Powell performs with rappers at fest

LONDON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell performed this week with the Nigerian hip-hop group Olu Maintain at London's Royal Albert Hall.

The Times of London said Powell, 71, surprised the crowd at the Africa Rising music and fashion festival by singing and doing a version of the Nigerian dance Yahoozee Tuesday night.

"I stand before you tonight as an African-American," The Times quoted Powell as telling the audience. "Many people say to me, 'You became secretary of state of the USA., is it really necessary to say you are an African-American, or that you are black?' And I say, 'Yes,' so that we can remind our children. It took a lot of people struggling to bring me to this point in history. I didn't just drop out of the sky. People came from my continent in chains. There's no reason a new Africa can't be created right here and now."

Africa Rising organizer Nduka Obaigbena told the newspaper: "I never thought I would see Colin Powell dance Yahoozee. He showed that common touch."