Photo By Nigel D.

Nas – Election Night

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Nas and Pharrell were asked why Hip Hop artists don’t perform more frequently in Africa during Smirnoff’s Experience press conference. Nas stated, “People are scared, there are horror stories about Africa.” Nas spoke on his trip to the motherland, “I went there and I figured out there has been a lot of lies told to American people about whats is going over there.” Nas talked about the big divide between the U.S. & Africa:

“African Americans and Africans don’t communicate, we don’t talk, we don’t even get along. We’ve been pulled apart for years. Some Africans need to make an effort to show us that when we come there we’re going to be alright. It’s beyond Hip Hop, but I think Hip Hop is an answer to get us to start communicating and rebuilding our long last family between Africa and America.” – Nas

Pharrell added that the high prices artists charge reflect their hard work and had this to say about how Africa is portrayed, “There are a lot of rumors and there are a lot of myths, but you have to understand a lot of that is supported by the images we see on T.V.” Earlier this year 50 Cent had a chain snatched while perfoming in Angola. African countries have been under great turmoil for decades and the volatility has deterred artist from performing in African countries. It is great to see Hip Hop’s international popularity and in the future hopefully more artist will be able to give their African fans a chance to see them live.

Photos by Nigel D.

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