Jump to content

Universal Zulu Nation: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→Notable members and affiliates: Added content Ava fixed typo
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
No edit summary
 
(29 intermediate revisions by 20 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
[[Image:Afrika Bambaataa and DJ Yutaka (2004).jpg|thumb|250px|[[Afrika Bambaataa]] (left) with DJ Yutaka of Zulu Nation Japan, 2004.]]
[[Image:Afrika Bambaataa and DJ Yutaka (2004).jpg|thumb|250px|[[Afrika Bambaataa]] (left) with DJ Yutaka of Zulu Nation Japan, 2004.]]


The '''Universal Zulu Nation''' is an international [[hip hop culture|hip hop]] awareness group formed by and formerly led by [[hip hop]] artist [[Afrika Bambaataa]].<ref name=csws>{{cite book |title=[[Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation]] |last=Chang |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Chang (journalist) |year=2005 |publisher=St. Martin's Press |location=[[New York City|New York]] |isbn=0-312-30143-X }}</ref>{{rp|101}}
The '''Universal Zulu Nation''' is an international [[hip hop culture|hip hop]] awareness group formed by [[electro (music)|electro]]/hip hop artist [[Afrika Bambaataa]].<ref name=csws>{{cite book |title=[[Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A History of the Hip Hop Generation]] |last=Chang |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Chang (journalist) |year=2005 |publisher=St. Martin's Press |location=[[New York City|New York]] |isbn=0-312-30143-X }}</ref>{{rp|101}}


According to the website of the UZN, the Zulu Nation stands for "knowledge, wisdom, understanding, freedom, justice, equality, peace, unity, love, respect, work, fun, overcoming the negative to the positive, economics, mathematics, science, life, truth, facts, faith, and the oneness of god".<ref name="Rapper zulu nation beilefs">{{cite web |title=Zulu Beliefs – Universal Zulu Nation |url=https://www.zulunation.com/zulu-beliefs/ |website=zulunation.com |access-date=3 July 2023 |location=the bronx borrough, new york state, USA |language=en |quote=The Universal Zulu Nation stands for: KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, FREEDOM, JUSTICE, EQUALITY, PEACE, UNITY, LOVE, RESPECT, WORK, FUN, OVERCOMING THE NEGATIVE TO THE POSITIVE, ECONOMICS, MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, LIFE, TRUTH, FACTS, FAITH, AND THE ONENESS OF GOD. }}</ref>
The Universal Zulu Nation promotes the idea that hip-hop was created to sustain the ideals of "peace, love, unity and having fun" for all races, religions, nations, and civilizations.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}


== History ==
== History ==
Originally known simply as the Organization, it arose in the 1970s from the reformed [[New York City]] [[street gang|gang]] the [[Black Spades]], a street gang from the South Bronx. While the Black Spades were the base of the organization, other reformed gangs contributed additional members, notably the [[Savage Nomads]], [[Seven Immortals (gang)|Seven Immortals]], and [[Savage Skulls]], among others.<ref>[http://www.zulunation.com/about-zulunation/ About] from ZuluNation.com, retrieved 28 September 2015</ref> Members began to organize cultural events for youths, combining local dance and music movements into what would become known as the various elements of [[hip hop culture]]. Elements of the culture include Emceeing (MCing), Deejaying (DJing), breaking, and writing.
Originally known simply as the Organization, it arose in the 1970s from the reformed [[New York City]] [[street gang|gang]] the [[Black Spades]], a street gang from the [[South Bronx]]. While the Black Spades were the base of the organization, other reformed gangs contributed additional members, notably the [[Savage Nomads]], [[Seven Immortals (gang)|Seven Immortals]], and [[Savage Skulls]], among others.<ref>[http://www.zulunation.com/about-zulunation/ About] from ZuluNation.com, retrieved 28 September 2015</ref> Members began to organize cultural events for youths, combining local dance and music movements into what would become known as the various elements of [[hip hop culture]]. Elements of the culture include Emceeing ([[Rapping|MCing]]), Deejaying ([[Disc Jockey|DJing]]), breaking ([[Breakdancing]]), and writing ([[Graffiti]]).


