Indigenous hip-hop in Bolivia

An example of music reflecting the issues and spirit of a local culture.

9/14/06 - Toward Freedom - Rapping in Aymara: Bolivian Hip Hop as an Instrument of Struggle: "At 13,000 feet, the hip hop movement in El Alto, Bolivia is probably the highest in the world. The music blends ancient Andean folk styles and new hip hop beats with lyrics about revolution and social change....

"[Cadena] believed hip hop was becoming more popular in Bolivia because anyone can produce the music, regardless of whether or not they know how to play an instrument. 'It’s popular in poor neighborhoods where people might not have a guitar. All you need is a pen and paper. You don’t need money. You can do it anywhere. People largely identify with it in marginalized neighborhoods, where people don’t have access to music lessons or instruments.' She also said it is growing along with the current political changes all around Latin America. 'It’s part of this regional protest movement.'"