Organizers and performers for the UrbanJam 2.0. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 28
In an attempt to change people’s perspective on Hip-hop, to further promote the up and coming artist and introduce them to bigger audience, the Naga Homeboiz will be organizing the second series of Urban Jam 2.0 on September 30 at the State Academy Hall, Kohima starting from 6 pm onwards.
Themed “Hip-Hop away from violence”, Martin Lkr, Event Head of UrbanJam notes that Nagaland has always been known for its violent history and at the same time Hip-hop is often portrayed in a negative light, therefore the event aims to instill hope and positivity to the people through the music of Hip-Hop.
The UrbanJam 2.0 will introduce fresh young artist not just in the genre of Hip Hop but Beat Boxing and Dance. It will be hosted by Macnivil and DJ Moate Pongen while the performers for the event are AK Trigga, M-Dox, Table-3, The HOP Crew, DJ Moate Pongen, Calvin Yimsung, McGruff, Krazy K, akhri Slim, Youngside, Nagaland Beatbox Community.
The event which was initiated last year sensing the lack of common platform to showcase urban music and its sub-culture that is constantly blooming in our state, celebrates the diverse art and culture of Hip-hop. UrbanJam, according to the organizers, is the sole event in Nagaland that focuses to uplift the humble origins of Hip-hop culture that are imbibed on the performing artist from our vicinity. “Even without any kind of Government aid and corporate backing (as is the case with most big events), we are successfully launching its sequel with great anticipation and fanfare.” stated the organizers while also mentioning that the showbiz industry in Nagaland is inclined towards a lot of favoritism. Aptly themed, the performers of UrbanJam 2.0 are mostly grassroots and struggling artists from humble backgrounds whose music is stressed on the structural violence in Naga society while also expressing hopes and dreams of the young in a State mired in corruption.
Further the event also envision and focus on the right balance between showmanship and artistry, which will enable the Hip-hop community to grow bigger and achieve self reliance in a better way.
“The whole concept of UrbanJam is to represent the true essence of Hip-Hop culture and exhibit it across the right platforms that are made available to us. We strive to build a community where we can learn from one another, display our cultural influences and progress. It is one of the few independent events making a mark in our local music scene.” added the organizers.
The UrbanJam 2.0 will witness battle competitions where the best emcees will compere with one another to secure exclusive deals that are on offer. The rap battle winner will receive an exclusive record deal which is powered by the event partners Ideal Beatz from Malawi as the producer and Infinite Records from Kohima as the Studio Partner. The best performing artist and rap battle winner will receive gift hampers sponsored by the style partner NCL Streetwear.
The event partners for the UrbanJam 2.0 are NCL Streetwear, Nagaland Beatbox Community, Decible Sound System, Nestvibe, Imprint, Ideal Beatz, and Infinite Records. The tickets are priced at Rs.200 and will be available at the venue or on call at 08132061823.
