Paul Bowers, a college student, writes about the children in Dakar that he sees in a hospital as he tours Africa. He calls them tiny fighters. And he notes the complicated situation going on over there and how sending money falls short, how a response of pity doesn't help and how getting corrupt leaders out won't fix everything.
Leaving the hospital, I saw posters and charts affixed to the walls with the same bandage tape from Orisseyhou’s hand, and it reminded me that the people I had met were more than victims. Maybe they were ready to fight back.
That is the Africa I hope to find.
Dakar is a city in Senegal, where in 2007 a historic election took place. Its music, particularly hip hop, is of a political nature, as shown in the documentary film Democracy in Dakar. You can find the documentary on YouTube to watch, and I've put the first part below. For recent election news, go here.
"The film follows rappers, DJs, journalists, professors and people on the street at the time before during and after the controversial 2007 presidential election in Senegal and examines hip-hop's role on the political process. Originally shot as a seven part documentary mini-series released via the internet - the documentary bridges the gap between hip-hop activism, video journalism and documentary film and explores the role of youth and musical activism on the political process."
Related: Sengalese press: oppressed or out of control?
Senegal avoids human rights trial
Sudan opens up to more aid groups
A continent revealed
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