British-Egyptian historian Dr. Hannah Elsisi has launched Chromesthesia, a groundbreaking project tracing African rhythmic roots in global pop music. Inspired by a 2023 US lawsuit over reggaeton’s dembow beat, Elsisi seeks to reveal how African rhythms have shaped genres like dancehall, hip-hop, and pop. Collaborating with artists from 20 locations across the African diaspora, Elsisi created Chromesthesia: The Colour of Sound, Vol 1—a nine-track compilation that spans genres, from Tunisian jizan rhythm to South African amapiano. As part of the project, there was a 13-hour live event at the Le Guess Who? Festival, featuring Yoruba drumming, Egyptian electronic music, and Haitian revolutionary sounds, on November 9. Elsisi views Chromesthesia as a celebration of African influence on modern music and a rejection of tokenism, spotlighting authentic, artist-centered representation. The project aims to grow as an enduring exploration of the diaspora’s musical lineage.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
