GABONEWS

After the Fall : The Death and Resurrection of D'Angelo and the Hip-Hop Soul

D.P.G. — 2025-11-06T13:09:09Z

It should be noted that from the very moment Gangsta Rap was born, something shifted in the sacred mathematics of hip-hop. The culture that once revolved around the Five Pillars—Peace, Love, Unity, Having Fun, and Knowledge—began to crystallize around only three jewels : the material ones. To eat. To clothe oneself. To find shelter. These are, in the teachings of the Five Percent Nation, essential needs, but never meant to be ends in themselves. Yet they became the centerpiece of hip-hop's narrative once the industry discovered that rebellion could be packaged and sold.

From that moment on, Gangsta Rap became a product, and with it, the having fun—that pure expression of joy balanced by knowledge—turned into mere entertainment. Hip-hop stopped cyphering around its twelve jewels and began orbiting around the same material spot. The dancefloor, once a space of liberation, became a marketplace. The music that once brought awareness to the dancefloor was now used to distract it. The cipher turned into a spectacle.

When hip-hop entered the 1990s, it took on the face of the Mafia guild—the new Cosa Nostra of American capitalism. With the fall of the old godfathers like John Gotti, the myth of the gangster found its new home in rap. Prostitution, drugs, alcohol, smuggling—all those forbidden trades that had once built the economic underworld of America—were secularized and sanctified through the mic.

The Gangster became the hero, the one who took by force what the system refused to give. From N.W.A. to T.I., the image of the hustler became a symbol of resistance and
survival—but also of captivity. Because behind every glorified gangster lies a truth : he is still a slave, reaching for freedom through chains of gold.

To rise in the rap industry, one had to play the same game as the corrupt leaders of
postcolonial Africa—the Bongos, the Obiangs, the Sassou-Nguessos—families ruling with
luxury and oppression, mirroring the five families of New York's Mafia. The parallel is striking : France-Afrique as Cosa Nostra, politics and industry as systems of extortion.

From there emerged figures like P. Diddy, who turned the party into a political economy—a
world of excess where the line between art, power, and exploitation blurred. What was once a cipher became a circus of blackmail, decadence, and self-destruction. The tragedy is cyclical : the oppressed, seeking freedom, replicate the oppressor's tools. What began as a cry for liberation became a theater of domination.

When the conscious rapper Pat Depecky was killed, a year after Brown Sugar (1995),
something profound happened. A transfer. The consciousness that had been fading from
mainstream rap migrated into Neo-Soul—into D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and The
Soulquarians. Through their music, hip-hop's lost spirituality found refuge. Groups like Black Star—Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common—carried that same torch, reshaping the movement's spiritual language.

For D'Angelo, the tension between spirituality and industry became unbearable. The system
that once crowned him soon devoured his creativity. For nearly a decade, he disappeared
from the world—a Black monk retreating from Babylon. His silence was not defeat. It was a
form of protest.

D'Angelo's death will not be an end. It will be a seed—a body returning to the soil, fertilizing a new renaissance. Just as Harlem once rebirthed the soul of Black America, his legacy will nourish a return to the organic, the real, the human. In an age where digital revolutions reify and commodify every sound, every thought, every human expression, he reminds us of what is sacred : the vibration of a bass, the breath of a horn, the imperfection of the human voice.

Because D'Angelo stood against that coming emptiness. He embodied the postmodern
avant-garde, not by escaping into abstraction, but by returning to Africa—not physically, as
Marcus Garvey once dreamed, but spiritually. A return to the origin. To an ancient humanity
rooted in rhythm, flesh, and ritual.

D'Angelo's passing will mark not just the end of an artist, but the death of a Black Byzantine prince—a keeper of the sacred balance between body and soul, sacred and profane, community and creation. He was the living link between the Black Panthers' revolutionary spirit and the hip-hop generation that rose from their ashes. When the Panthers were crushed, hip-hop became the next resistance. When hip-hop was corrupted, D'Angelo became its conscience.

Now, as we stand at the edge of a new digital empire, we must take up that mantle again. We must be the new Panthers, the guardians of culture, the defenders of community. Because if D'Angelo has fallen, it is only so that something greater might rise. And that rise, like Harlem's, will be spiritual—a rebirth of sound, of rhythm, of truth.

Live on D'Angelo. Because through your death, you've given us back the living soul of
hip-hop.

