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

NPR | By Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

Published April 10, 2026 at 5:04 PM EDT

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.

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento is a production assistant with Weekend Edition.

See stories by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

SUSTAIN what matters. BUILD what’s next.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.