This is not their first tryst with the Indian audience, but Berlin Massive’s hip-hop crew is extremely enthusiastic about the last leg of their three-city tour, in Mumbai. After a series of successful jamming sessions, gigs and workshops in Delhi and Bangalore, the non-profit association, Berlin Massive, aims to use the globally understood culture of hip-hop to reach out to local artistes in the city.
According to Marco Lauber, the founder of Berlin Massive, the Indo-German Hip-Hop movement is a creative process for artistes from both countries to understand the prevalent social, cultural and economic situations. “For the Indian and German participants the experience is always novel, whichever city it may be. Such exchanges provide a platform for active a social engagement that enables local development. Such projects aim towards generating an international exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences. Everyone can do something for a better world, but a movement has the power to create a bigger impact as compared to a single artiste. This power needs to be harnessed, not only in a cultural context, but socially as well,” says Lauber.
Being one of the biggest contingents to visit the country this year, Berlin Massive will feature five powerhouses of talent, B-Boy Ludi Rockoon, hip-hop veteran Marc Hype, B-Girl Sinaya, beatboxer Pekor and graffiti artist Rake.
Speaking about bringing the progressive art of beat-boxing to the forefront, Pekor, who is a permanent member of the world's only Beatbox Orchestra, ‘The Oralic Sound Machines’ says, “There is immense scope for beatboxing to grow into a major trend in India, but a lot of it is yet to be explored. During my tour I met some amazing people, who are extremely enthusiastic about the burgeoning art. However, I just hope more women join the bandwagon considering that in India, the Hip-Hop movement is somewhat male-dominated. “
B-Girl Sinaya, meanwhile, has an interesting take on the skewed numbers as far as female participation in the Hip-Hop circuit is concerned. “I met 3 B-Girls in Bangalore, including a troupe called the Power Puff Crew. While, I do realise that I met a lot more B-boys in Delhi and Bangalore, I also believe that there is a fair number of female dancers out there, whom I have not had the opportunity to meet. Compared to boys, B-Girls might be a minority, but I think the girls are quick to adapt to styles and hence are developing their skills at lightning speed. Although, I think, it might be a good idea for B-Girls to organise themselves better, and invite international performers from France, Japan and other countries to conduct workshops here. It is usually not easy to take the first step, and being the only woman trying to make a mark or yourself in field of Hip-Hop. But, I believe it is akin to Bungee jumping. If you are interested, don’t think, just do it!”
Attend the famous Roc Fresh Crew Cypherholics jam at Kenstar Hall, Andheri (West) on Saturday, December 6, between 2.00 pm-5.00 pm.
Berlin Massive will also hold a training session called the Bboy workshop at Battle Fort Dharavi, on Sunday, December 7, 4.00 pm onwards
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}