Tag: hip-hop

This documentary brings to the spotlight hip-hop/rap in Bolivia from groups such as Wayna Rap (which translates to Aymara to English to “Young Rap.”) The documentary explores how hip-hop and the community created by the youth of La Paz serves as a way to empower the youth. The use of hip-hop and rap to build and create positive messages and bolster the self-esteem of the youth and embrace their indigenous roots/identity. It touches on ways that this group of artists has been able to help change the racist and discriminatory narratives that are so commonplace in El Alto, Bolivia. It helps re-establish a link to indigenous Bolivian youth’s indigenous identity in a national context; they find a way to embrace their indigeneity in a day in age where media outlets and political discourse paints them as the cold sore of society. As the director of the cultural center Wayna Tambo, Santos Callejas, puts it, society labels them the “chronic red” in reference to the violence that plagues the youth of El Alto. Additionally, they are very open to celebrating and recognizing indigeneity by creating music and rapping in their indigenous tongue of Aymara. Where public school and institutions in Bolivia fail in recognizing and giving legitimacy to indigenous practices and language, Wayna Tambo offers a viable and inclusive environment to do so in a self-expressive and entertaining way.
Moreover, the cultural center, Wayna Tambo, serves as a hub for these kids to find and create their own space for self-expression and safety. Having a radio station as well, they’re able to spread their platform far beyond the confines of El Alto and can reach a broader audience with their message. They speak on outside influences that they draw on in the U.S as they stand in solidarity with places like The Bronx, NY that are also stricken by poverty and crime. Thus, artists in the U.S have risen and raised awareness to oppressive systems and injustices they face. They make note of artists such as Mos Def, Dead Prez, and Immortal Technique whom all have a unifying theme in that they speak of social justice and call out the systems put in place to oppress and suppress impoverished communities, specifically African-American communities. I found it particularly interesting because I like to think hip-hop and freestyling are a form of storytelling and a method of coping. These young artists can channel the energy and emotions they keep stored up and are able to raise consciousness and awareness to the present, everyday realities and struggles they go through. Through this, they are able to resonate with each other and create strong social networks of support, as well as create a universal message and relate to struggles that span farther than just their local communities in La Paz. Through this art form, the youth are able to redefine themselves and fight back the negative stereotypes of the youth (specifically indigenous youth) in La Paz, Bolivia, and find an escape in the music. It serves as a community and space for youth that are affected by poverty in their neighborhoods as a positive outlet and to keep the youth from falling into the cycle of crime that affects so many of the kids of La Paz.
Linked below is a playlist I compiled of the 3 part series documentary created by: Eli Breitburg-Smith and Meredith Webb.