- Rapper/Pan-Africanist Awadi and R&B-singer Facoly are juxtaposed with three griots. This provides an insight into contemporary Senegalese culture oscillating between tradition and modernity.
- In Senegal there is the tradition of transmitting messages by music. The traditional musicians - called 'griots' - were in charge of retaining the history of their ethnic group, alongside with the ways of thinking and behaving. Their aim was to conserve the society. Nowadays, in a changing world, the griots lost the bigger part of their power and importance in and for society. Their world is vanishing. But not their method. Awadi, one of the first and best known rappers in Western Africa, picked up the method of the griots to launch his message to the people. But unlike the griots, his aim is to change society. His messages have a completely other content than those of the griots. Awadi is fighting for Pan-Africanism, the United States of Africa. This movement can't be understood without having colonialism and it's still lasting after-effects in mind. The film MESSAGES BY MUSIC offers an insight into contemporary Senegalese society, reflecting it's ethnic, linguistic, religious and musical diversity. In depicting one society in transformation from tradition to modernity, this documentary may have relevance to any growing and shifting African nation.—Anonymous
- MESSAGES BY MUSIC examines a society in transition towards modernity: Senegal. In this West-African country there is a tradition of transmitting messages through music. This is true for the featured traditional singers (griots) as well as their contemporary counterparts: Awadi, renewed rapper and Pan-Africanist, and R&B-singer Facoly. These younger artists embody the modern, or progressive, aspects of Senegal. Their world views challenge traditional conventions. They each express a dynamic vision of society whereas the three griots reflect a static society. Contrasting the griots with the modern musicians, the film provides an insight into contemporary Senegalese culture. Depicting Senegal's diversity with respect to ethnic backgrounds, languages, and religious beliefs, this documentary strives to understand one growing African nation, but has relevance to any shifting African society.—Anonymous
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