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The Cultural Frontline: When Pop Music gets Political

Magazines & Reviews

When Pop Music goes Political

17/11/2018 GMT

When Pop Music gets Political

BBC World Service - The Cultural Frontline, When Pop Music gets Political

Political voices from the world of pop music.

This week the Ugandan pop star turned opposition MP Bobi Wine performed for the first time since being charged and jailed for treason. We explore the political appeal of the man dubbed “The Ghetto President” with the award winning Ugandan journalist Patience Akumu.

In recent months hundreds of people have been killed in Nicaragua following protests against the country's president, Daniel Ortega and his government.  One musician speaking out against the violence in his home country is Luis Enrique, known as The Prince of Salsa. He tells The Cultural Frontline’s Maria Bakkalapulo why he is now challenging Ortega’s government through his latest song ‘Mordaza.’ 

From Kanye West to Kendrick Lamar – how does hip hop relate to US politics today? We hear from the hip-hop writer Shawn Setaro on the relationship between rap music and politics and how President Trump went from hip-hop idol to hip hop’s public enemy. 

Plus have you ever heard of Grindcore? The film-maker and musician Doug Brown explains the political messages behind this abrasive and confrontational music style.

Presented by Tina Daheley

(Ugandan musician turned politician Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, sings on a stage in Busabala, suburb of Kampala, Uganda, on November 10, 2018.Photo Credit: Isaac KASAMANI / AFP)

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