African influence on Beyonce
Watching Beyonce's run the world (girls) video, you will no doubt be astonished by the African dancers at the beginning of the dance sequence in the video. The guys ,the Tofo Tofo dance troupe from Mozambique, were flown specially to America by Beyonce after her dancers struggled to do the kwaito dance. Here's their video posted on youtube that caught her eye.
Apparently, she was influenced by African legend and Afrobeat creator, Fela Anikulapo - Kuti, thanks to Jay-Z's involvement in the FELA Broadway show. It's always great to see bits of our culture, we've always loved and cherished, find a new audience on a greater stage. It shows a new side to our culture most foreigners are yet to discover.
I remember the first time I saw Angelique Kidjo's 'Agolo' and 'Batonga' videos and the strong impression it had on me.....it basically set a benchmark on which I judge music videos. This is Angelique's 'Batonga' video, maybe you'll sort of get what I'm rambling about.. ;).
I know some people might talk of the western influence on the video, but my argument has always been and will always be, the African influence on this video is clearly unmistakable. Anyways, back to the topic.....lol, Beyonce's documentary, Year of 4, shows how much of the Tofo Tofo boys touched her. Seemingly oblivious to the fact that Beyonce is one of the biggest stars on the planet, they just went straight in and delivered. Big up to them. Really, really impressed by them.
Enjoy Beyonce's Year of 4 and the video of Run the world (girls). The location reminds me of under bridge in Lagos.........LMAO!!!
Laters. :)
Apparently, she was influenced by African legend and Afrobeat creator, Fela Anikulapo - Kuti, thanks to Jay-Z's involvement in the FELA Broadway show. It's always great to see bits of our culture, we've always loved and cherished, find a new audience on a greater stage. It shows a new side to our culture most foreigners are yet to discover.
I remember the first time I saw Angelique Kidjo's 'Agolo' and 'Batonga' videos and the strong impression it had on me.....it basically set a benchmark on which I judge music videos. This is Angelique's 'Batonga' video, maybe you'll sort of get what I'm rambling about.. ;).
I know some people might talk of the western influence on the video, but my argument has always been and will always be, the African influence on this video is clearly unmistakable. Anyways, back to the topic.....lol, Beyonce's documentary, Year of 4, shows how much of the Tofo Tofo boys touched her. Seemingly oblivious to the fact that Beyonce is one of the biggest stars on the planet, they just went straight in and delivered. Big up to them. Really, really impressed by them.
Enjoy Beyonce's Year of 4 and the video of Run the world (girls). The location reminds me of under bridge in Lagos.........LMAO!!!
Laters. :)
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