Watch Fonko: Contemporary Africa Through Its Urban Music

2017
1 Season

Fonko: Contemporary Africa Through Its Urban Music is an eye-opening documentary television series that sheds light on Africa's dynamic urban music scene. Produced by Film Ideas, Inc., the show takes viewers on a musical journey through Africa's major cities, showcasing how artists are expressing themselves through their music.

The show features two dynamic hosts, Neneh Cherry, an iconic musician from Sweden, and the South African hip-hop duo Dirty Paraffin. Together, they explore different styles of music that are representative of the continent's cultural diversity. From Ghana's azonto to South Africa's kwaito, and Nigeria's afrobeats, the show covers a wide range of genres.

What makes Fonko unique is that it goes beyond the music itself and delves into the social and political contexts that inspire the artists. The series examines how music is used to reflect on the continent's history, address contemporary issues, and shape its future. The show's focus on music as a tool for social commentary makes it both culturally relevant and intellectually stimulating.

Each episode features interviews with influential artists and producers who discuss their creative process and breakthroughs in the industry. The show also includes concert footage and performances that capture the vibrancy and energy of Africa's music scene.

Moreover, Fonko highlights the ways in which technology is changing Africa's music industry. With the rise of digital music streaming, social media, and mobile technology, African artists are finding new ways to connect with fans and distribute their music globally. The show features interviews with music entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology to create new opportunities and disrupt traditional music distribution models.

Overall, Fonko: Contemporary Africa Through Its Urban Music is a captivating series that celebrates Africa's rich musical heritage and showcases its contemporary music scene. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in music, culture, and social commentary.

Fonko: Contemporary Africa Through Its Urban Music is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between March 1, 2017 and on Film IdeasInc.

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Seasons

6. Angola

March 1, 2017

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 rap music, has grown out of the shantytowns to become the country's biggest cultural asset. Time for a rave dance party.

5. Ghana

March 1, 2017

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 to spin at a house party.

3. Dakar

March 1, 2017

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 center for the West African hip hop scene. Originating among Ivorians in Paris, coupe-decale is now a major influence all over West Africa.

2. Nigeria

March 1, 2017

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.

1. South Africa

March 1, 2017

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.

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Where to Watch Fonko: Contemporary Africa Through Its Urban Music

Fonko: Contemporary Africa Through Its Urban Music is available for streaming on the Film IdeasInc. website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Fonko: Contemporary Africa Through Its Urban Music on demand at Amazon.