The Last Poets
Before RAP knew its name, there was a group of ambitious young men who reflected the harsh spirit of their times and whose work remains prophetic and inspirational today.
The Last Poets started out in the late sixties, speaking out as few other musical groups had, or have since, about racism, poverty and other African American and societal concerns. RAPPERS of the civil rights era, The Last Poets’ charge has been taken up by many contemporary artists who have felt the legendary group’s influence.
Today they continue to spread their message, touring the world and recording new music. They’ve also collaborated with a number of current notable artists including Nas, Common, Erykah Badu, Kanye West, Styles P. and Dead Prez on award-winning album projects, and they continue to perform in venues around the world for one reason only: To promote self-empowerment in the African American community through music and the spoken word.
Umar Bin Hassan, Abiodun Oyewole, Baba Don Babatunde and Felipe Luciano continue to carry The Last Poets’ Torch.
Strafe
CLUB LEGEND Strafe - producer, musician, composer, and recording artist of the classic dance tune “Set It Off”
Will be setting off these evenings' festivities as only he can….
“Y’all want this party started right?” “Let’s get this party started.” “Let’s set it off!”
All popular phrases derived from what many still consider THE dance club anthem of the last 40 years…..an “underground” hit recording that has never left the scene…At one time hailed as “the most sampled song of all time” by Billboard Magazine…..
STRAFE the “recording artist” defines his musical work relative to its intent; he is a prolific songwriter steeped in influences that continue to inspire and resonate in his creative reactions to life. Whether DJ’ing an opening set for THE LAST POETS or leading an Electronic Detox, the spontaneous and the current will mix with the history of shared musical expressions. Where are we coming from (Another Place?). Where is the music taking us?
ReBelle
ReBelle’s mission is the birthing of a living culture of love leading to the progressive dissolution of all injustices and the unbounded liberation of humanity.
Manou Africa and Kalpana Devi first met in 1994 and joined creative forces composing, recording, performing, and touring together across the U.S. and West Africa. Together they are known as ReBelle. Conceived in love and rebellion, Kalpana and Manou’s powerful voices chant meditations on liberation while instrumentals propel roots, reggae and soul. Singing in 5 distinct languages, Wolof, English, Creole, French and Hebrew, their original music infuses a mystical mix of commanding African rhythms while their dynamic stage presence is internationally acclaimed.
ReBelle has shared the stage with Skatalites, The Wailers, Burning Spear, Culture, Little Richard, Toots and the Maytals, Ijahman Levi, Israel Vibration, Sister Carol, Steel Pulse, Meditations, Mykal Rose, Itals, The Marleys, Lucky Dube, and others. ReBelle also made the top 10 list in Reggae Report’s, “Top 10 U.S.-Based Independent Albums”. Their first album, “Thank U Jah”, came in at #5.
Synacure
Ziq Street recording artist, producer/composer SYNACURE is looking forward to spinning some of the work he has done with Abiodun Oyewole, Baba Don and Strafe as well as some of the vibes that the time and place will demand, past meeting future, country meeting city.
Aline Melo
There are on occasion artists who come along and their arrival almost seems inevitable, even though their sound is completely new and unpredictable. They fill a void that is so obvious you wonder why no one else has come along to fill it before.
Aline Melo, from Salvador, Bahia in Brazil is such an artist. A truly rare mix of poet, sweet-singer, bossa/Candomblé and pop infused songwriter, and occasional dead-serious rapper, Aline tells the story of the moment that we are living perhaps better than any living singer or writer. Love, politics, dislocation and uprootedness, survival, food, sex and Brazil are her themes.
With a voice as smooth as silk, and with tracks inspired in equal part by simple folk melodies, West African rhythms, Bossa nova, samba and Carlos Santana-styled guitars, the first record of Aline Melo reveals an artist already in full bloom. She is an important part of the ZIQ STREET family and expresses as well as anyone the international reach and positive flow that the label is becoming known for.
