Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Here's some much needed clarity #BTTC2016 #10yearsofBTTC #FamilyReunion

BACK TO THE CITY OFFERS CLARITY
It is not in our nature to entertain social media rants, but we felt the need to speak out and shed clarity on this matter.
On 11 April 2016, Back To The City Festival organisers were perplexed when AKA took social media to announce his withdrawal from a festival which has always aimed to promote and empower the South African Hip Hop industry. This came after, communication AKA’s management about a campaign that would specifically highlight his performance feature by means of having extended time, a live band, special lighting effects, graphics display and fireworks.
This was unexpected, because we were actively in one-way communication to finalise the campaign plan, following the artist’s special request to hype his shit up(See screenshots attached)
Keeping our Family Reunion theme in mind, there were other local acts that we have reached out to, with a similar goal.
Nevertheless, we understand the plight and support AKA’s stance, as our foundation is solely built on promoting and fighting for the recognition of South African Hip Hop. Our cumlative journey began over 16 years ago, with the creation of Ritual Magazine, Hellskitchen Mixtape, Ritual Stores, O.S.T Lounge, Back To The City Festival and the South African Hip Hop Awards. We have also had extensive involvement in The Bridge on YFM, The Platform on VOW FM, Just Hip Hop on Soweto TV, The new Rap Activity Jam on Metro FM, Hype Magazine, I SpeakHipHop, Aboveground ETV, just to name a few.
Back To The City Festival always takes place on Freedom Day, 27 April and has always been the preacher of unity and constant progression. Hence, inviting international artists to help us reflect the growth that South African Hip Hop has experienced since the early 90s: today the culture stretches beyond borders.
As far as Back To The City Festival is concerned, there have never been opening acts nor closing acts, Hip Hop as whole has been the main act.
Our plans in terms of highlighting South African Hip Hop talent, remain unchanged and we are still open to continue the conversation with Vth Season about AKA’s performance.
SHOUT OUT TO ALL THE HOODS, CITIES, PROVINCES AND
COUNTRIES, WHICH CONTINUE TO SUPPORT US AS WE CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF HIP HOP HISTORY!




1 comment:

  1. I was following this story and was pretty upset and surprised and AKAs behaviour. This is to strange and must have hurt the festival. Thanks for all this information, was looking for this everywhere. Love this post, awesome blog. Thanks

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