Afrika Bambaataa

Afrika Bambaataa Aasim was born in South Bronx New York, either on April 10, 1960 or October 4th, 1957. He has been misidentified as "Kevin Donovan." [Reversing the month and day numbers generates October 4th or April 10th]. The importance of the artist is that as a member of a violent street gang, he ultimately saw many of his teenage associates killed. He too was destined for a death on the streets. But the man chose to break free. After watching the movie "Zulu," starring Michael Caine and Stanley Baker, he was inspired by the organization and nobility portrayed of the African tribal nation that had been created by Shaka Zulu. He changed his name to match that of the Zulu chief in the film [Bambaataa, meaning "affectionate leader"]. He then formed "The Zulu Nation," originally "The Organization." The group was composed of politically aware artists and musicians (including graffiti artists and break dancers). It was organized with the idea of using music as a path to peace. The plan was to present musical gatherings for neighborhood kids where they could get together without violence. Using a pair of turntables, fed by funk music, and inspired by the innovative "toasting" and storytelling of DJ Kool Herc, Afrika organized block parties in the South Bronx. He soon established his reputation as one of the best DJs in the business.

By 1976, because of the many MCs, many sound system battles took place. They were to decide which DJ had the best music. The size of the audience around the DJ was supposed to be the winning factor. But it just became who was the loudest. Afrika decided to alternate DJ duties. First, one would play, then the other would take over. Even in this, Afrika Bambaataa (or "Bam" as he was nicknamed), was a peace-maker and promoter of fair play.

Sometimes known as the "godfather of hip-hop," and "the high priest of hip-hop," Afrika Bambaataa produced Soul Sonic Force's single, "Zulu Nation Throwdown," in 1980. Two years later, he organized the first ever European hip-hop tour, accompanied by rapper Rammellzee, DJ Grand Mixer DST, the Rock Steady Crew, the Double Dutch Girls, and graf artists Fab 5 Freddy, Futura 2000, Dondi, and Phase 2. Influenced by the electronic music of German group, "Kraftwerk," he first released "Jazzy Sensation," and an electronic-inspired "Planet Rock," a single that came out in June 1982. It was to become an important and popular work in the evolution of the music. Combining hip hop beats with the main melody from "Trans-Europe Express," by Kraftwerk, Afrika was responsible for creating electronic funk. This greatly influenced all subsequent dance music.

Two years later, Bambaataa collaborated with soul-sensation James Brown, releasing "World Destruction," under the name "Time Zone." Then came the albums "Shango," "Funk You," and finally his official full debut album, "Beware (The Funk Is Everywhere)." He left his record company to sign with Capitol Records and released "The Light" or "Afrika Bambaataa & the Family," along with assistance from such artists as Boy George, UB40, Johnny Rotten, Bootsy Collins, and George Clinton. Afrika has continued to release music throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s.

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