Dia ALIHANGA

Live On D'Angelo : The Revolution in Sound

D.P.G. — 2025-11-06T11:31:53Z

The music world mourns the passing of Michael Eugene Archer, known to most as D'Angelo. With him disappears not only one of the most gifted musicians of his generation, but also a conception of revolution that redefined Black music at the turn of the century. D'Angelo was the spark behind what came to be called the Neo-Soul movement—a return to raw, spiritual, and uncompromising Black expression. Yet, in an almost paradoxical gesture, he soon distanced himself from the very genre he helped create. Neo-Soul, for him, was never a style — it was a manifestation of truth, a spiritual rebellion against commodified R&B; and diluted hip-hop.

I could have written a simple chronicle — the story of where he was born, or his collaborations with Angie Stone and their children. But I want instead to speak about the hippies who lived through him — the revolutionaries, the seekers, the artists who suffer through his survival. Because D'Angelo was, at his core, a Black hippie revolutionary, rooted in the real hip-hop tradition — the lineage that insists we go back to the origins to understand that this movement was never just about peace, love, unity, and having fun. It was about knowledge, consciousness, and the construction of a community capable of transcending oppression.

Culture and Community : The One

At the heart of hip-hop lies its first and most essential value : Oneness — the indivisible bond between Culture and Community. The Culture creates the Community, and the Community manifests the Culture. If we were to use the Marxist metaphor, the Culture is the superstructure — invisible, spiritual, symbolic — while the Community is the infrastructure — flesh and blood, living, breathing. Destroy one, and the other collapses. Upon this foundation, hip-hop built what could be called its Temple, resting on five pillars : Peace, Love, Unity, Having Fun, and Knowledge.

From the Five Percenters to the Twelve Jewels

To understand D'Angelo's place in this lineage, we must turn to the Nation of Gods and
Earths, commonly known as the Five Percenters — a spiritual movement born from the
teachings of Clarence 13X, a student of the Nation of Islam. The Five Percent Nation divides humanity into three symbolic groups : 85% are blind to the truth, trapped in ignorance ; 10% know the truth but use it to exploit the rest ; and 5% are the poor righteous teachers — those who spread divine knowledge to uplift the people. Their teachings are built on Supreme Mathematics and Supreme Wisdom, from which come the Twelve Jewels : Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Freedom, Justice, Equality, Food, Clothing, Shelter, Love, Peace, and Happiness.

These principles have deeply influenced hip-hop—from Rakim and Brand Nubian to Wu-Tang Clan—and through them, D'Angelo inherited a lineage of sacred mathematics, where 1 represents The One — the totality, the divine unity of all things. Everything begins with 1, and 1 is in everything. In this fractal vision, opposites are not enemies but complements : man and woman, visible and invisible, knowledge and entertainment, sun and earth. This sacred balance lies at the heart of both hip-hop and Black musical consciousness.

The Sacred Return

D'Angelo embodied that return — the reconciliation of the spiritual and the sensual, the
sacred and the profane, the invisible and the visible. He represented the continuity of Afrika
Bambaataa's original vision : Peace, Love, Unity, and Having Fun — but also the Knowledge
that gives those values meaning. That is why he was not just a musician, but a priest of
sound, channeling the energy of his ancestors through rhythm and vibration. Hip-hop, like
D'Angelo's music, is both dead and alive. Dead, when the Community forgets the Culture.
Alive, when the Culture revives the Community. Live on, D'Angelo, because the Culture lives
forever — even when the flesh is gone. Hip-Hop is dead. Hip-Hop is alive. Live on, D'.

Dia ALIHANGA

Gabon acquires VIP Gulfstream G650ER for government use

Carl FANGA — 2015-11-19T17:49:15Z

Gabon's government has acquired a new Gulfstream G650ER business jet, which is being used by the government for VIP transport duties.

The aircraft was acquired new from Gulfstream in the United States, and was outfitted for the government transport role in September. On 28 September its United States registration was cancelled as it was transferred to Gabon, flying out of Gulfstream's main facility at Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia on 3 October, reports Air Forces Daily.

The aircraft is operated by the Ministerial Liaison Flight at Base Aérienne 01 Libreville/Leon M'ba International Airport. It was recently used to transport delegates for the Valletta Summit on migration via Malta-Luqa International Airport on 11 November.

Air Forces Daily reports that the Gabon Government currently operates two other business jets, comprising a 17 year old Gulfstream IVSP ‘Nyanga' and a Falcon 900EX ‘Masuka III'.

