Karima Gehnyei, aka Karima 2G Live and Direct at JCU

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.