Increasingly, through the arts and otherwise, artists and non-artists are bridging the gap between Africa and African-Americans as they strengthen existing ties and forge new alliances in pursuit of common objectives. One such artist is American recording hip-hop artist, actor and activist Yassin Bey (born Dante Terrell Smith), better known by his former stage name Mos Def. Born in Brooklyn, New York he is said to have recently departed from the US to live in Cape town, South Africa. As one of the most prolifically influential MCs born to the US, Yasiin Bey is known for keeping true to his compelling socially conscious outlook and “one-world” view.
In 2014, Yasiin Bey, along with other renowned African artists and personalities, attended and participated in the African Union’s “Africa Re-imagination Creative Hub (ARCH): Developing the identity, heritage, arts and culture chapter for Agenda 2063” conference, held in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia.
Connecting with more countries in East Africa, recently announced, Yasiin Bey is said to perform for Nairobi Hip Hop Rapsody on May 28, 2015 at Ebony Lounge in Nairobi, Kenya. The event, founded by Kenyan hip-hop entrepreneurs Buddha Blaze and Rashid Jibril, aims to promote Kenyan hip-hop, and bring hip-hop culture and artists closer to fans in Nairobi.
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