Recommended: Video Librarian

...From the award-winning makers of "The Black Power Mixtape" (1967-1975) and "Concerning Violence”. Narrated by Neneh Cherry and Fela Kuti.

This documentary series introduces some of the most outspoken and creative African artists of today, who take viewers on a ride into the depth of a continent in deep social, cultural and economic change. New technologies and swift communication have released the super talents of the continent, helping to spread music, arts and ideas to the rest of the world. From Dakar in the West, through Accra, Lagos and Luanda to Johannesburg in the South, FONKO redefines the image of Africa through a perspective rarely available.
 
FONKO explores contemporary Africa through its urban music, and the musical revolutions that have been taking place in the genres of Kuduro, Coupe-Decale, Ndombolo, Azonto, Afro-beat, Hipline and South African house.  

Titles include:

South Africa
South Africa is a country with a troubled history that has today become the economic and cultural super power of the continent. There is democracy but apartheid and a sea of poverty persist. Music provides a voice to the injustices. South Africa is the home to styles like Kwaito, SA House music and Shangaan electro, which is possibly the fastest club music in the world.

Nigeria
Nigeria is a country of extreme income gaps, deeply rooted corruption and violent religious conflicts. Here you find the most commercial music on the continent. But also fierce protest music, as artists are trying to carry on the work from the late Fela Kuti, one of the most hard-core protest singers of all times.

Dakar
Dakar is bound together by the French language and currency. But also raditions and languages from the vast empires that dominated the region long before colonialism. Dakar is the unrivalled centre for the West African hip hop-scene. Originating among Ivorians in Paris, coupé-décalé is now a major influence all over West Africa.

Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, the iconic former leader Thomas Sankara is used by musicians to protest against injustices and corruption. In Benin, the veterans of Orchestre Polyrytmo give a historic background to today's music scene. In Mali, Tinariwen is an instant hit with the youth around the world.

Ghana
Ghana has a totally different tradition of education and democracy. Ghanian musicians don’t need to fight for freedom of speech and therefore focus on artistic luxuries as irony and pastiche. This freedom is used to challenge religious and traditional sentiments. But also to create ever new styles of light hearted dance music.

Angola
Angola is home to one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It is still trying to come to terms with the three decades of civil war that tormented the country. Meanwhile Kuduro, which could be described as extravagant ghetto techno, has grown out of the shantytowns to become the country's biggest cultural asset.