Pioneering US hip-hop artist Afrika Bambaataa dies at 68

Calgary Tribune - Pioneering US hip-hop artist Afrika Bambaataa dies at 68

NYSE - LSE

RBGPF	0%	61.3	$
CMSC	-0.2%	22.065	$
NGG	1.52%	82.83	$
VOD	-1.74%	13.81	$
RELX	-0.19%	31.15	$
RYCEF	-0.89%	18	$
BTI	1.06%	61.39	$
RIO	-1.65%	94.03	$
BP	-3.88%	37.86	$
GSK	-1.92%	51.09	$
CMSD	0.27%	22.02	$
JRI	-0.48%	12.57	$
BCE	0.69%	23.2	$
BCC	7.55%	77.66	$
AZN	1.09%	183.02	$

Pioneering US hip-hop artist Afrika Bambaataa dies at 68 / Photo: Scott Gries - Getty Images North America/Getty Images/AFP/File

Pioneering US hip-hop artist Afrika Bambaataa dies at 68

CULTURE 09.04.2026

Groundbreaking US hip-hop artist and DJ Afrika Bambaataa, known for his 1982 hit "Planet Rock," has died at age 68, his former record label said Thursday.

Text size:

"With his passing, we reflect on his contributions to the genre and broader culture, which continue to this day," Tommy Boy Records said in an Instagram post alongside a picture of Bambaataa.

Celebrity news site TMZ, citing unnamed sources, reported that Bambaataa died from complications of cancer at about 3:00 am (0700 GMT) Thursday in Pennsylvania.

L.Collins--CT

Calgary Tribune - Pioneering US hip-hop artist Afrika Bambaataa dies at 68

Pioneering US hip-hop artist Afrika Bambaataa dies at 68

Featured

Spice Girls' debut 'Wannabe' turns 30, amid reunion talk

Australia teen social media ban has little impact: research

Space shuttle ready for new mission in California

Dream job: US soccer fans paid to watch every World Cup game