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Afrika Bambaataa at Rok Theater, Seattle, WA, January 18, 1990
Afrika Bambaataa at Rok Theater, Seattle, WA, January 18, 1990

Afrika Bambaataa at Rok Theater, Seattle, WA, January 18, 1990

Performing artist Afrika Bambaataa
Venue Rock Theatre
Datec. 1985
Mediumink; paper (fiber product)
DimensionsOverall (HWD): 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.94 × 21.59 cm)
Credit LineMoPOP permanent collection
Object number1995.91.1672
Text Entries
Leader of the Zulu Nation and known as one of the “Godfathers of Hip-Hop,” Afrika Bambaataa (Lance Taylor, b. 1957) is a DJ, producer, rapper, and songwriter from the Southeast Bronx. As a former gang member, Afrika Bambaataa began DJing at local parties in the early 1970s, playing Funk and Disco records.  He stood out as a unique and eclectic DJ because he would play records across different genres like Rock, Pop, Salsa, African, and Latin. Afrika Bambaataa also established two Rap crews: the Jazzy 5 and the Soul Sonic Force. Afrika Bambaataa has crafted the foundation of Hip-Hop by establishing the five elements or five pillars: DJing, MCing, b-boying, graffiti, and knowledge. Afrika Bambaataa’s impact on Hip-Hop culture has defined the genre as a staple of creativity and expression emerging out of the Bronx.
Yellow distressed flyer with black lettering listing performers and location of party.
CopyrightThis work is issued under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) License. For more information, go to https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
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DJ Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Jazzy Jay, and Sweet Slick and Sly, Benmore Skating Rink, Jersey City, NY, January 1, 1982
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1982
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1999.733.23
Ladies of the 80's Disco Jam, Breakout Funky Four Plus One, Afrika Bambaataa , others, James Monroe High School, January 30, 1981
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1981
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1999.757.26
DJ Afrika Bambaataa with DJ Sinbad, DJ Afrika Zambu along with the Mighty Zulu Nation at Webster P.A.L., Friday, March 10
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: c. 1979
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 2002.396.31
Afrika Bambaataa and The Soulsonic Force at Stages
Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force
Date: 1982
Medium: paper (fiber product); ink
Object number: 1998.854.12
Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: c. 1985
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1995.91.1689
D.J. Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force, D.J. Jazzy Jay and the Jazzy 5 M.C.'s, D.J. Theodore, Fantastic 5 M.C.'s, at J.H.S. 131, Bronx, NY, October 24, 1981
Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force
Date: October 24, 1981
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 2000.665.19
D J Afrika Bambaataa and Zambu Presents Super Jam Funkboogie at the Bronx River Neighborhood Center, March 11, 1978
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1978
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 2002.396.9
D.J Afrika Bambaataa and Zambu Presents Super Jam Funkboogie at the Bronx Neighborhood Center, March 11, 1978
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1978
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 2002.396.10