Hip Deep
Hip Deep Fourteen years ago, with support from the NEH, we created Hip Deep, a subseries integrated into the overall Afropop Worldwide program offering. Hip Deep programs build on the techniques and format developed for Afropop Worldwide, but are enhanced by rigorous academic and field research that translates into higher production values. Every episode of Hip Deep actively involves leading humanities scholars to illuminate a wealth of history, culture, politics, ethnic and spiritual contexts. Over 15 years, Hip Deep has produced over 110 humanities-focused programs and a wide range of supplementary Web resources (interviews, videos, text/photo features, podcasts), all easily accessible within the Hip Deep section of our website. Hip Deep amplifies Afropop Worldwide’s longstanding commitment to disseminate humanities themes to the general public through world music via a growing set of media pathways.
Lagos Roots: Fuji, Juju and Apala
Hip Deep May 3, 2018
Lagos Roots: Fuji, Juju and Apala
Beneath the gloss of Nigeria’s contemporary pop, older roots styles, mostly derived from Yoruba tradition, still thrive.
Thomas Mapfumo 2: The Mugabe Years
Hip Deep December 14, 2017
Thomas Mapfumo 2: The Mugabe Years
In recognition of the end of Robert Mugabe's 37-year rule in Zimbabwe, we are rebroadcasting our program on the career of Thomas Mapfumo during the Mugabe years.
Afro-Dominicana: The Other Dominican Republic
Hip Deep August 10, 2017
Afro-Dominicana: The Other Dominican Republic
This week, Afropop revisits the home of styles such as merengue and bachata, but this time we’ll be looking towards the most deeply African side of Dominican music—little known outside of the island.
Proving the Bubu Myth: Janka Nabay, War and Witchcraft in Sierra Leone
Hip Deep July 20, 2017
Proving the Bubu Myth: Janka Nabay, War and Witchcraft in Sierra Leone
Every year on Sierra Leone’s Independence Day in late April, musicians and revelers descend upon Freetown from throughout the country.
The Music of Black Peru: Cultural Identity in the Black Pacific
Hip Deep March 9, 2017
The Music of Black Peru: Cultural Identity in the Black Pacific
This Hip Deep edition explores the sonically vibrant realm of Afro-Peruvian music, a young genre identification that has flourished since the 1950s and has now produced artists of international renown, such as singer Susana Baca, and the black folkloric company Peru Negro.
The Story of Rai
Hip Deep October 15, 2015
The Story of Rai
Thomas Mapfumo: The War Years
Hip Deep April 11, 2024
Thomas Mapfumo: The War Years
Part 1 of Afropop Worldwide's HIp Deep audio biography of Thomas Mapfumo focuses on his upbringing, musical education and the bands that lead up to the Blacks Unlimited. These are the war years, when Zimbabwe was fighting to throw off the burden of the racist Southern Rhodesian regime. This episode documents the birth of "chimurenga" music in the voices of those who made that history, many of whom have now joined the ancestors. Produced by Banning Eyre.
The Mighty Amazon
Hip Deep November 5, 2020
The Mighty Amazon
Seize the Dance: The BaAka of Central Africa
Hip Deep October 31, 2019
Seize the Dance: The BaAka of Central Africa
This program will initiate listeners into one of the most enchanting and mysterious musical practices in Africa, BaAka people music.

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