Lecture at JCU:
Karima Gehnyei
Liberian-Italian rapper, singer, dancer and beatsmith
THURSDAY, JUNE 4 @6.30pm
John Cabot University - Aula Magna
Please bring photo ID
Karima’s fiery brand of social and political commentary delivered in
Pidgin English is backed by beats that draw from a complex patchwork of
musical elements, including electronica, reggae, hip-hop, bass, grime
and afrobeat. This has led to the inevitable comparison between her and
fellow artist/activist with a staunch anti-oppression stance, M.I.A.
Her debut album
2G, which stands for “Second Generation,” takes
its name from the popular catchphrase used in the public discourse
surrounding Italy’s
exclusionary immigration policy, otherwise known as
jus sanguinis. The
album can best be described as a no-holds-barred indictment of Italian
racism as well as a call for Africans on the continent and throughout
the diaspora to remain connected to their roots. Following in the vein
of her satirical take on
Berlusconi’s sex party scandal,
2G‘s centerpiece track “Orangutan” is a synth-driven 8-bit tune which makes direct reference to Italian politician
Roberto Calderoli‘s
churlishly racist comparison of Italy’s first black minister
Cécile Kyenge to an orangutan. Clocking in at just under 25 minutes, the ten-track LP also peppers vocal samples from
Fela Kuti,
The Last Poets and
Quentin Tarantino‘s
Django Unchained.
Find her two videos below, targeting Italian politics and politicians: "Bunga Bunga" is aimed at Silvio Berlusconi and "Orangutan" is for racist Northern League MP Roberto Calderoli and the impunity with which he referred to Italy's Minister Cécile Kyenge.
Bonus, her latest Chicago juke/footwork influenced mixtape on Soundcloud.
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