Fonko - Now Streaming on Docuseek
Essential documentary films for higher education
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156 min. | Closed Captioned
A film by Göran Olsson, Lamin Daniel Jadama, and Lars Lovén
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"The breakneck music serves as backdrop for the lyrical themes that capture the huge political, racial, social, and economic tensions tied to modern life in South Africa, a nation that is still struggling… Here, the music is used as a bridge, a challenge, an outlet, and to express solidarity. Recommended.”
Video Librarian
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In the Manding language, Fonko means "the thing"; in Wolof "to take care of each other". The great musical revolution of today takes place in Africa, where urban club music is merging with traditional styles. New technology and swift communications has released super talents of the continent, spreading music, arts and ideas to the rest of the world. In Fonko, we meet some of the most outspoken, creative and interesting artists of today that redefines the image of Africa, traveling from Dakar in the west through Accra, Lagos and Luanda to Johannesburg in the south. Throughout the film we also hear the voice of Fela Kuti, one of the continent's greatest musical icons and political activists. Fela speaks through early recorded interviews.
From the award-winning filmmakers of BLACK POWER MIXTAPE 1967-1975 and CONCERNING VIOLENCE, and narrated by Neneh Cherry, the great music revolutions of our times have come from Africa, and the next one is brewing there right now. Afrobeats, Azonto, Kuduro and South African House are club music styles based on traditional rhythms, becoming a means of expressing the identity for an entire generation. Well known musical icons take the viewer on a ride into the depth of a continent in deep social, cultural and economical change.
Featuring interviews with musicians such as Nneka and Sister Fa, Fonko is a stimulating look at the deeply intertwined relationship between musical expression and politics and how music can be used as a weapon to reclaim power.
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South Africa and Nigeria are two countries with a troubled past, that have today become the economic and cultural super powers of the continent. South Africa is the home to styles like kwaito, SA House and Shangaan electro, which is possibly the fastest club music in the world. |
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Dakar is the unrivaled center for the West African hip hop-scene. Originating among ivorians in Paris, coupé-décalé is now a major influence all over West Africa. In Burkina Faso the iconic former leader Thomas Sankara is used by musicians to protest against injustices and corruption, and in Benin, the veterans of Orchestre Polyrytmo give a historic background to today's music scene. |
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Ghana and Angola are two of the fastest growing economies in the world, as well as two countries in midst of a musical revolution. Angola is still trying to come to terms with the three decades of civil war that tormented the country. Meanwhile kuduro, which could be described as extravagant ghetto techno, has grown out of the shanty towns to become the country's biggest cultural asset. |
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