Ten years ago Nomadic Wax was no more than founder Ben Herson’s idea that Senegalese hip hop needed to be spread more widely about the globe. Today this budding record label and production company has already made great strides in realizing that idea. From their hip hop compilations to their mini-documentary series Democracy In Dakar to the annual CMJ global hip hop showcase that they put on; Nomadic Wax is realizing their goal of spreading awareness and incredible music.

“In the summer of 1999, Nomadic Wax founder Ben Herson stumbled upon a thriving hip hop scene in Senegal, West Africa. Enthralled by the politically and socially conscious lyrics of the emcees he encountered, Herson researched and wrote his award-winning undergraduate dissertation Fat Beats, Dope Rhymes, and Thug Lives: Hip Hop, Youth and Politics in Senegal. In 2001, Herson returned to Senegal with collaborator Dan Cantor of Notable Productions. The two set up shop in a spare room in a Dakar community center to record African Underground Vol. 1, a compilation featuring fourteen of Dakar’s illest emcees.

Since 2001, Nomadic Wax has grown into an internationally recognized brand in global urban music and media, working with hundreds of pioneering artists worldwide. Focusing on Africa and the African diaspora, Nomadic Wax has expanded its projects into the Middle East, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean.” -Nomadic Wax

In the years since African Underground Vol. 1 Nomadic Wax has gained considerable steam and many are taking notice of their pioneering efforts. Nomadic and Herson have been featured by the BBC, The New York Sun, The Brooklyn Rail and even Billboard Magazine not to mention many other music blogs. Their model of a record label that includes a full scale audio/video production company has been the perfect platform for artists from Senegal and beyond. As they grow so does global awareness not only of the music itself but of the political and social issues that the music conveys. This is the true power of Nomadic Wax. Beyond record sales and material success Nomadic focuses on the power of words to raise awareness and change the world.

“In 2000, rappers spoke about how we could change the nation. People understood and we changed the government. Until we spoke people didn’t believe this could happen,” -Senegalese rapper and Nomadic Wax artist Baay Bia

Check out the official video for Baay Bia’s song “Liy Am Amna”: