The Urban Exchange | Heritage Edition

INSPIRATION:
In 2003/4 The Nelson Mandela Bay was gripped and totally overwhelmed by a compelling Hip Hop force. This phase can easily be labelled as the Hip Hop’s golden era in the city. This is where we see the birth of Urban Connection, a club that was based in Central, Port Elizabeth becoming a meeting point and a space to exert creative energies for young Hip Hop artists in the area. It lived up to its name as it broke the barriers and connected youth from the previously disadvantaged areas, rural youth and those from the suburban areas. This rare and assorted mixture of emotions and experiences birthed an explosive scenery and a cocktail of expressions. What set this platform apart was the sincerity of the artists, the hunger, passion and unmatched drive to create art that spoke and displayed variety of paradigm shifting concepts. The quality was the core of every song sang, poem recited, and Graffiti displayed. This set the tone, and gave Bay Hip Hop an identity that still endures a decade later. This space created and gave platform to artists like Dangatye, Abantu, Zolani
Mahola, MXO, Peebles, the late DJ Miles, J Bux, Zonke Dikana, Lelethu Mahambehlala,Nkqo, Louzy Living, Mio and Queen, the late Mr Bozack, Dj Slyso to name but a few. Urban Connection is still an inspiration and a talking point for many creatives in the Eastern Cape. Most creatives fondly relate to it as a birth place for the movement in Port Elizabeth.

THE NAME:
The name Urban Exchange captures the essence and actual intent of the platform which is to foster more meaningful engagement, connection and cultural exchange amongst urban youth using art as medium and bridge. It is a reminiscent concept that equally seeks to capture the present urban trends and shape the future of the bay and ultimately the Eastern Capes Hip Hop landscape.

The Platform is aimed at:
• Using Hip Hop as an agent of change.
• Providing a sustainable platform for networking.
• Promoting indigenous story-telling and socia commentary.
• Cultivating Creative writing and social dialogue aimed at capturing the current social thoughts.
• Promote youth entrepreneurship.

EVENT:
Date: 28 September 2024
Venue: The One Room Music And Comedy Club
Time: 18h00 for 19h00
The Event Features GXARHA SA, POETICSOUL, J BUX, ABANTU AND BEATOLOGY ON THE DEXX
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Makhi “Yahkeem Mavulakuvaliwe” Fibi
Creative Director
083 734 2927
makhiconcepts@gmail.com