Frank,

Back in the Late Forties, Early Fifties, Billy Cotton had a radio program "The Billy Cotton Band Show".

Part of it was an African theme, based on 'The Jungle Telegraph' with the tribes communicating with drums. He used this to provide social comment on, and to poke fun at, current news happenings.

His 'news' was chanted to a strong 'African' beat in a form that would easily be recognized today as Rap.

Example:
Down in the jungle
Read it in the press
have you heard the latest
Oh Yes!

Down in the jungle
Read it every day
you can hear the natives
All Say!

Down in the jungle
Living in a tent
Better than a prefab
No Rent!

Praise, you're right. Those are the ones I meant when I said 'The few that escape'. I'm glad to hear that a lot more are escaping. Keep up the good work.

Bert.