Shiffai

Shiffai, whose name means "The Remedy," was put on this Earth to change the face of hip-hop. Performing on the streets of Dakar, Senegal, at the age of 13, Shiffai honed his lyrical skills in rap battles with hundreds of other young, hungry MCs. He quickly rose through the ranks of Africa's booming hip-hop culture to become the legendary creator of Slam Revolution, a group focusing on issues of political corruption, social inequality, and injustice. Shiffai has never been afraid to confront the truth in his music.

At a time when American hip-hop turned towards violence and riches to grab attention, Shiffai was leading Senegalese rap with a positive message: "Music is something that I do to bring about a higher consciousness in my audiences' minds." His inspirational message struck a chord with millions of African youths who flocked to Shiffai's concerts year after year. The movement became so powerful that it changed the course of the 2000 Senegalese presidential election, when a record number of young voters rocked the polls to elect opposition candidate Abdoulaye Wade. —Courtesy Calabash Music