![]() In any case, props to them on their 26th anniversary.The Universal Zulu Nation is an international hip hop awareness group formed and headed by hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. ![]() Its a shame that there hasn't been more of a public celebration and acknowledgment of this organization and its accomplishments. Who could forget Zulu Beats with Afrika Islam on WHBI. We also can not overlook the fact that it was Zulu Nation members who put out some of Hip Hop's first records as well as among the first to establish Hip Hop's first radio shows. This of course is in addition to various Zulu chapters that have involved themselves in local politics including the fight to Free Mumia and get him a new trial. There are stories about Zulus escorting women to and from their apartments as well as looking out and helping those in need. There are all sorts of stories about Zulus ridding their housing projects of drug dealers and many of the older guys spending time mentoring younger people. To me the beauty of it all is seeing what was once considered a 'ruthless gang' evolve' to a group that has strived and succeeded in serving the community. They have come to embrace and preserve Hip Hop's key elements and have exemplified what is often considered Hip Hop's 5th Element-'Knowledge'. Again Bam's main objective was to see to it that local cats got a chance to see there was a much bigger world outside the Bronx.Ĭhange didn't happen over night, but today the testament to all that hard work is the fact that there are vibrant Zulu chapters in more than 20 countries all over the world with estimated membership of over 10 thousand. As Bam's recording career blew up, he saw too it that many of folks who were from the streets got an opportunity to go on tour with him and the Soul Sonic Force. His feeling was that if you treated people like royalty then they would turn around and act like royalty in their actions. Bam often talks about how he would do simple things like bestow titles like 'King' and 'Queen' upon Zulu members in an attempt to instill pride and confidence. It was in this backdrop that Bambaataa and other conscious brothers spent a lot of time teaching and preaching and working with Zulu members to bring about positive change. Many of the early crews tried to associate themselves with Zulu Nation for protection from roving bands of stick up kids and other gangs turned crew. It was a sign of toughness and brought much prestige. It used to be a really big deal for cats to hang out at Bronx River and not get stuck. Many of them from the Notorious Black Spades which once reigned terror throughout the Bronx in the early to mid 70s. While they gave birth to Hip Hop's first B-Boys and B-Girls, the group for the most part was made up of former gang members. Back in the days Zulu's struck fear in many who lived outside of their Bronx River Housing Project strong hold. ![]() The story behind the evolution of UZN is significant. As Hip Hop became popular, the group became known as the Mighty Zulu Nation and as later the Universal Zulu Nation. Bam was inspired by their resistance to Dutch settlers. Bam who was known for reading and staying up on the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and other African American leaders, changed the name to Zulu Nation after watching a movie that told the tale of the well known South African tribe. Bam who once lived the gang lifestyle and was trying to change his ways and saw the newly formed group as a way out. Back than it was simply known as 'The Organization'. For those who are unfamiliar with the Zulu Nation, they began as an organization founded by Afrika Bambaataa at Stevenson High School in the Bronx. They will also pay tribute to Hip Hop's seminal figures Kool DJ Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa. ![]() Hip Hop's oldest and largest organization, the Universal Zulu Nation is set to celebrate its 26th Anniversary this weekend They will be paying tribute to soul music and funk music God fathers, Sly Stone, James Brown, and George Clinton. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |