BIRD, HipHopHuis & The Notorious IBE proudly present: Beyond the Beat festival on the 11th of September. As the festival’s name suggests, Beyond the Beat’s core program and mission revolves around unveiling the hiphop culture in a wider context. Through a multi-disciplinary program – live performance, dance competitions, panels and film – we’re looking to provide context on the development of hip-hop’s music, culture and cross-overs over time.  

This year’s overarching theme places focus on the rich music and dance culture of the African continent and its diaspora. The free program consists of a double concert by Joya Mooi and an outdoor program with a power talk with Lynnee Denise and Niki Awandee, a film screening of The African Cypher, “Stand For Something” All Styles & Afro Dance Battle, an exclusive panel discussion on the topic of inclusivity within the music industry and ending the festival with the videoclip afterparty ‘Golden Age of Hip Hop’. All that right here; in the vibrant city that’s called Rotterdam.

The festival ‘Beyond the beat’ is part of Rotterdam Street Culture Weekend and made possible by Rotterdam festivals.

The Powertalk

During 3 seperate Powertalks, special guests Joya Mooi, Lynnee Denise, Nikki Awandee and the audience will discuss inclusivity within the music industry, oppression & more. 

Roundtable talk with Lynnee Denise, Niki Awandee and Joya Mooi [Live at BIRD]
A conversation about inclusion from various perspectives in the international music and dance scene. Lynee Denise, a DJ and scholar from the US, Niki Awandee, a dancer and organizer from Sweden and Joya Mooi, an artist that speaks about the experiences of a new generation from the African diaspora. The talk is free and open to the public at BIRD.

Lecture by Lynnée Denise [Live from Operator Radio]
a conversation on power dynamics and exclusion in the music industry
Lynnée Denise is  an artist, writer and schola rand she uses DJ culture to create forums & exploring music of the African diaspora. She examines and teaches the migration of Black culture, people and ideas through an interdisciplinary approach: workshops, lectures and presentations. The lecture can be followed live from Operator Radio.

Q&A with Lee Stuart about Kahlil Joseph’s BLKNWS [Live From Operator Radio]
Lee Stuart coordinated a partnership between Bonnenfantenmuseum, Oscam and HipHopHuis to exhibit Kahlil Joseph’s BLKNWS. In regard to the launch of BLKNWS at HipHopHuis, Lee speaks about Kahlil Joseph’s work, the Underground museum and his approach to reaching his audience. The Q&A can be followed live from Operator Radio.

Filmscreening: The African Cypher

The African Cypher (2012, 89 ′) is an award-winning documentary about streetdance in South Africa. Director Bryan Little uses the energy of various dancestyles, from Pantsula and sBhujwa to Krump and B-boy, and portrays this in a miraculous way. The dancers show how the art of dance has changed their lives – and passes this hope on to young people through training and mentoring. The African Cypher is a unique cinematic experience that explores the dancer’s physical and emotional journey. Or as Tom London, Soweto’s Finest, puts it: “When we dance we find purpose with our bodies …”

NOTE: Headphones are used for this event. Deposit is €10 per headphone and you will pay this at the entrance. Bring exact change and cash money, you will get this back afterwards.

Stand for Something dancebattle (Supported by Ruyzdael)

Looking at the urban dance styles of today you can’t help but notice the influence of African culture. The way urban dancers of today move and react to the music is rooted in centuries old dance traditions that are a part of storytelling, musical rhythms, sounds and ceremonies across the entire African continent. In the “All Styles & Afro Dance Battle” dancers from all different urban dance styles are challenged to fuse their battle performance to a rich selection of traditional and contemporary African music played by DJ Lucas Benjamin, live musicians and beatmakers. 

 The Battle is judged by Niki Awandee from Sweden, Samantha Mavinga from Belgium and Nedda Sou en Kelly Bigirindavyi from Holland. Host for the Battle is MC Mario Bee from Rotterdam.

Afterparty The Golden Age of Hiphop

Visual DJs Off The Wall pay tribute to hiphop culture. Expect raw vibes, and dancefloor bangers from Eric B. & Rakim, Public Enemy, NWA, De La Soul, A Tribe called Quest, KRS-One, Run DMC, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Nas, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Wu- Tang Clan & many more.

Food

We have the perfect food line-up to fill those hungry bellies! Live and direct from the grill we’ve got:

• Mixed grill [Meat] – chicken thigh fillet, chicken leg and lamb cutlet (with sweet BBQ sauce) + fried rice and stewed vegetables.
• Grilled Salmon [Fish] – with caper cream sauce, roseval potato with garlic and rosemary, grilled summer vegetables (Bell pepper, Asparagus, Fennel)
• ‘Boekoeloekoe’burger [Vegetarian] – with black truffle mayonnaise, oven-cooked sweet potato with grilled halloumi cheese.

Entrance

Passe-partout Outdoor Program [sold out] [16:30 – 22:30]
The Powertalk w/ Joya Mooi, Lynnee Denise & Nikki Awandee, Filmscreening: The African Cypher, “Stand For Something” All Styles & Afro Dance Battle (supported by Ruyzdael).

Afterparty The Golden Age of Hiphop [sold out] [23:00 – 02:00]
Separate free tickets have been created for the afterparty consisting of Ticket for Two (two people) & Ticket for Four (four people).

Foodticket
Price per foodticket is €15.00 and is only valid in combination with a festival passe-partout