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These Rappers Are Delivering The News In Their Own Way

Journal Rappé airs on TV in Senegal and on YouTube.
Posted at 4:10 PM, Jun 07, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-07 16:10:50-04

Senegalese rappers are taking on the news in the way they know best.

"Welcome; make yourself comfortable," hip-hop artist Xuman rapped. "We've got some news for you."

Journal Rappé covers national and international topics. The content is often serious and is delivered in a tone that seeks justice.

Rap in Senegal has a history of being tied to protest and opposition movements.

"In this country, there are 100,000 companies who need to pay their taxes. From the 10,000 who pay, only 100 pay the majority. But the mining companies pay 0 percent!" Xuman rapped. 

Their raps are either in French or in a Senegalese native language, Wolof.

They can reach people who might not follow traditional news outlets, like younger generations.

While their main platform is their YouTube channel, the videos also air after the evening news on a TV station in Senegal's capital.

Their viewers are often outside Senegal, and their show also features other rappers from nearby countries.