaria in the band's home town of Pikine Guinaw Rails, Dakar, Senegal.

Visit artist website