The Festival

The festival RAPANDAR was created to promote hip-hop music from the city of St. Louis, Senegal. Through the organization of this grand event of national scale and international scope, with numerous artists coming from diverse horizons, we are hoping to reaffirm the bonds of solidarity, humanity and peace, all the values carried out through the music of rap and reggae.

Specific Goals of the event:

Through each concert we are trying to:

1. Promote the social mobilization of youth around society’s modern plagues such as AIDS/HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and cholera. As well as social issues like illegal immigration, political corruption and drug use. RAPANDAR is our instrument to raise awareness and awaken the consciences of youth to these many challenges of society.
2. Promote positive cultural exchanges of musicians and indeed each country will have the opportunity to have a representative at the festival to participate in this meeting of giving and listening to opinions on our society’s ills.
3. Be a springboard for all rap/reggae groups yet to be discovered and who need a network to build contacts and a way to promote themselves
4. To help promote tourism, especially among young people, and in turn have a positive impact of the local economy and its businesses.

Brief History of RAPANDAR

Rapandar is an initiative of young people participating in the rap/reggae movement. The festival debuted in 2004. Each year the festival has risen to a new artistic level. Due to the success of the first edition which took place April 28 – 30th 2004 with 350 registered spectators, we were able to enhance the quality and scope of the proceeding editions. Thus, the 3rd edition of Rapandar which was held on the 27-29 of April 2006, was considered a complete success with over 800 spectators. The festival is run with professionalism and hard-work which has ensured its quality each year. Likewise, Rapandar now has a well established place in the cultural calendar of the city of St.Louis, Senegal and with Senegal’s Ministry of Culture. It is our goal to expand our reach to over 800 spectators at Rapandar 2007. The theme for this year is Youth Against Illegal Immigration and will take place April 26 – 28th in St. Louis, Senegal.

Calendar of Events for RAPANDAR 2008 – April 23 – 26, 2008

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

10am - Information exchange and social gathering of all the festival’s partners and representatives from participating countries (Canada, France, USA, Belgium & Romania) at the Place Faidherbe.

3pm – Musical Soul Train through the neighborhoods of St. Louis with the musicians who will be performing in the evening concert.

5pm – Soccer Tournament – Senegal’s rappers vs. Senegal’s journalists at the Stade Maitre Babacar Seye

6pm – Conference/Public Discussion at the Jean Mermoz Institute (former French Cultural Center of St. Louis). Country representatives and our partners to discuss the evolution and impact of the hip hop movement.

7pm – Concert at the Place Faidherbe – free admittance

Featuring the visiting artists from France, Canada, the US, Belgium and Romania. Deggeti, Keur Gui, Seydina Mystique and groups from St. Louis will also perform.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

10am – Conference/Public Discussion with the media – Youth against Illegal Immigration and the role of musicians to disseminate their message. (open to the public)

5pm – Concert in the Pikine district

Featuring the visiting artists from France, Canada, the US, Belgium and Romania. As well as Xumane, Secteur S, Seydina Mystique and various groups from St. Louis.

Friday, April 25, 2008

10am – Open Forum at the Youth Center in St. Louis

Discussion between the musicians and the public on Illegal Immigration

6pm – Concert at the Place Abdoulaye Wade

Featuring the visiting artists from France, Canada, the US, Belgium and Romania. As well as St. Louis Sol Dieu, Keur Gui, Secteur S and various group s from St. Louis.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

5pm – Public Debate/Discussion at the Youth Center in St. Louis – Our government partners, musicians and the public will be meeting to discuss ideas to reduce illegal immigration amongst Senegal’s youth.

7pm – Concerts at the Place Faidherbe

Featuring: Carlou D, Fafadi, Gaston and Dread Maxim

You’re also invited to visit the Jean Mermoz Institute between April 23 – 26th for an exhibition on the history of the hip hop movement in Senegal

Contact Information:

10,000 Problèmes siège social Leona
BP 1187
Saint Louis, Senegal
Tel: +221.77.369.5684 or +221.77.514.1568
Email: festivalrapandarslsn@yahoo.fr or dixmilleproblemes@yahoo.fr