Zim: Bulawayo Hip Hop Summit launched

The event, which is scheduled for 25 April, will run under the theme For The Culture, Level Up. Is courtesy of King City Media and partners include the Zim Hip Hop Awards, Earground, Keatse Films, IKF Events, Zambezi Times and Kingway Clothing.

The summit is open to budding artists, music makers and everyone with an interest in hip hop.

King City Media director Titus Marume told Music In Africa that the event would feature players from the music and corporate sectors.

“A well-selected panel of seasoned media practitioners, arts administrators, marketing gurus and artists will lead the discussions during the event, which will be held live and virtually while observing all COVID-19 protocols,” he said.

“We hope to bridge the gap between corporates and the hip hop fraternity by painting a vivid picture of the impact and influence of hip hop in modern society while also giving artists and other hip hop practitioners a blueprint to monetise their talent, fame and influence.

Marume credited Bulawayo-based artists such as Asaph, Awa Khiwe, P.O.Y, Sykotek, Floppy X, Thorne, The Dot, Criss_Swiss, Rockie Doub and the late Cal_Vin for playing a pivotal role in growing the local hip hop scene.

“Artists from the city have dominated radio charts and the recently held Zim Hip Hop Awards saw Bulawayo artists and practitioners taking a bulk of the awards. We strongly hold the belief that hip hop in Bulawayo is a culture with potential to anchor the city’s creative economy and facilitate positive social change.”

Marume said the summit would bring together like-minded musicians for a dose of inspiration and motivation. “Participants will have an opportunity to interact with industry captains and our panel to get a clear picture on issues they don’t understand and learn from the success stories of other invited guests who have been in the industry for a long time. We are working around the clock to attract local and international media to create awareness, promote and celebrate local hip hop.”

A full list of facilitators, panellists and topics of discussion will be announced in due course, Marume added.