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Riz Khan
Rapper K'naan on Somalia's descent
The rapper from Mogadishu combines activism and geopolitical insight in his music.
Last Modified: 14 Apr 2009 09:02 GMT

Watch part two 

Somali hip hop artist K'naan often says that US rap lacks credibility, because even the toughest US neighbourhoods are not as dangerous as his hometown of Mogadishu.

K'naan's music celebrates his people and country - and condemns the violence that caused Somalia's collapse.

Critics have given him rave reviews for breathing fresh air into the rap scene with his mix of activism and geopolitical insight.

He says there is much more to the burgeoning piracy off the coast of Somalia than meets the eye. He argues that in the absence of any functioning government, the pirates are protecting the country from ships that are dumping waste on its shores.

On Monday, Riz talks to K'naan about the deteriorating situation in Somalia and the conditions of his fellow countrymen scattered around the globe.

This episode of the Riz Khan show aired on Monday, April 13, 2009.

Source:
Al Jazeera
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