DefenceWeb

Issoze-Ngondet meets with Egyptian President

Carl FANGA — 2015-11-19T17:35:37Z

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with Gabonese Foreign Minister Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet in Cairo Tuesday to discuss enhancing bilateral relations between both countries.

They also discussed regional and international problems of common interest, Egyptian media reported.

Egyptian presidency spokesperson Alaa Youssef said the meeting took place in the presence of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

Issoze-Ngondet sent greetings from Gabonese President Ali Bongo to Al-Sisi, praising Egypt's role on the African and international levels, Youssef said.

Bongo expressed his country's aspiration to develop bilateral relations in all fields. He further expressed gratitude towards Egypt's role in the field of healthcare through the Egyptian hospitals in Gabon to provide healthcare for the Gabonese citizens.

In turn, Al-Sisi praised the economic and social developments in Gabon that took place over the past few years, which he said reflect the efficiency of the development vision of Gabonese leaders.

Al-Sisi highlighted his interest in enhancing the relationship between Egypt and other African states, including Gabon.

Egypt provides Gabon with technical support, and contributions to its economic and social development process, and receives students at Al-Azhar University.

Issoze-Ngondet congratulated Al-Sisi for Egypt's membership in the United Nations Security Council and expressed his trust in Egypt's potential to defend all African countries' interests.

He also discussed the development efforts in Gabon, mentioning the big opportunities that Egyptian companies have to contribute to the development of the country's infrastructure.

Al-Sisi concluded the meeting by sending an invitation to the Gabonese President himself to continue discussions of enhancing bilateral relations.

Khephren FANGA

Total Gabon 3Q earnings down 19%

Carl FANGA — 2015-11-12T18:27:59Z

Total Gabon earnings have decreased by 19%, or $ 46 million in the third quarter of 2015 to $ 195 million compared to the second quarter 2015 ($ 241 million) , the company announced in a statement today published in the Newspaper l'Union.

This decline is due to lower crude grades selling prices marketed by Total Gabon ($ -40 million), sales volumes in the period related to the planning of events ($ -12 million) and services provided to third parties ($ -1 million), partly offset by higher crude oil trading for third parties ($ 7 million).

In the third quarter 2015, investments amounted to $ 55 million. Much less compared to the 2nd quarter of 2015 during which the company invested $ 72 million.

In this difficult environment, net income in the third quarter 2015 totaled $ -8 million against $ 1 million in the second quarter of 2015 a decrease of $ 9 million. During the period, the Gabonese oil sold on average at 45 dollars a barrel.

Falling revenues Total Gabon is emblematic of the difficult situation facing Gabon whose 80% of exports are oil. Black gold supports about 60% of the state budget.

Khephren FANGA

Turkey eyeing Gabon's Oil

Carl FANGA — 2015-11-12T17:57:04Z

Turkish oil company (TPAO) intends to conduct exploration and exploitation of oil in Gabon, according to online newspaper habervakti.com.

Turkiye Petrolleri (TPAO) would join the Malaysian company Petronas to explore and exploit Gabon's oil. This project will allow Turkey to proceed, for the first time, to oil exploration in sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the head of TPAO, discussions are going well. "We are dealing with several procedures pending government approval Gabon. If the exchanges are successful, we will proceed with the signature of contracts in Istanbul, "said Besim Şişman.

Panthers beaten in Mozambique

Carl FANGA — 2015-11-12T17:42:43Z

Mozambique pulled off a 1-0 win over Gabon in the round two knock out 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, thanks to a 54th minute strike from South Africa based forward Helder Pelembe.

Gabon, who was the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations hosts were forced to play the match without their injured Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre -Emerick Aubameyang.

Gabon,who are ranked 42 places above Mozambique in the FIFA standings, host the second leg of the qualifier this Saturday in Libreville.

Meanwhile, Striker Winston Kalengo scored a lone goal as Zambia kicked off their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over Sudan away in Karima.

Kalengo benefited from a defensive error in the opponents backline to slot a low shot into an empty net after 29 minutes to aid Chipolopolo edge Sudan.

The return leg will be played this Sunday in Ndola with the overall winner advancing to the group stage of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Elsewhere, Suspended FIFA, boss Sepp Blatter is in the hospital after what doctors have called a small emotional breakdown.

The 77 year old who has led FIFA for 18 years, was provisionally suspended for 90 days last month amid a corruption scandal. It is understood he suffered what has been called a nervous shock but is expected to make a full recovery.

He will remain in hospital until Tuesday next week after being admitted initially for a check-up routine last week.

