Rebel Music” is a thought-provoking documentary from MTV, highlighting stories of young fearless musicians and artists rising up against social and political barriers and overcoming oppression and injustice around the world to forge a better future.

The series premieres April 30th on MTV’s YouTube channel and will provide young American audiences a rare, unprecedented look into the lives of their counterparts in conflicted countries. Rebel Music Series Trailer.

MTV is also partnering with Amnesty International in empowering viewers to take action for positive change through the Art for Amnesty program.

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Premiere Episode:

In November of last year, “Rebel Music: Native America” premiered during Native American Heritage Month with an incredible 4.4MM views and 80k shares — a top performer on MTV’s Facebook page. Rebel Music: Native America Episode.

The success also led to an invitation to screen the episode at the White House.

This fresh and authentic approach has audiences clamoring for more content.

Season two of “Rebel Music” ventures into Turkey, Iran, Venezuela, Senegal, and Myanmar plus an extended version of Native America. Together MTV and Amnesty are recasting turbulent places of the world by amplifying unheard and compelling stories.

In working together to promote youth driving social change, MTV and Amnesty International will launch the “Rebel with a Cause” contest on Rebel Music’s Tumblr activating artists and passionate fans. For every submission, MTV will donate $1 to Amnesty International. Top submissions will have a chance to be featured on MTV, Rebel Music, and Art For Amnesty’s social media platforms.

Through its RebelED program, episodes will be accompanied by lesson plans with a teacher’s guide and background history to bring these topics into the classroom, available for free download at www.rebelmusic.com/edu.. The curriculum will be distributed to Amnesty International USA’s 750 high school and college groups in the USA and shared with Sections in the Global Movement and through Viacommunity, the umbrella for Viacom’s social efforts. For more info go to rebelmusic.com. 4/30 Rebel Music: Turkey



A crossroads of east and west, Turkey is a beautiful contradiction where its tradition of tolerance and openness is in grave danger. Now, a new generation is speaking out in voices the world has never heard. Watch as the band Tahribad-ı İsyan wields hip-hop as a beacon of truth, journalist Gökhan Biçici reveals the country’s realities despite being beaten and arrested, and Juliana Gözen raises her voice on campus and in the streets fighting for women’s rights.



5/7 Rebel Music: Iran



In Iran, a land of beauty, art and complex headlines, music is tightly controlled. Metal band Master of Persia, whose founder was arrested for his music, fled the country with his bandmate who also fled after being threatened because of her hairstyle. They are both persevering to keep playing against all odds. Erfan, one of Iran’s most popular hip-hop artists also shares his struggle to play his music thousands of miles from his fans and family.



5/14 Rebel Music: Native America



Forget the stereotypes. Young Native Americans are fighting prejudice with music, art and social media. Meet rapper Frank Waln, who is crusading for the environment; pop singer Inez Jasper, who is outspoken about empowering women; and Nataanii Means and Mike Cliff, who step in to battle teen suicide.



5/23 Rebel Music: Venezuela



Rappers and rockers span the political divide in Venezuela. The barrio and the middle class exist side-by-side, and both are impacted by rampant violence. Reggae singer Onechot survived a shot to the head, and many of rapper Reke’s friends were killed in the neighborhood. Watch these artists and others from all sides reveal the danger and heartache that goes into the struggle for peace.



5/30 Rebel Music: Senegal



In Senegal, young rappers, journalists and others are leading a powerful movement that holds all politicians accountable. Meet some of the founders — socially engaged hip-hop duo Keur Gui and social media guru Denise Safiatou Sow - as they fight to change their country.



6/7 Rebel Music: Myanmar



These fearless Myanmar musicians went deep underground to build a thriving punk and hip-hop scene, despite the limits of freedom they faced. Now that the country is beginning to open its borders, see how punk lifer Skum, guitarist/promoter Eaiddhi and Y.A.K., one of Myanmar’s only female hip-hop groups, make music in such uncertain times.