Exhibition Label

Afrika Bambaataa is a founding master DJ of hip-hop and the music’s philosophical proponent around the world. A gang member raised in a Bronx housing project, Bambaataa was transformed by a trip to Africa. He returned with a vision to transmute gang violence into cultural battles based in music, dance, and the arts. He founded the Zulu Nation as a new kind of consciousness-raising gang. An influential DJ in New York City’s club scene, "Bam" crafted a global electrobeat with the Soul Sonic Force: he mixed disco and funk with the rhythms of DJ Kool Herc (Jamaica), Kraftwerk (Germany), and the Yellow Magic Orchestra (Japan). An intimidating figure with a tight scowl who often wears a floor-length leather coat, Bambaataa still gives this simple advice to DJs and rappers: "you must seek knowledge." His club hit "Looking for the Perfect Beat" distilled into five words the elusive musical quest of the African diaspora in its American form.

Credit Line

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

Restrictions & Rights

© Laura Levine

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National Portrait Gallery Collection

1983

Object number

NPG.2012.4

Type

Photograph

Culture

Afrika Bambaataa: American\African American

Artist

Laura Levine, born 1 May 1958

Sitter

Afrika Bambaataa, born 1957

Topic

Costume\Jewelry\Necklace

Afrika Bambaataa: Male

Afrika Bambaataa: Performing Arts\Performer\Musician

Portrait

Place

United States\New York\Kings\New York

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Dimensions

Image: 20.4 x 13.5 cm (8 1/16 x 5 5/16")

Sheet: 25.3 x 20.2 cm (9 15/16 x 7 15/16")

Mat: 45.7 x 35.6 cm (18 x 14")

National Portrait Gallery