This is an article from 2006, but it is in no way outdated. Read the whole thing HERE (2 pages). Why do you think mainstream hip-hop avoids politics?
MC Dola, a Tanzanian rapper who is one of the biggest-selling artists in East Africa, said that outside of the US, stars maximise their appeal by talking about social issues and rapping in their own language.
“We have been able to filter out the elements of sex, money and drugs – you don’t get that in Tanzania,” he explained.
“You don’t get airplay if you talk about these things in your music. Over 99% of the rap in Tanzania is in Swahili – and it actually has a political message to it.
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American rappers monopolize the market of ’sex, drugs, money’ rap. It only makes sense that rappers in other countries seek to fill the niche that the American rappers cannot possibly fill.
No one gives a shit that some rapper in Tanzania made a 2,000 dollar contract and can afford to buy indoor plumbing, is my point. Social issues are far more important at that level.