Afrika Bambaata was hiphop to it’s core. He was a pioneer in the game and helped pave the way for so many. His influence runs as deep as the ocean. He was a founder of the Zulu Nation, turning the gang The Black Spades to legitimate and positive entity in NYC. His contributions to art and the culture are nothing short of incredible, and I don’t want to downplay that at all. The terms hiphop, turntablism amongst others can be traced back to Bambaataa.
Sadly, in 2016 Afrika was accused of molesting multiple boys in the early 80s. The universal Zulu nation excommunicated AB and anyone who may have had a hand in the atrocities that were associated with Bambaataa. Zulu Nation responded with an apology as they 1st took their leaders side but once the cork popped there was no stopping the flow of stories.
Vice did an article in late 2016, saying that the pioneer had been molesting children for decades. These accusations were later confirmed by another legend Melle Mel, claimed in an interview with culture vulture Vlad that it was “hip-hop’s best kept secret”. This is a travesty.
Just to add fuel to the fire, TC Izlam well known Jungle DJ/MC, member and International Spokesperson of the Zulu Nation, left the group after the accusations came out, and Bambaataa wanting him to do Damage control, despite TC saying he had rumors at that pointing dating back 20 years. Allegedly Bambaataa was retaliating on those who accused or besmirched his name.Izlam was one of these people and was said to be fearing for his life after an interview he did with a reporter about the allegations. Not soon after TC Izlam was gunned down in Atlanta. This could be a coincidence of course but its still very fishy.You can read more in depth about that HERE.
The whole situation is nasty work, in 2021 a civil lawsuit came about after a man claimed that Afrika abused, groomed and trafficked him as 12 year old boy in the 90s. Instead of going to court and sticking up for himself Bambaataa failed to appear and lost his civil case by default, which is an extremely bad look. More on that HERE.
I’m a hiphophead through and through and this is just devastating that one of our pioneers is a monster. Instead of talking more in depth about his endlesss contributions, I’m here sick to my stomach writing an obituary for an extremely talented and horrible human being. Skinners arent Winners friends and you can listen to our podcast on that subject HERE.
Salute.