Written by Mia Keitt
Earlier than I dive into my evaluation of the track, we first have to know the background of why the track was made. Throughout the Senegalese presidential election in 2024, many artists used their platforms to talk out in opposition to then-president Macky Sall who tried to (illegally) lengthen his presidential profession to a 3rd time period. Within the face of presidency corruption and the specter of democratic backsliding, the individuals of Senegal stood up and used their voices not solely within the voting cubicles, but additionally with their artistry and music. Their advocacy by way of hip hop, tradition and music in no small half modified the course of their nation’s politics for the higher. Consequently, they elected Bassirou Diomaye Faye who represents the subsequent technology and brings the promise of a extra moral and democratic future for Senegal.
One of many influential artists of the motion in opposition to Sall was Gunman Xuman. He’s thought-about a pioneer of the Senegalese hip hop scene, a social justice advocate and sometimes makes use of his music to protest. He launched the track Dictateur in February 2024. It’s carried out in French and I don’t converse it, nor might I discover any lyrics or translation on-line. Regardless of the language barrier, I felt that his message in opposition to impending dictatorship, exposing corruption, and inspiring individuals to battle for his or her freedoms and the federal government/illustration they deserve was relatable, particularly in immediately’s world. The track has an explosive beat, a chant of “dictateur” that’s catchy and a extremely cool guitar melody performed all through that offers it a groove to get your head bopping. He additionally adjustments up his circulate somewhat in the midst of the track, which stored me on my toes. I additionally appreciated that you can hear conventional drumming components all through, it made it actually satisfying to hearken to. I like how he blended the standard drumming and music and gave it a contemporary hip hop really feel. It’s additionally an awesome protest track. It undoubtedly fired me up listening to it so I can solely think about how his Senegalese followers on the entrance line of the motion felt listening (and in addition totally understanding the lyrics heh).
I prefer it a lot that I want it was longer!! Give it a hear beneath. Hope you get pleasure from it as a lot as I did!:
