This is pretty much a musical must if you’re free tomorrow night: a debate about hip hop and Islam, and where the two interface. Whether they should interface. Whether they are compatible. This will be a lively one, for sure.
The Islamic music scene in London (and America) is huge, but its musicians are involved in a constant debacle with hardliners as to whether the Koran expressly forbids such free expression, and whether the very nature and style of the music is haram. Ever since Londonist read the awesome-if-highly-controversial Taqwacores (which was admittedly about punk rather than Hip Hop), we’ve been intrigued by Islamic new music. We'd like to know more.
The debate will be chaired by Rakin Fetuga, who has been involved in the genre for over twenty years. It is to be followed by a live gig headlined by Rakin’s band, Mecca2Medina, who are the foremost exponents of the whole Islamic Hip Hop thing. They are very very good. And they’ve got some friends with them: Lil Mia, who really packs some attitude, the sultry-voiced Lemoy, and the exquisitely tuned Pearls of Islam. You can listen to more samples of the scene here.
Tickets are a very reasonable £5.00, and the event is tomorrow 15th October from 5-11pm.
Rich Mix is at 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA, bos office: 020 7613 7498
Image from the Islamic Hip Hop blogsite.
