Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Afrika Bambaataa, DJ and producer who pushed hip-hop forward, dies at 68

Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneer in hip-hop and electronic music in the 1970s and '80s, has died. Later in life, he was accused by several men of sexually abusing them when they were children.

Copyright 2026 NPR

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento is a reporter and producer with NPR’s Culture Desk, where she covers music and pop culture.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate