Flash of the Spirit: Big Freedia's Sissy Bounce & Sierra Leone Tribal

Flash of the Spirit: Big Freedia's Sissy Bounce & Sierra Leone Tribal

[embed width=550][/embed]


Flash of the Spirit, a new Okayafrica series, highlights instances in which elements of traditional African culture have directly informed popular African-American art, music, and aesthetics. The series is named after the book by Robert Farris Thompson.

Check out that bounce! Dayum the folk in Big Freedia's "Na Who Mad" clip can shake it. It reminds us of the video for Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew's dance anthem "Jacky Jacky," (below) which reminds us of the traditional Mende and Temne tribal dances that the kids in the video are referencing... which reminds us of the deep cultural ties that exist between West African and African-American culture. It kinda gives us the chills. Watch above and grab a free download of Big Freedia's club banger "Na Who Mad"!

[embed width = 550][/embed]

10 Classic South African House Songs You Need to Hear
Music

10 Classic South African House Songs You Need to Hear

Here are 10 of the best South African house tracks released over the years.

Nelson Mandela free from prison visiting a school doing the black power salute.
Music

12 Essential Anti-Apartheid Struggle Songs from South Africa & Around the World

It wasn't just South African musicians—artists from around the continent and the world all stood up in solidarity and released anti-Apartheid songs.