Killing of Guinea-Bissau rapper sends opposition underground

RAPPER SPOKE OUT AFTER MILITARY CRACKDOWN Balanta, who was 32 at the time of his death, was known for rap music that described the challenges of growing up in a poor country with few opportunities, appealing to young people frustrated with constant political unrest in Guinea-Bissau.

Balanta's ‌killing in March sent shockwaves through the political movement he founded in the West African country, which has been under military rule since late November.

In the months before opposition ​activist and rapper Vigario Luis Balanta was beaten to death and his body dumped in a field outside the capital of Guinea-Bissau, his wife begged him to keep a low profile.