Why not start the celebration of Burkina Faso’s Independence with an explosive live performance by rapper Art Melody.

The hip hop scene in Burkina Faso has grown, with the help of the annual Waga Hip Hop Festival in Ouagadougou. Waga has been on my destination radar for a while as well as Fespaco (the film festival).

Nomadic Wax recorded Burkinabe group Yeleen, doing an acoustic performance at the last edition of Waga. The duo travels back and forth between Paris and Ouagadougou, giving them some international connections as evidenced by this collaboration with Ivorian diaspora legends, Magic System.

I had first heard that Burkina Faso had a rap scene through Yeleen, as well as from the Vrai to Vrai compilation posted at Awesome Tapes from Africa, which is still available for download, (Side A,  Side B).

Staying in the era of that compilation, Dancehall and reggae not surprisingly find their way in. This video – it has throwback vibes – reminds me of some early Reggaeton a la Big Boy (This too!).

Burkinabe traditional music is typical of the region, using instruments such as the Kora, Balafon, and the Ngoni. It always excites me when rappers mix elements like those in. Like when they sample these traditions.

For more great Burkinabe Rap footage, check the always dependable Nomadic Wax, and their Waga wrap ups.

Finally, a manifesto for African soldiers.