FORTHRIGHT – Stronger than a Weapon

Driven by a passion for rap music, I spent six years traveling across 13 countries on four continents, documenting the lives and voices of 43 rap artists. My journey took me especially to countries under authoritarian rule, where I sought to uncover the raw energy of musicians using rap as a tool for resistance and enlightenment.

Through photography and interviews, I captured their fight against inequality, political oppression, and human rights violations. Whether in Cambodia, Burma, South Sudan, Senegal, or Brazil, each artist’s story reveals the transformative power of words and music to inspire change.

This project culminated in my artist book FORTHRIGHT – Stronger than a Weapon, a 444-page collection featuring over 250 photographs and intimate interviews. The book not only introduces these remarkable artists but also highlights the global impact of the rap movement as a force for rebellion and hope.

My work stands as a testament to the power of music and storytelling in exposing societal shortcomings and advocating for a better future.

FINALIST AT THE LUCIE PHOTO BOOK PRICE 2017 IN THE SINGLE AUTHOR CATEGORY.

NOMINATED FOR BOOK PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR | LIMITED EDITIONS AT THE LUCIE AWARDS in NEW YORK

Diana Avella with her son

Diana Avella with her son walking through the Barrios she grew up above Bogota, Colombia. She is one of the first female rap artists in Colombia and became a popular artist raising her voice against injustice and inequality. With her strong voice and powerful lyrics, she inspires a lot of people in her own country but also abroad. Especially the role of women is a huge concern which is a central topic in her music.

Deeb

Deeb performed in Tahir Square during the revolution and was part of the movement aiming for better conditions in Egypt. He addresses political, social and cultural issues in a very comprehensible way and is therefore most popular amongst the youth.

Lam Tungwar

Lam Tungwar was a child soldier for several years. He found a way to assimilate his struggles with music and is, unfailingly, telling the world to end war. He is a strong ambassador for ending violence and creating peace in South Sudan.

Emmanuel Jal

Emmanuel Jal was born in South Sudan. He struggled as a child soldier and has a unique biography and a torn childhood. He uses his music to transform his pain from the past into positivity for the future. He is unfailingly telling his story by sharing his experiences in order to inspire people to live in peace.

Copy of Exhibition views of the Exhibition at Galerie Droste Wuppertal.

Exhibition views of the Exhibition at Galerie Droste Wuppertal.

FORTHRIGHT Book during the Athens Photo Festival 2017 at the Benaki Museum.

Sascha Kraus aus Essen ist um die Welt gereist und hat HipHop-Musiker fotografiert - Jetzt ist sein Projekt fertig.
Posted by WDR Lokalzeit Ruhr on Dienstag, 14. März 2017

WDR Lokalzeit from the 14th of March

Sister Fa from my book FORTHRIGHT on the #SVLA1 Screen in downtown Los Angeles, as a part of the StandardVision SV Showcase X Month of Photography Los Angeles.

If you want to order a FORTHRIGHT BOOK or a FORTHRIGHT SPECIAL EDITION BOX without using Paypal please write an email to post@saschakraus.com.