Rap, Hip-Hop Used to Lure Youth to Celebrate Buddhist Holiday

February 23, 2005

Source: Hindustan Times/Press Trust of India

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1250815,00110005.htm

On February 23, 2005 the Press Trust of India reported, "Rap and hip hop songs are not normally noted for their moral content, but Thailand's Culture Ministry hopes to harness the popularity of the genres to encourage Thai youth to take part in the holiest day in the Buddhist calendar. The government finds little reason to be delighted that the popularity of Valentine's Day has eclipsed that of festivals like Makabucha the day celebrating the Lord Buddhas birth, enlightenment and death. The ministry will organise a concert on February 23 that will seek to define a new genre of Dhamma Rap. Doing away with the often violent and misogynist lyrics associated with rap, the new genre will focus on compassion, sharing and the ability to let go of material possessions."