Main content

Fonko

In the Manding language, Fonko means "the thing"; in Wolof "to take care of each other". The great musical revolution of today takes place in Africa, where urban club music is merging with traditional styles. New technology and swift communications has released super talents of the continent, spreading music, arts and ideas to the rest of the world. In Fonko, we meet some of the most outspoken, creative and interesting artists of today that redefines the image of Africa, traveling from Dakar in the west through Accra, Lagos and Luanda to Johannesburg in the south. Throughout the movie we also hear the voice of Fela Kuti, one of the continent's greatest musical icons and political activists. Fela speaks through early recorded interviews.

New to Docuseek? Please register and login to preview and/or license this collection. If your institution has already licensed this collection, you will need to access this page from your institution's network to watch the film. For help on using Docuseek2, please visit our help wiki.

The Fonko series includes the following titles:

Fonko - Episode 1: South Africa + Nigeria - imageFonko - Episode 1: South Africa + Nigeria

The great music revolutions of our times have come from Africa, and the next one is brewing there right now.

First Hand Films | 2014 | 52 minutes | 10-12, College, Adults
Fonko - Episode 2: Francophone West Africa - imageFonko - Episode 2: Francophone West Africa

Francophone West Africa is bound together by the French language and a common currency, but also by traditions and languages from the vast empires that dominated the region long before colonialism.

First Hand Films | 2014 | 52 minutes | 10-12, College, Adults
Fonko - Episode 3: Angola + Ghana - imageFonko - Episode 3: Angola + Ghana

Ghana and Angola are two of the fastest growing economies in the world, as well as two countries in midst of a musical revolution.

First Hand Films | 2014 | 52 minutes | 10-12, College, Adults

Visit the title page to preview any of the titles above.