African Musicians Visit the City of Angeles to Discuss Hip Hop and Civic Engagement

Online, August 10, 2012 (Newswire.com) - This morning the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVCLA) welcomed twenty talented musicians from Africa who were invited to the United States under the auspices of the
U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program.

These esteemed musicians are in Los Angeles to examine the use of hip hop to encourage social responsibility and civic engagement. During their stay in Los Angeles they will have a unique opportunity to meet the culturally varied group OZOMATLI, also known as "US State Department Cultural Ambassadors". OZOMATLI is a seven piece band that formed in Los Angeles and had long been a favorite of international audiences. The main purpose of the meeting with OZOMATLI will be to examine the music scene of L.A. and the cultural influences that exist within the city. In addition, IVCLA has also arranged for the group to meet with American music producer Mr.Theron Feemster commonly known as Neffu or Ron Feemster, who worked with such musical talent as Michael Jackson, Nelly, Mary J.Blige,and JoJo.

Representatives in the delegation include renowned musicians from Benin, Cameroon, Mozambique, Eqatorial Guinea, Senegal, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan and Zambia. Mr. Malal Almamy Talla from Senegal founded the Y'en a Marre Musical Movement during the months leading up to the Senegalese presidential elections in order to increase voter registration and participation among youth; Mr. Chaka Nyathando from Zambia believes that music can serve as a medium for national unity, positive cultural modeling and youth empowerment, and whose music videos have played on commercial channels such as MTV Base. Mr. Chaka was recognized by his fellow Zambian musicians as "Best Independent Artist of 2011" and won the "Born and Bred Award" for best Zambian Gospel music video.

Another member of the delegation is Mr. Lam Tungwar Kueigwong from South Sudan, who as a child soldier at the age of nine was forced to flee his home and travel on foot for nearly a month in order to escape the atrocities. However, after the challenges he faced as a refugee and former child soldier, Lam Kueigwong didn't become cruel and bitter. Instead, he has become a respected musician and an ambassador for ending the violence in Southern Sudan. In 2006 he released his first song, "Child Soldier", and his success as a musician has continued to grow. His music was featured in the film "Blood Diamonds". Lam has also served as a spokesperson for United Nations Habitat.

Since 1980, the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVCLA) has been arranging exchange programs for nearly one thousand visitors from more than one hundred countries each year. IVCLA's programs provide participants with a first-hand experience of the way of life in the U.S., our institutions, our values and our culture. These exchange programs challenge stereotypes and forge solid links in the global marketplace, informing the visitors about the people, organizations and businesses.

Participants will be available for interviews on Monday, August 13th. For more information contact Helen Thomas at (213) 388-1428 x26 or [email protected]