BlackFest – Riddims Night 2023

30 Sep 2023

Philharmonic Hall

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Join BlackFest as we bring you another rendition of our iconic Riddims Night this year celebrating 50 years of hip hop.

Headliner Testament will be providing an hour’s set, a hip hop history and beatbox workshop as well as hosting a cypher. Testament is a hip hop MC, writer, theatre maker and world record breaking human beatboxer. Born in North London and growing up Manchester, moving onto to study in West Yorkshire where he now currently resides.

As a lyricist his critically acclaimed work together strands of rap, song and spoken word. Testament’s work includes the celebrated Hip-Hop album Homecut: No Freedom Without Sacrifice, as well as several spoken word performances for BBC TV and BBC Radio (1xtra, Radio 4 and 6Music). In 2019 he was Channel 4 Writer in Residence at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester.

Also headlining is DJ Andy H. Having honed his skills in the world of turntablism, DJ Andy H applies his unique style of DJing to dancefloor bass-music while still remaining true to his hip hop roots. As a UK DMC and Red Bull 3Style finalist he champions the art of real DJing and channels that energy into every performance, kick starting any dance-floor.

Come see the exciting new acts including a legendary B-boy battle between MD Creatives’ Miguel Doforo and AfroDance Academy, a brilliant Afro Dance company committed to connecting people to their roots through movement. Miguel is passionate about community work, dance, equality and diversity and supports many important causes to help break down barriers and help people achieve their goals . He has developed the Doforo dance technique over 25 years of industry experience.

Plus there will be a panel discussion between our artists exploring the history of Hip Hop and its influence over time, featuring Angolan rapper and songwriter Yilly, Oldham’s Conduit and Liverpool’s own Remée.