Educational Media Reviews Online

Thoughts of Hip Hop can include images of New York City, rebellion, invention, and eclectic blends of fashion. However, the art form known as Hip Hop transcends race, creed, ethnicity, and bodies of land. Creative manipulation of language coupled with political resistance gives birth to Hip Hop activism. The youth activists in South Africa are prime examples of how Hip Hop continues to empower lives worldwide. In this documentary, the blended culture of Africa and Hip Hop are used to educate and uplift the post-Apartheid communities of Port Elizabeth, Walmer Township, and Motherwell Township. Artistic expressions such as toyi-toyi, spoken word, emceeing, the cipher, break dancing, and graffiti all serve as vehicles to reawaken minds and redefine freedom grounded in African morals.

The content and technical quality of Masizakhe: Building Each Other are excellent and gives a clear image of the youth approach to cultural activism in South Africa eleven years after the lift of apartheid. The acknowledgement of the shared political resistance mentality and inequity across the globe based on culture, race, and creed is appreciated. However, I longed for more specific representation and/or comparison between Hip Hop culture in the United States and that in Africa. This DVD comes recommended for school, public, and academic libraries alike. I see it as a useful enhancement to libraries that support African and African American studies.