In many interviews, Afrika Bambaataa has spoken of the name "Zulu" as being inspired by the [[Zulu (1964 film)|1964 film of the same name]].{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}
In many interviews, Afrika Bambaataa has spoken of the name "Zulu" as being inspired by the [[Zulu (1964 film)|1964 film of the same name]].{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}


The imagery of the Zulu Nation has varied at times as well. During the 1970s, and 1980s, Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation members would often clothe themselves in costumes representing different cultures of the world and different factions of the Nation throughout the world may utilize different cultural symbols and themes to express basic Zulu philosophy.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}
The imagery of the Zulu Nation has varied at times as well. During the 1970s and the 1980s, Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation members would often clothe themselves in costumes representing different cultures of the world.


Since the early 1980s, the Zulu Nation has since established (autonomous) branches in [[Japanese hip hop|Japan]], [[French hip hop|France]], the [[British hip hop|UK]], [[Australian hip hop|Australia]], [[Canadian hip hop|Canada]], [[Korean hip hop|South Korea]] and the Cape Flats in Cape Town [[South African hip hop|South Africa]].{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}
Since the early 1980s, the Zulu Nation has established autonomous branches in [[Japanese hip hop|Japan]], [[French hip hop|France]], the [[British hip hop|UK]], [[Australian hip hop|Australia]], [[Canadian hip hop|Canada]], [[Korean hip hop|South Korea]] and the Cape Flats in Cape Town [[South African hip hop|South Africa]].{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}


From the late 1980s, at the height of the [[Afrocentrism|Afrocentric]] movement in hip-hop (when artists such as [[KRS-One]], [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]], [[A Tribe Called Quest]], [[Native Tongues]], and [[Rakim]] hit success), the movement seemed to be incorporating many doctrines from the [[Nation of Islam]], the [[Nation of Gods and Earths]], and the [[Nuwaubians]]. In the mid 1990s some members began to break off starting their own projects or organizations such as Ill Crew Universal.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/19970409171116/http://illcrew.com/ lll Crew Universal]</ref>
From the late 1980s, at the height of the [[Afrocentrism|Afrocentric]] movement in Hip Hop (when artists such as [[KRS-One]], [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]], [[A Tribe Called Quest]], [[Native Tongues]], and [[Rakim]] hit success), the movement seemed to be incorporating many doctrines from the [[Nation of Islam]], the [[Nation of Gods and Earths]], and the [[Nuwaubians]]. In the mid-1990s, some members began to break off starting their own projects or organizations such as "Ill Crew Universal".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/19970409171116/http://illcrew.com/ lll Crew Universal]</ref>


Afrika Bambaataa stood down as head of the Zulu Nation in May 2016 after allegations of sexually abusing several young men and children in the organization. [[Ronald Savage]] was the first of several men to publicly accuse Bambaataa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://atlantablackstar.com/2016/05/09/afrika-bambaataa-steps-down-as-zulu-nation-leader-amid-reports-of-child-sexual-assault/|title=Afrika Bambaataa Steps Down as Zulu Nation Leader Amid Reports of Child Sexual Assault|date=9 May 2016}}</ref>
Afrika Bambaataa stood down as head of the Zulu Nation in May 2016 after allegations of sexually abusing several young men and children in the organization. [[Ronald Savage]] was the first of several men to publicly accuse Bambaataa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://atlantablackstar.com/2016/05/09/afrika-bambaataa-steps-down-as-zulu-nation-leader-amid-reports-of-child-sexual-assault/|title=Afrika Bambaataa Steps Down as Zulu Nation Leader Amid Reports of Child Sexual Assault|date=9 May 2016}}</ref>
Line 24: Line 24:


