Tiken Jah Fakoly

Since 1984, a small but committed group of French citizens called « Survie » has been doing battle against what it calls « France-Africa »: a corrupt and “mafia-like” system that successive French governments have established and sustained with its former colonies on the Mother Continent. In this 20-year period, the 1500 members have concentrated their energy on publications, demonstrations, petitions, plays and lobbies, all aimed at what it perceives as “a prolongation of Africa’s colonisation”. In February 2005, it decided to vary its tactics with the release of a music compilation. It brings together 16 French and African artists and songs that treat a subject which, to this day, remains largely a taboo subject in France.

The result is a startling and powerful record that is a fine testimony to the lucid, hardhitting and articulate talents of the musicians chosen. While we were aware of the refreshingly engaged stances Fakoly and Awadi have adopted throughout their meteoric careers, they are but two trees that hide a forest of young singers whose lyrics put to rest one fallacy: that this new musical generation is not as politically conscious and militant as its predecessors. Much like traditional griots, Senegalese rappers Pee Froiss describes how Africa continues to be raped of its raw materials; Malia’s top hip-hoppers Tata Pound denounce the stranglehold of the debt and distinguishes France’s unscrupulous rulers from its citizens; through theatre and music, Antoine Chao (Manu’s brother) brilliantly reconstitutes the Elf multinational/Champs Elysées system that keeps French-speaking Africa servile and largely undemocratic; Smockey from Burkina Faso reveals a fine sense of humour and a sharp eye in his dancy “T’as pas le benga”; the underground French band Tryo invites listeners into a surrealistic trip to “the colonies” to savour the unsavoury relations between French businessmen and Africa’s most notorious dictators. And there is much more.

Not surprisingly, the compilation is dominated by rap rhythms and lyrics. In Africa, this musical form has been at the forefront of the social and political struggle for a better life on this beleaguered continent. Yet, the variety of styles and approaches is one of the most pleasing elements in the 75 minute album. Local African instruments, voices and rhythms bring a fresh wind to hip-hop, as testified by the contributions of The Ruffans of Mali or Meï Teï Shô from the French city of Lyons.

Many of these songs have been written and recorded specifically for this album, at the artists’ own expenses. Others are being released in Europe for the first time. The CD is on sale for only 12 euros, and all proceeds go to Survie and its ongoing campaign to end French political and economic abuses in Africa. A worthy struggle to bring to light criminal practices that are rarely discussed in mainstream French media...let alone abroad. Non-French speakers will be frustrated by the five minute speech by Survie founder François-Xavier Verschave. But the music crosses all linguistic barriers. To purchase “Africa wants to be free!”, go to www.survie-france.org.

April 2005.

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