Afrika Bambaataa

Afrika Bambaataa was born on April 17, 1957 in the Bronx area of New York. He was born as Kevin Donovan, which he changed later. Bambaataa was raised by his mother and uncle, both of whom were activists of the ‘Black Liberation Movement’. At a very young age, he was exposed to music through his mother’s record collection.

During his childhood days, Bambaataa’s surroundings were dominated by local gangs which were involved in community service activities such as health programs, and keeping drug dealers at bay. Bambaataa too was influenced by the gang culture, and joined the group named ‘Young Spades’.

Bambaataa soon became one of the most prominent members of the gang ‘Young Spades’, and became the head of one of its divisions. Under his leadership, ‘The Young Spades’ also invaded other territories, and absorbed many new members, making it the biggest gang in the city.

Bambaata was influenced by the hip-hop music of Disc jockeys such as Kool Herc and Kool Dj Dee. Starting in 1977, Bambaataa organised many parties where hip-hop music ruled the roost. He felt that this sensational form of music is also a good way to prevent young boys from getting involved in crimes. He even formed a musical troupe named ‘Universal Zulu Nation’ during this period which comprised of many artists who wanted to bring a social change through music.

Bambaataa’s passion towards music soon grabbed the attention of the then popular rap artist Fab Five Freddy. The latter invited Bambaataa to play music at the various clubs in Manhattan which were favourite hangouts of the whites. In 1981, Bambaata played music to a large gathering of white party lovers on several occasions. His style of music was liked by many, and soon he was in demand at various social gatherings.

In 1980s Bambaataa came to be known as one of the best musicians of the Bronx area in New York, and came to be known as the ‘Master of Records’. He formed two rap crews during this period – ‘Jazzy 5’ and ‘Soulsonic Force’.

Bambaataa and a group of artists comprising of singers and dancers, went on an overseas musical tour in 1982. The intention was to spread hip-hop music across many people and places. His efforts resulted in many youngsters embracing this genre of music.

The same year saw the release of the single ‘Planet Rock’ which was credited to Afrika Bambaataa and the ‘Soulsonic Force’. The song went on to become a chartbuster, and Bambaataa was showered with praise by music lovers across the globe. Two years later this team went on to release albums named ‘Looking for the Perfect Grenade’ and ‘Renegades of Funk’.

Bambaataa was an active participant of ‘Stop The Violence Movement’, and released the 1989 single ‘Self Destruction’ as a way of raising his opinion. The song went on to secure the number one spot in the ‘Hot Rap Singles Chart’. The ‘National Urban League’ used the song to promote anti-violence through its community programs, which resulted in raising a profit of a whopping $400,000.