Hip hop: A culture of interpretations

The FEW Collective discuss their style and mission.

ISLAMABAD:

As part of its cultural diplomacy initiative, the US State Department invited the FEW (Fifth Element Warriors) Collective, a multi-disciplinary performance troupe, to Islamabad. Their recent performances at Kuch Khaas — The Centre for Arts, Culture and Dialogue and at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad  featured a cocktail of hip hop numbers (with both a cappella and background vocals), Arabic-African songs, break dancing, poetry and hip hop renditions of Pakistani classics.

But beyond cultural diplomacy, what can be said about the Collective as artists and musicians? FEW’s style is all about fusion as they merge a variety of disciplines — something familiar to Pakistanis, given the popularity of our own fusion music. And yet, local media reports have so far focused on the political textures of the initiative — direct links being made between the FEW Collective ambassadors and bolstering the US State Department’s public persona. Others have spoken about diplomacy, cross-cultural exchange and softening America’s image abroad but little has been said about the performers themselves; what they do and what they’re about.

Composed of a cast of diverse artists — Asad Jafri (DJ Man-O-Wax), Alsarah (Arabic and African vocals), Aquil Charlton (hip hop/rap), Manal Farhan (spoken word), Daniel Haywood (break dance) and Jonathan St Clair (hip hop dance) — the FEW troupe seeks to engage and address contemporary issues through music, dance and art.

The Express Tribune caught up with Jafri and Alsarah (who made a bold fashion statement in a vintage top and groovy yellow pants) in the aftermath of their upbeat and inspiring performance at Kuch Khaas.

Let’s talk about what you guys do, what you’re about?

Jafri: Well, we see hip hop as a culture of interpretation and re-interpretation. We’re interested in how it can be used in a way that’s relevant to issues today —  as a universal language. What I do is re-interpret world music. Meanwhile, I’m also the Director of Arts at IMAN (Inner-City Muslim Action Network, a community-based non-profit organisation in Chicago.

Usually when we perform, we tend to cater to specific audiences. As a collective, we’ve been pulled from all over the world. I’ve played with most of the members of the troupe before, except for Alsarah, who’s a recent addition. I love her sound.

Alsarah you’re working with a lot of African and Arabic influences. How do you define your style?   

Alsarah: My style’s East African retro-pop; music from Zanzibar, Kenya and Sudan. My band, Alsarah and the Nubatones, plays Arabic music and music from the Nubian region. I’d say my style is pretty Africa-forward.

The dancers really add a kick to the performances. What’s their story?

Jafri: Our dancers are mainly ‘bboys’ (breakdance) and they’re schoo-led in traditional hip hop. They’re really trying to keep it alive and go out on a lot of battles.

How did the Pakistan tour happen?

Jafri: The US Embassy State Department contacted us directly. I was actually here in April to do a workshop at Kuch Khaas and looked for recruits for the cultural exchange programme.

Alsarah: I’ve never been to Pakistan so it’s my first day here. The food is amazing. I may not have a lot exposure to the region but I’m a huge Lollywood and Bollywood fan. I’m also really excited about buying fabric that I can take to the US with me.

The Collective will be performing in Lahore and Karachi next, taking their unique brand of ‘hip hop theatre’ across Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 19^th, 2011.