The Dr. Vibe Show: Yanick Létourneau – Producer Of “United States Of Africa … Beyond Hip Hop”

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The electrifying new music documentary “United States of Africa … Beyond Hip Hop” will premiere in Toronto starting July 27 at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, with director Yanick Létourneau in attendance. United States of Africa follows African hip hop pioneer Didier Awadi on his quest to craft an album that pays tribute to the great black revolutionary leaders. This documentary paints a hopeful and compelling portrait of a continent whose politically aware youth is refusing to lie down and accept the role of victim. United States of Africa is a call for Africans of all generations to rise up, take a stand and take control of their continent and their history.

The film follows African hip hop pioneer Didier Awadi quest to craft an album that pays tribute to the great black revolutionary leaders and their struggle to realize a dream: a united, independent Africa. In this epic musical and political journey, Awadi visits some 40 countries to collaborate with hip hop activist artists, including Smockey (Burkina Faso), M-1 of Dead Prez (United States) and ZuluBoy (South Africa).

We had the opportunity to speak with the producer, Yanick Létourneau, this morning. Yanick has been film maker and producer for the last 13 years. He is the president of Peripheria Productions . Some of the subjects that came up during our discussion were:

– What inspired him to get into film making
– Why did he do the film and some of the challenges and successes in doing the film
– Why the film took seven years to make
– Yanick talks about Didier Awadi (main character of the film) and why he choose him
– The attack on Black identity
– The greatest challenge and the greatest reward in making this film – What Black North Americans need to know about Black Africans
– His message for Black men

You can connect with the “United States Of Africa … Beyond Hip Hop” via:

Twitter
Facebook
Email: usaofafrica@peripheria.com

The film will be showing in Toronto at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema (416.637.3123, bloorboxoffice@hotdocs.ca) in Toronto at the following dates and times:

Saturday July 28, 8:45 p.m. (Yanick Létourneau in attendance for Q&A)

Sunday July 29, 8:45 p.m.

Monday July 30, 9:00 p.m.

Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com.

Please feel free to “Like” the “The Dr. Vibe Show” Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923

God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith,
Dr. Vibe
info@blackcanadianman.com
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