Joey le Soldat (Joey the Soldier), is a strong voice among the younger generation of Burkinabé MCs. Like many in Burkina’s capital Ouagadougou, Joey holds a diploma, but cannot find work. He represents a generation disappointed by the government, a sentiment which also culminated in demonstrations early last year.

The name of the group hints at Ouaga 2000, a modern settlement which has become an instrument of government propaganda. Ouaga 2000 is home to the presidential palace and luxurious, often deserted estates. It also reflects the blingy attitude favored by mainstream rappers in Burkina. Waga 3000 are heirs of Burkinabé revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara. Their voice is socially engaged, never afraid to speak up, and incorporates cultural heritage with pride.

Now let’s move to France. The second-largest hip hop market in the world, and often a significant catalyst for rap in francophone African countries. Someone like Mokobé, who grew up in the suburbs of Paris, is a mainstream name in France, and a figure many look up to throughout Africa. Further from the spotlight, I’ve met a lot of French cats involved with hip hop in West Africa, especially Senegal and Burkina.

In this case it’s Nicolas Guibert, who has been taveling to Burkina for four years. Guibert created Tentacule Records, and is responsible for hooking up Art Melody with his producer, Redrum. Eventually Guibert’s brother DJ Form joined the fold and the group of three—Art Melody, Joey Le Soldat, DJ Form—formed Waga 3000. The Frenchies came to record in Burkina, and mixed the songs in France.

“Cold heat.” This is how Guibert refers to the ambiance created by the white and blue neon lightbulbs you find all over Africa. “I was very sensitive to this light and what it created,” he says. That vibe is the inspiration for Waga 3000′s metallic, retro-futuristic sound. That, and some 1980s Miami bass and Blade Runner-style soundtracks. The goal for everyone involved is to allow voices from Burkina to shine beyond world music and reggae festivals. As Guibert puts it, “The African youth is like the rest of the world, it listens to rap, soul, rock, techno, without forgetting its roots.” He adds, “Art Melody and Joey le Soldat, without forgetting their ancestors and their culture, look at the future and took great pleasure in working on this album without djembes or kora.” So, for those who can enjoy music from a griot who does not play the kora or the ngoni, say hello to the neon lights.