LESOTHO: SPEAKER REQUEST ON THE HISTORY OF HIP HOP

UNCLAS MASERU 000084

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT ALSO FOR IIP, AF/S

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO SCUL OEXC LT
SUBJECT: LESOTHO: SPEAKER REQUEST ON THE HISTORY OF HIP HOP


1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Embassy Maseru requests a speaker to
capitalize on the growing influence of hip hop music and
associated poetry among youth in Lesotho. In connection with
Embassy Maseru's MSP goal of "Promoting Mutual Understanding and
Support for Foreign Policy," post requests a speaker qualified
to speak about the history and development of hip hop as a
popular music form in the United States. Radio presenters, who
have great influence on Lesotho's youth, will be a key target
group. The presenter should be able to present hip hop, as well
as rhythm and blues, as the backbone of much of today's popular
music. The speaker should discuss the progression of hip hop
from its early days to the present, the influence that hip hop
has on society, as well as the perceived positive and negative
social aspects of hip hop. The presenter should use music,
video, and images to create a compelling vision of hip hop as an
art form.


2. TIME FRAME: We hope to program the speaker for a period of
one week. We would like to arrange the program as soon as
practicable.


3. PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM: Through presenting hip hop as a
global phenomenon which is deeply rooted in the American
experience, we hope to show youth audiences the impact which the
United States has in defining "cool" in the global youth
culture. We hope to use hip hop as a tool to persuade young
Basotho audiences to take a second look at America apart from
certain negative images in the world media which have taken hold
among Lesotho's college students. As stated above, this request
is firmly supported by post's Mission Strategic Plan.


4. AUDIENCES: Post will arrange speaking events for this
individual including presentations to universities and high
schools, to young music industry artists, to media
professionals, and to broad audiences through media events and
guests spots on popular radio programs.


5. PROPOSED TOPICS AND NATURE OF EVENTS: As stated above, the
speaker should discuss the progression of hip hop from its early
days to the present, the influence that hip hop has on society,
as well as the perceived positive and negative social aspects of
hip hop. The presenter should use music, video, and images to
create a compelling vision of hip hop as an art form. If the
speaker and local radio stations agree, part of the program may
take the form of radio shows.


6. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: English.


7. PROGRAM OFFICER AND CONTACT INFORMATION:
Christopher M. Smith
Public Diplomacy, Economic, and Political Officer
(+226)22-312-666, ext. 4104 (office)
SmithCM3@state.gov(email)


8. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Embassy Maseru would support sharing
this speaker with other interested posts.

NOLAN