Zim to hold inaugural hip hop summit

TOP artistes, music promoters and business people in the South Africa and Zimbabwe hip hop industry are set to grace the inaugural Zim Hip Hop summit that will be held in Harare later this month during the Shoko Festival.

Now in its seventh year, the Shoko Festival will run from September 29 to October 2 with award-winning South African hip hop artiste, Slikour from Skwatta Kamp, Emtee and top comedian Mpho Popps set to attend.

Zim Hip Hop Summit head of communication Amanda Murimba said pertinent issues about Zimbabwe’s hip-hop industry would be discussed at the meeting slated for September 30 at the Zimbabwean Museum of Human Sciences. Panellists who will join Slikour include, Stunner, Cal_Vin, Tehn Diamond, DJ Mox (Star FM), Lady K (ZiFM Stereo), videographer Blaqs, beat-boxer ProBeats, Zimura director Polisile Ncube, Phil Chard (The African Hip Hop Blog), PD The Ghost, Keisha Thompson (UK) and Rafael Tudesco (Brazil) among others.

Murimba said the panellists will lead discussions in three topics – the state of Zimbabwe’s hip-hop industry, the business of hip-hop and lyricism, conflict and free expression.

“Our hope is that this summit provokes and stimulates growth of the hip hop industry in Zimbabwe. It’ll encourage a conversation on what needs to be done in brand management, promotion and actually transforming hip hop into a vehicle for social and economic empowerment.”