Suzette Holmes (French); Barbora Rosendorf (Music)

Can you rap in any language?

This project aimed to look at the connections between language and a style of popular music in that language, looking also at cultural issues that arose when looking at lyrics and the image of the performance. 

Students were asked to consider: What is rap? What are its origins? Have you listened to music in another language? Can you describe the sound of that language?

Working in groups, students researched the origins of rap and its connections with different languages and cultures. The students used some excerpts from the SBS music series ‘So frenchy, so chic’, which included interviews with artists giving a different perspective on the role of rap.

Each group developed a rap in a language other than English. They worked with music staff to create the accompaniment. Students performed for their peers and evaluated their performances.

 Essentials connections
 Communicating: being arts literate

Key concepts: Rhythm in language and music
Duration: 8 weeks, two lessons per week