==Zulu Nation in France==
==Zulu Nation in France==
The Zulu movement was introduced to France in 1982 by Afrika Bambaataa when the New York City Rap Tour performed in several cities (Paris, Lyon, Metz, Belfort, Mulhouse) with artists [[PHASE 2]], [[Futura 2000]], [[Dondi]], [[Grandmaster D.ST]], the [[Rock Steady Crew]], [[Rammellzee]], the double dutch group Buffalo Girls. The Zulu Nation was centered in suburban [[Paris]] since most immigrants lived beyond the city limits. Since 1987, the Zulu Nation's ties to the French [[hip hop]] community have waned. Since Afrika Bambaataa's tour of France in 2008 and a Zulu Nation reunion in Paris, new movements of the Universal Zulu Nation have emerged in different cities in France.<ref>Prevos, A.J.M., "Post-colonial Popular Music in France: Rap Music and Hip-Hop Culture in the 1980s and 1990s." In ''Global Noise: Rap and Hip-Hop Outside the USA''. Tony Mitchell ed., pp. 29–56. Middletown: Wesleyan University Press, 2001.</ref> According to Veronique Henelon, "French rap specifically has been a multi-dimensional expression of ties with Africa."<ref>Henelon, V. "Africa on Their Mind: Rap, Blackness, and Citizenship in France." In ''The Vinyl Ain't Final: Hip-Hop and the Globalisation of Black Popular Culture''. Dipannita Basu and Sidney J. Lemelle, eds., pp. 151–66. London; Ann Arbor, MI: Pluto Press, 2006</ref> The first hip-hop television show reportedly appeared in [[France]]. It was called '[[H.I.P. H.O.P.]]' and was aired by the [[TF1]] channel in 1984.
The Zulu movement was introduced to France in 1982 by Afrika Bambaataa when the New York City Rap Tour performed in several cities (Paris, Lyon, Metz, Belfort, Mulhouse) with artists [[PHASE 2]], [[Futura 2000]], [[Dondi]], [[Grandmaster D.ST]], the [[Rock Steady Crew]], [[Rammellzee]], the double dutch group Buffalo Girls. The Zulu Nation was centered in suburban [[Paris]] since most immigrants lived beyond the city limits. Since 1987, the Zulu Nation's ties to the French [[hip hop]] community have waned. Since Afrika Bambaataa's tour of France in 2008 and a Zulu Nation reunion in Paris, new movements of the Universal Zulu Nation have emerged in different cities in France.<ref>Prevos, A.J.M., "Post-colonial Popular Music in France: Rap Music and Hip Hop Culture in the 1980s and 1990s." In ''Global Noise: Rap and Hip Hop Outside the USA''. Tony Mitchell ed., pp. 29–56. Middletown: Wesleyan University Press, 2001.</ref> According to Veronique Henelon, "French rap specifically has been a multi-dimensional expression of ties with Africa."<ref>Henelon, V. "Africa on Their Mind: Rap, Blackness, and Citizenship in France." In ''The Vinyl Ain't Final: Hip Hop and the Globalisation of Black Popular Culture''. Dipannita Basu and Sidney J. Lemelle, eds., pp. 151–66. London; Ann Arbor, MI: Pluto Press, 2006</ref> The first Hip Hop television show reportedly appeared in [[France]]. It was called '[[H.I.P. H.O.P.]]' and was aired by the [[TF1]] channel in 1984.


⚫
==In popular culture==
⚫
==Notable members and affiliates==
⚫
In 2004, the thirteenth episode of the second season of ''[[Chappelle's Show]]'' had the comedian [[Dave Chappelle]] do a sketch on an African-American George W. Bush, called Black Bush, where the character said that his [[coalition of the willing]] included Afrika Bambataa and the Zulu Nation.<ref>Jonathan Gray et al, ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=KzcTCgAAQBAJ Satire TV: Politics and Comedy in the Post-network Era]'' (New York: NYU Press, 2009), 243.</ref>

⚫
The Universal Zulu Nation is featured at length in the 2016 [[Netflix]] series ''[[The Get Down]]''. In the series, [[Afrika Bambaataa]] is played by Nigerian-American actor [[Okieriete Onaodowan]].


