New & Emerging Talent
The ‘New and Emerging Talent’ stage showcased up-and-coming African and Irish acts, with a particular focus on hip hop, R’n’B and rap performers.
Acts featured on this stage included: Team Hype, True Blood Souljaz, B.I.C, Resurrection Crew and Cystal Ice. In addition, Rap Ireland hosted a hip hop DJ area at the event.
Rap Ireland's Hip Hop DJ Area
The Hip Hop DJ Area was hosted by Rap Ireland’s DJs and dance crew, and featured:
- DJ Funk Master Lee
- DJ Oscar
- DJ Spencer
- DJ Mo.K
- King Junior
- Timi Martins AKA Tim Dogg (MC and entertainer)
- Pop Dogg
- ICONIC
- Prince Brady
- BaoBab
- Ds2b
- Electra
- Mc Ree
In addition, Rap Ireland's KosaDrums
gave drumming workshops throughout the day (check out www.myspace.com/kosadrums).
Rap Ireland performed at the 2008 Africa Day event in Dublin Castle, hosting one of the most popular attractions on the day: the dance and rap party in the Zambezi Garden. Visitors to their section at this year’s event were guaranteed a good time!
True Blood Souljaz
True Blood Souljaz are the founders of the hip hop movement in Shannon. The hard-working, six-man team began performing when the members were aged 16 and, since then, have performed alongside such artists as T-Bone and Corey Redd from America; Jaherziel from the UK, and the Children of Soweto from South Africa.
They have played in all the major music venues in Limerick City, as well as the National Sports Stadium and the Vaults in Dublin. They are currently working on a new mixtape, which will be available over the coming months from independent record stores.
Further information on True Blood Souljaz is available here.
B.I.C.
B.I.C. is a singer / songwriter, rapper and music producer. He started singing in Church at the age of 14 and is a former member of the Discovery Gospel Choir, one of Ireland's leading gospel choirs. He has performed throughout Ireland, and has opened shows for artists such as P-Square, 2Face and Style.
His music blends afro, gospel, soul, R'n'B and hip hop.
Resurrection Crew
Regarded as one of Ireland's best up-and-coming dance crews, Resurrection Crew have performed and won various titles, both in this country and overseas. Their awards include:
- UDO World Streetdance Champions (solo, duo and quad categories), 2008 and 2009.
- UDO British Streetdance Champions (solo, duo and quad categories), 2008 and 2009.
- Overall Advanced British Streetdance Crew Champions.
- MTV JumpOff finalists.
- Hawaii World Dance Competition silver medallists.
- Irish Hip Hop Kid title-holders, 2006-2009.
The Crew has also represented Ireland in the World Hip Hop Championships in Los Angeles.
Crystal Ice
Crystal Ice is a dance crew from Dundalk, whose members have trained in various styles of dance. They have worked with choreographers and artists such as: JLS, Tony Stone, Kymberlee Jay, Marty Kedulka, Eddie Morales, Nick Bass, Desire and Taio Cruz.