Khephren FANGA

Aubameyang injured, misses qualifier

Carl FANGA — 2015-11-12T17:30:51Z

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was unable to continue his prolific Borussia Dortmund form on the international stage with Gabon due to injury.

Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was absent from Gabon's World Cup qualifier against Mozambique on Wednesday due to a muscular injury.

A statement from the Gabonese Football Federation confirmed the 26-year-old would be sidelined and that further details over the nature of the injury would be disclosed in due course.

The statement read: "Suffering from elongation, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang is out for tonight's game against Mozambique. More information [will be released] in the coming hours."

Aubameyang has been in scintillating form for Dortmund, with his decisive goal in Sunday's 3-2 derby victory over Schalke his 22nd in just 20 appearances this season.

Khephren FANGA

Gabon to launch its 3rd edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Week

Arsene Rebouka — 2015-11-12T11:22:21Z

On last Tuesday, November 10th, at the Héliconia Hotel, the APJA NGO (Act for an Autonomous Youth) presented, during a press briefing, the program of the Gabon Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) which will take place from November 16th until 22nd.

The theme of this 3rd edition is “BET ON YOUR TALENT” to sensitize youth on the necessity to discover as early as possible one's talent and exploit it.

The Gabon GEW coordinator, Willy Conrad ASSEKO, accompanied by the Communications Director of Airtel, Charles Boukinda, sponsor of the event and Audrey KINZA, representative of the activity Artives Women, exposed the activities scheduled during that week, dedicated to entrepreneurs.

9 activities for this local celebration on the entrepreneurship. The activities are : "detection of the talents” ; “the Gabonese SME profile” with SME Minister Madeleine Berre, Libreville 2.0, Business Plan formation, plenary sessions, Art and culinary Talent, sports talent and the activity Artives Women to honor to the active women who make it by their art.

"Our mission will be to offer to 100 young Gabonese entrepreneurs, the possibility of being trained on the practices of Business Plan development, which is an essential tool for entrepreneur" said Charles BOUKINDA before adding that Airtel will renew its support for the next editionsof the Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Arsène REBOUKA

Hearing of elephant poacher Hugues Dila in Congo

Carl FANGA — 2015-11-11T12:54:14Z

The Legal Assistant of the « Espace Tridom Interzone Congo Project», a joint program of the Ministry of Forest Economy (Republic of Congo) and WWF (« WWF-ETIC »), Corneille Moukson Kutia, reported, on November 4 to the daily journal « Les Dépêchés de Brazzaville » on the translation to the Ouesso court of the case of Hugues Dila, a recidivist elephant poacher. The case concerns elephant poaching in the Tri-National Dja Odzala Minkebe landscape, shared by Cameroon, Republic of Congo and Gabon.

The arrest was the work of the anti-poaching unit of the Jua Ikié Tala Tala Forest Concessions located in TRIDOM Congo Interzone (ETIC). The poacher has been transferred on October 14th to Ouesso for judgement by the court, following 4 ivory tusks found in his possession. The tusks are between 50 and 98 cm length (2.5 kg and 5 kg).

According to the statement the alleged offender, Hugues Dila, was sentenced to two years imprisonment for elephant poaching in the past (in Odzala Kokoua NP) but never served his sentence as he escaped from prison ( a common occurrence in Ouesso).

In addition the same source recalled that on November 14, 2013, this ivory poacher had shot an elephant with an AK47, and remained unpunished.

'' We welcome the efforts made by the USLAB and hope the judge creates a wildlife jurisprudence for this case in Ouesso court by applying the law to its full extent, and that the acts committed by DILA Hugues and his gang are punished to serve as an example for other poachers causing damage to nature '
The elephant is a fully protected species under Congolese law (Law number 37/2008 on wildlife and protected areas). The alleged poacher Hugues Dila risks a maximum penalty 5 years imprisonment and heavy fines, estimated at several million francs CFA.

The Ministry of Forest Economy of Republic of Congo and the WWF run a joint program to tackle widlife crime in the remote TRIDOM Congo interzone. This zone borders three national Parks : Odzala Kokoua NP in RoC, Nki NP in Cameroon and Minkebe NP in Gabon. The TRIDOM landscape is an African hotspot of ivory poaching and only dissuasive punishment (firm multi-year prison sentences that are fully served) has the potential to stop the poaching crisis. Arrests for elephant poaching in TRIDOM are frequent, but adequate sanctions are often lacking.