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Smockey: Hip hop and politics in Burkina Faso

Burkinabe hip hop star Smockey was honoured by the Index on Censorship group this month. He became the first 'music in exile fellow' which recognises musicians who perform despite enormous threats to their freedom. Smockey co-founded Le Balai Citoyen ("The Citizen's Broom"), a grassroots political movement, which took part in the protests which on 31 October 2014 forced Burkina Faso's President Compaor茅 to resign and flee the country.

Focus on Africa's Akwasi Sarpong caught up with him in London and talked music and politics.

(Photo: Elina Kansikas for Index on Censorship)

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5 minutes

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