⚫
==Notable members and affiliates==
⚫
* [[Q-Tip (musician)|Q-Tip]]
* [[Joeystarr]]
* [[Joeystarr]]
⚫
* [[Mike Gee]]
* Sammy B
* [[Afrika Baby Bam]]
⚫
* [[Q-Tip (rapper)|Q-Tip]]
* [[Ali Shaheed Muhammad]]
* [[Jarobi White]]
* [[Kelvin Mercer|Posdnuos]]
* [[David Jude Jolicoeur|Trugoy]]
* [[Vincent Mason|Maseo]]
* [[Monie Love]]
* [[Queen Latifah]]
* [[Dres (rapper)|Dres]]
* Mista Lawnge
* [[Torch (German rapper)|Torch]]
* [[Fab Five Freddy]]
* [[Fab Five Freddy]]
* [[Ryuichi Sakamoto]]
* [[Kurtis Blow]]
* [[Kurtis Blow]]
* [[Russell Simmons]]
* [[Spoonie Gee]]
* [[Spoonie Gee]]
* [[Rakaa]]
* [[Rakaa]]
* [[Kool Moe Dee]]
* [[Kool Moe Dee]]
* [[Ice-T]]
* [[Ice-T]]
* [[King Sun XL]]
* King Sun XL
* [[Immortal Technique]]
* [[Immortal Technique]]
* [[Big Boi]]
* [[Big Boi]]
* [[Freddie Gibbs]]
* [[Freddie Gibbs]]
* [[9th Wonder]]
* [[9th Wonder]]
* [[Chief Keef]]
* [[Darryl McDaniels]]
* [[Joseph Simmons]]
* [[Wiz Khalifa]]
* [[Tyler, the Creator]]
* [[Left Brain production discography|Left Brain]]
* [[Jasper Dolphin]]
* [[Hodgy]]
* [[Syd (singer)|Syd]]
* [[Domo Genesis]]
* [[Travis Bennett|Taco]]
* [[Earl Sweatshirt]]
* [[Frank Ocean]]
* L-Boy
* [[Matt Martians]]
* [[Casey Veggies]]
* [[Chi-Ali]]
* [[Lovebug Starski]] (deceased)
* [[Lovebug Starski]] (deceased)
* [[Jam Master Jay]] (deceased)
* [[Jam Master Jay]] (deceased)
* [[Phife Dawg]] (deceased)
* [[Phife Dawg]] (deceased)
* [[Lil Wayne]]
* [[Lil Wayne]] (reportedly)
* Zulu King Flowrex
* Zulu King Flowrex
* DJ Fuze (UK)
* DJ Fuze (Councillor Richard MacRae)
* MC Spice
* Donnie’s Dad
⚫
* [[MC Spice]]
* Mick Benzo
* Mick Benzo
* Soul Messiah
* Sol Messiah
* [[Bronx Style Bob]]
* [[Bronx Style Bob]]
* Petawane

* Deph Paul
⚫
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2010970/lil-wayne-joins-zulu-nation/|title=Lil Wayne is Reportedly Joining the Hip-Hop Awareness Organization Zulu Nation|website=[[MTV]] }}</ref>
* Makakuvu Ali El Bey

* Caslu
⚫
==In popular culture==
* [[Phase 2]] (deceased)
⚫
In 2004, the thirteenth episode of the second season of ''[[Chappelle's Show]]'' had the comedian [[Dave Chappelle]] do a sketch on an African-American George W. Bush, called Black Bush, where the character said that his [[coalition of the willing]] included Afrika Bambataa and the Zulu Nation.<ref>Jonathan Gray et al, ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=KzcTCgAAQBAJ Satire TV: Politics and Comedy in the Post-network Era]'' (New York: NYU Press, 2009), 243.</ref>
* [[Dondi]] (deceased)

* [[Prince Whipper Whip]]
⚫
The Universal Zulu Nation is featured at length in the 2016 [[Netflix]] series ''[[The Get Down]]''. In the series, [[Afrika Bambaataa]] is played by Nigerian-American actor [[Okieriete Onaodowan]].
* Lord-Yoda-X (deceased)
* [[Futura 2000]]
* [[KRS-One]]
* [[Fat Joe]]
⚫
* [[Ice Cube]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2010970/lil-wayne-joins-zulu-nation/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201062133/http://www.mtv.com/news/2010970/lil-wayne-joins-zulu-nation/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 1, 2014|title=Lil Wayne is Reportedly Joining the Hip Hop Awareness Organization Zulu Nation|website=[[MTV]] }}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 03:15, 26 September 2024

Current Zulu Nation logo.
Former Zulu Nation logo
Afrika Bambaataa (left) with DJ Yutaka of Zulu Nation Japan, 2004.

The Universal Zulu Nation is an international hip hop awareness group formed by electro/hip hop artist Afrika Bambaataa.[1]: 101 

According to the website of the UZN, the Zulu Nation stands for "knowledge, wisdom, understanding, freedom, justice, equality, peace, unity, love, respect, work, fun, overcoming the negative to the positive, economics, mathematics, science, life, truth, facts, faith, and the oneness of god".[2]

History

[edit]

Originally known simply as the Organization, it arose in the 1970s from the reformed New York City gang the Black Spades, a street gang from the South Bronx. While the Black Spades were the base of the organization, other reformed gangs contributed additional members, notably the Savage Nomads, Seven Immortals, and Savage Skulls, among others.[3] Members began to organize cultural events for youths, combining local dance and music movements into what would become known as the various elements of hip hop culture. Elements of the culture include Emceeing (MCing), Deejaying (DJing), breaking (Breakdancing), and writing (Graffiti).

