The history of Guatemala is one hardship for its indigenous Maya people. From destruction of cultural artifacts by the Spanish colonizers to a thirty-six year genocidal civil war, it has
been a constant struggle to keep the Maya culture and language alive.
Because indigenous culture is shunned by mainstream Guatemalan culture and the institutions of Guatemala continue to serve the elite, Maya activists must find inventive ways to engage youth with their cultural heritage. The group Balam
Ajpu attempts to do this with their music.
By combining hip hop, a music genre originated by Americans of African descent, with Maya subject material and instruments, Balam Ajpu encourages Mayas to take pride in the stories of their ancestors and adopt the philosophy of Hip Hop Cosmovision.
