Afrika Bambaataa in conversation with Don Letts

BFI Southbank will welcome world renowned Hip Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa to the stage on 1 December for a very special 'in conversation' event hosted by filmmaker and musician Don Letts.

Forming part of the BFI's major, UK-wide blockbuster project Sci-Fi: Days of Fear and Wonder, presented together with O2, the event is a centrepiece of Inside Afrofuturism, a dedicated programme of work celebrating black visions of Sci-Fi, which will take place at BFI Southbank throughout November.

Affectionately known as 'The Godfather' of Hip Hop culture, Bambaataa developed the electro-funk sound with 'Planet Rock,' the 1982 Hip Hop track that infused 808 beats with a techno-pop futurism inspired by German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk. Combining wrap-around sunglasses with Egyptian and Native American headgear, Bambaataa's unique look perfectly matches the 'outer space' vibe of the sound he created. A seminal Bronx DJ during the 70s, Bambaataa is one of the three main originators of breakbeat DJing.

Through his Universal Zulu Nation collective – which includes De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and The Jungle Brothers – Bambaataa has helped spread black consciousness and Hip Hop culture throughout the world with a message of peace, unity, love and having fun. The BFI's In Conversation event with Afrika Bambaataa celebrates the 40th anniversary of Hip Hop, which according to the Universal Zulu Nation was officially born in New York on November 12, 1974.

Afrika Bambaataa comments: "In The Name of The Supreme Force. Who is The Source, Whom is called by many Names.

"I Afrika Bambaataa am looking forward to come Shine the Light of The Stars, The Heartbeat of Earth, The Sound of The Musical Universe Landing in The United Kingdom , of standing on the Science of Life For the People of Earth and to celebrate The 40th Anniversary of Hip Hop Culture and The 41st Anniversary of The Universal Zulu Nation in Harmony with BFI.

In Peace, Unity, Love and Having Fun with Positivity Reactions"

Exploring his life and work, Bambaataa will discuss Afrofuturism, film, music and more.

Event Listings:
Afrika Bambaataa in Conversation, Hosted by Don Letts
Mon 1 Dec 18:20 NFT1