African Akhlou Bi

African Akhlou Bi (an Arabic word symbolizing the creation of humans from God) is a hip-hop, dancehall duo founded by Sang B and Ras Narone.

African Akhlou Bi was created in August 1993 in Pikine, a suburb of Dakar, Senegal. As with many other young, aspiring musicians from the suburbs of Dakar, the members of African Akhlou Bi grew up in poverty. Fortunately, this hardship became their inspiration for positive music and change. The focus of their message is on the injustices of discrimination, the power of God, and love for all humans.

While the majority of youth in Senegal were gravitating towards hip-hop music, African Akhlou Bi broke away from this trend to find a style that would stand out and spread their message. What they found was Dancehall Reggae, their primary sound, which boasts a vibrant mix of singing and toast (a deep, rough vocal style).

Since the founding of the group, they have toured Senegal and Gambia, contributed to reggae and hip-hop compilations, appeared on television programs, opened for big name artists like Omar Pena and Youssou N'Dour, and participated in the World Shake Festival Tour in Belgium, France and Holland. In 1996, African Akhlou B had the honor of performing for the former president of Senegal, Abdou Diouf and the president of France, Jacque Chirac. A major endeavor of theirs has been to educate the youth about the perils of drug use, and they have toured consistently throughout Senegal to bring this message to the next generation of Senegalese people.

Many music experts in Senegal believe that African Akhlou Bi will be the next group to carry African Dancehall music around the world.