In many interviews, Afrika Bambaataa has spoken of the name "Zulu" as being inspired by the 1964 film of the same name.[citation needed]

The imagery of the Zulu Nation has varied at times as well. During the 1970s and the 1980s, Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation members would often clothe themselves in costumes representing different cultures of the world.

Since the early 1980s, the Zulu Nation has established autonomous branches in Japan, France, the UK, Australia, Canada, South Korea and the Cape Flats in Cape Town South Africa.[citation needed]

From the late 1980s, at the height of the Afrocentric movement in Hip Hop (when artists such as KRS-One, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, Native Tongues, and Rakim hit success), the movement seemed to be incorporating many doctrines from the Nation of Islam, the Nation of Gods and Earths, and the Nuwaubians. In the mid-1990s, some members began to break off starting their own projects or organizations such as "Ill Crew Universal".[4]

Afrika Bambaataa stood down as head of the Zulu Nation in May 2016 after allegations of sexually abusing several young men and children in the organization. Ronald Savage was the first of several men to publicly accuse Bambaataa.[5]

In 2017, hundreds of Zulus resigned due to distrust of the Zulu Nation and founded their own organization, the Zulu Union.

Zulu Nation in France

[edit]

The Zulu movement was introduced to France in 1982 by Afrika Bambaataa when the New York City Rap Tour performed in several cities (Paris, Lyon, Metz, Belfort, Mulhouse) with artists PHASE 2, Futura 2000, Dondi, Grandmaster D.ST, the Rock Steady Crew, Rammellzee, the double dutch group Buffalo Girls. The Zulu Nation was centered in suburban Paris since most immigrants lived beyond the city limits. Since 1987, the Zulu Nation's ties to the French hip hop community have waned. Since Afrika Bambaataa's tour of France in 2008 and a Zulu Nation reunion in Paris, new movements of the Universal Zulu Nation have emerged in different cities in France.[6] According to Veronique Henelon, "French rap specifically has been a multi-dimensional expression of ties with Africa."[7] The first Hip Hop television show reportedly appeared in France. It was called 'H.I.P. H.O.P.' and was aired by the TF1 channel in 1984.

[edit]

In 2004, the thirteenth episode of the second season of Chappelle's Show had the comedian Dave Chappelle do a sketch on an African-American George W. Bush, called Black Bush, where the character said that his coalition of the willing included Afrika Bambataa and the Zulu Nation.[8]

The Universal Zulu Nation is featured at length in the 2016 Netflix series The Get Down. In the series, Afrika Bambaataa is played by Nigerian-American actor Okieriete Onaodowan.

Notable members and affiliates

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Chang, Jeff (2005). Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A History of the Hip Hop Generation. New York: St. Martin's Press. ISBN 0-312-30143-X.
  2. ^ "Zulu Beliefs – Universal Zulu Nation". zulunation.com. the bronx borrough, new york state, USA. Retrieved 3 July 2023. The Universal Zulu Nation stands for: KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, FREEDOM, JUSTICE, EQUALITY, PEACE, UNITY, LOVE, RESPECT, WORK, FUN, OVERCOMING THE NEGATIVE TO THE POSITIVE, ECONOMICS, MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, LIFE, TRUTH, FACTS, FAITH, AND THE ONENESS OF GOD.
  3. ^ About from ZuluNation.com, retrieved 28 September 2015
  4. ^ lll Crew Universal
  5. ^ "Afrika Bambaataa Steps Down as Zulu Nation Leader Amid Reports of Child Sexual Assault". 9 May 2016.
  6. ^ Prevos, A.J.M., "Post-colonial Popular Music in France: Rap Music and Hip Hop Culture in the 1980s and 1990s." In Global Noise: Rap and Hip Hop Outside the USA. Tony Mitchell ed., pp. 29–56. Middletown: Wesleyan University Press, 2001.
  7. ^ Henelon, V. "Africa on Their Mind: Rap, Blackness, and Citizenship in France." In The Vinyl Ain't Final: Hip Hop and the Globalisation of Black Popular Culture. Dipannita Basu and Sidney J. Lemelle, eds., pp. 151–66. London; Ann Arbor, MI: Pluto Press, 2006
  8. ^ Jonathan Gray et al, Satire TV: Politics and Comedy in the Post-network Era (New York: NYU Press, 2009), 243.
  9. ^ "Lil Wayne is Reportedly Joining the Hip Hop Awareness Organization Zulu Nation". MTV. Archived from the original on December 1, 2014.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Universal_Zulu_Nation&oldid=1247806674"