Afrika Bambaataa Is Removed From Zulu Nation

Last Friday the Universal Zulu Nation indicated there has been some expansive changes to their leadership due to the recent allegations of sexual assault against Afrika Bambaataa. Only a month ago did the story surface about one of the fore-founders of hip-hop. Anyone who is into hip-hop should know or at least heard of Bambaataa. If not it’s time to do some homework( a quick start would be his 1999 single Planet Rock) . Bambaataa is one of the greats, and without his early DJ influence, hip-hop would not be anything that it is today. Hearing this information is kind of like a kick to the gut for those who grew up to him as an influence in music and culture alike.

Zulu Nation’s anti violence stance in hip-hop’s culture has always been admirable. It is also understandable that the Nation has gone to new lengths to remove any bad publicity or media that would discredit their policy in the eyes of the public. However, an allegation is simply an accusation, especially since the happenings that are being looked into are over 20 years old. By saying this, this is not be taken as a pass on sexual assault. But maybe instead of accusing and making changes, the truth should be revealed first. In Rolling Stone, Bambaataa’s lawyer was quoted saying this:

“The real tragedy is that this has drawn attention away from real victims who are abused every day in our country. There was never a pursuit for any kind of justice in this and it stinks all the way around. The agendas of those involved are quite clear, Zulu Nation will continue to do the great work that they do and Bambaataa will continue to work tirelessly combatting all forms of violence and giving a voice to those real victims of violence in communities across the nation of who many in the media seems to have forgotten about.”

There seems to be a lot swirling around the media about sexual abuse. Our society has grown in its stance against the violence against women, and children alike. However, it seems that the occurrences that include an influential black male get more media attention then others. As more people, including an alleged victim, Ronald Savage come forward to testify against Bambaataa, it is hard to turn the blind eye to the situation. All one can hope is that justice is served whether to the accused or accuser. Bambaataa my n***a I hate it had to be him!