On Friday 2nd August a friend and I attended the Hip Hop History Live event held at the Southbank Centre, hosted by a Hip Hop artist himself, Akala (Miss Dynamite’s brother).
The event was largely populated with up to 2000 people attending, which consequently resulted in me and my friend uncomfortably sitting on the floor, as all the seats were occupied, – but within good view of the stage.
Akala took the audience through the History of Hip Hop through five chapters in an engaging and unique way. He and his live band performed songs, many from his latest album ‘The Thieves Banquet’, explaining the influences and history of the Hip Hop culture.
These five chapters included The Golden Age of Hip Hop; African Cultures in the New World; Art and The Politics of Power, Africa in History and The Maangamizi. All of these topics were interesting to gain knowledge and insight on.
Akala also stressed to the audience the importance of knowing the history of something you love and are passionate about and that you shouldn’t divorce it from it’s origin, to then become guilty of ignorance.
Throughout the event, Akala expressed his passion and admiration for Hip Hop and it’s impact on his life. Furthermore, he also spoke of Wu-Tang Clan and Rakim, amongst other artists, who have particularly inspired him throughout his artistic career.
To conclude, I believe the event was creatively put together and effectively engaged the audience through communicating with the use of Hip Hop.
To view the bibliography and discography of this event click here! Footage and the presentation used in the event will be put online soon; check @akalamusic on twitter for updates regarding this.
I would also like to point out that Akala has previously performed a TED Talks seminar on Hip Hop and Shakespeare, which I found intriguing- click here to watch it!
