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Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa

Afrika Bambaataa

Visual image Afrika Bambaataa
Datec. 1985
Mediumink; paper (fiber product)
DimensionsOverall (HWD): 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.94 × 21.59 cm)
Credit LineMoPOP permanent collection
Object number1995.91.1689
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.
Black and yellow promotional portrait photo of Afrika Bambaataa looking at the camera.
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/
On View
Not on view
DJ Afrika Bambaataa with DJ Sinbad, DJ Afrika Zambu along with the Mighty Zulu Nation at Webster P.A.L., Friday, March 10
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
The Zulu Nation present their 3rd Annual Disco Tribute to James Brown: DJ Afrika Bambaataa, Zambo, MC Mr. Biggs, at Bronxriver Community Center [i.e. The Bronx River Center], Bronx, NY, November 10, 1978
The Zulu Nation present their 3rd Annual Disco Tribute to James Brown: DJ Afrika Bambaataa, Zambo, MC Mr. Biggs, at Bronxriver Community Center [i.e. The Bronx River Center], Bronx, NY, November 10, 1978
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1978
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1998.854.4
Afrika Bambaataa and The Soulsonic Force at Stages
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 at Rok Theater, Seattle, WA, January 18, 1990
Afrika Bambaataa at Rok Theater, Seattle, WA, January 18, 1990
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: c. 1985
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1995.91.1672
The Brothers Disco, DJ Breakout, DJ Afrika Bambaataa and his Zulu Nation, DJ Baron and the Breakout Crew, at Evander, Bronx, NY, January 27, 1978
The Brothers Disco, DJ Breakout, DJ Afrika Bambaataa and his Zulu Nation, DJ Baron and the Breakout Crew, at Evander, Bronx, NY, January 27, 1978
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1978
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1999.123.6
DJ Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Jazzy Jay, and Sweet Slick and Sly, Benmore Skating Rink, Jersey City, NY, January 1, 1982
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
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
Ecstasy Productions Presents, The Throwdown For 82, Featuring Afrika Bambaataa, Jazzy Jay, Jazzy Five M.C.s, On Wheels Roller Rink, Norwalk, CT, March 6, 1982
Ecstasy Productions Presents, The Throwdown For 82, Featuring Afrika Bambaataa, Jazzy Jay, Jazzy Five M.C.s, On Wheels Roller Rink, Norwalk, CT, March 6, 1982
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1982
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1999.733.147
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
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
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
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
Afrika Bambaataa & the Cosmic Force versus the Funky 4, at the T-Connection, Bronx, NY, December 19, 1981
Afrika Bambaataa & the Cosmic Force versus the Funky 4, at the T-Connection, Bronx, NY, December 19, 1981
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1981
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1999.757.52
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