Colombia a tropical country located at the North Western of South America bordering with Panama and the gateway to Central America.
Once known for its violence and famous drug lords like Pablo Escobar whom have inspired films like Scarface and Blow.
Besides the Narcos, Colombia is a musical paradise unknown to most for its vast musical rainforest fruitful to the different styles of music and dance found across the regions and very much influenced by the dense history the country has lived.
Much of the music tends to have a blend of African rhythm, Acoustic strings, European classical instruments and an array of Indigenous instruments projecting up beat sounds, complex rhythms and interesting melodic variations.
During the last century Colombia has suffered a long lasting conflict which begun in the 1950s and one which is still currently living.
A complex situation arisen by the violations of human rights to the people of Colombia which gave birth to the Guerrillas and which consequently in return gave birth to the Paramilitaries.
Initially the cause of war was one which had politics at its core and which is now a case of power and control funded by drugs, prostitution and territory. This war which started in more remote places of the country eventually reached the cities.
Currently the war in the cities are mainly lived in the heart of the Comunas aka Barrios.
This is mainly because, as in many other countries of the world the less affluent parts of the cities are neglected and it is where drugs, guns and other illicit activities pass through first.
In other words control the hood and you tap the source of wealth which in exchange gives you control and power of that Comuna.
Consequently many people who are nothing to do with the thirst for control and power are caught up in the cross fire at no fault of their own and who have lived the tribulations of war: death, fear and anger.
For many Hip Hop is the escape of this reality, dating back to 1980’s when Hip Hop first pierced the scene by breakdancing which since then has gained strength by strength and which now has a strong foothold throughout many cities, specifically the presence of Hip Hop in the Comunas.
The Hip Hop movement has been marching strong in Latin America in the last 10 years and is increasingly becoming more popular with the strong poetic and real life stories Hoppers share in the hope of peace, progression and education.
There is an expanding web of network between Latin American countries through the harness of Hip Hop promoting real change, social cohesion and prosperity of education to all and to the upcoming generations.
In Medellin, Colombia, the Hoppers are implementing projects involving Hip Hop, graffiti, and break dance etc. In the hope to change the paradigm of how Hoppers are viewed in society as “ Unintelligent, no good weed smoking, parasites of society”.
Unfortunately this report has no happy ending, the current positive work been done by the hoppers within the communities of the Comunas has led them to trouble, many of them have found themselves under threat for their lives and some of them have been killed because of what their music and lyrics stand for.
Those in control have no interest in exposing what is really happening within the Barrios of Colombia and do not want positive change.
From direct inside information I have been told that many Hoppers have to leave the Barrio abandoned their homes or be killed.
The truth is power the more people the know the better.
Below are a few links to Hip Hop in Colombia and a mini documentary giving some insight:
ChocQuibTown – De Donde Vengo Yo
In the Streets of Medellin – ( Mini Documentary)
ASI SOY YO – Afaz Natural – Reggae Hip Hop Colombia
Bella Vista Social Club (BSC) – Luchar Para Subsistir