Manchester HipHop archives project with HideOut ends with final showcase
Saturday 2nd July saw the end of the Manchester HipHop Archives ‘Hip Hop Takeover’ project with HideOut Youth Zone.
The six-week project, which began on the 28th May, provided young people (aged 13 – 25) the opportunity to explore Manchester’s musical heritage, identity and the impact of the seismic youth movement over four generations.
Each week, Manchester HipHop Archives led various deep-dive sessions with HideOut members, including:
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- HipHop history exploration
- Music making and production
- Fashion and customization
- Breakdance
- DJing and turntablism
- Graffiti
- Rap and spoken word
To mark the end of the partnership, HideOut Youth Zone, based in Gorton, held a celebration event in which over 140 young people attended, giving them the opportunity to showcase their learnings from the project and see performances from breakdancers, DJs and artists from UnityRadioFM. HideOut members were also provided with free entry and a free hot Caribbean meal thanks to Manchester Hip Hop Archive’s funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
John Green of Manchester HipHop Archives said:
“The Manchester HipHop Archive was buzzing to deliver our education outreach project at HideOut. Over the six weeks, beat makers, scratch DJs, break-dancers, rappers, graffiti artists, and fashionistas had the opportunity to meet and work with some fantastic young emerging talents.
“Our local history and heroes helped build and shape the mainstream street culture we enjoy today, so it is important to share Manchester Hip Hop heritage with these young people. Through our three-month mini-exhibition (which we displayed around the Youth Zone) and the delivery of the project, we were able to share stories of pioneers, ephemera, objects and clothing which belonged to young Mancunians in the ’80s, 90’s and 2000’s. To celebrate the end of the project, we came together to watch performances, celebrate the young people’s work, enjoy Caribbean-inspired cuisine, and mark the Windrush anniversary month!’
HideOut Youth Zone, Husnain Ali member said:
“I’ve done graffiti, breakdancing and music – the turntables. I liked everything about the project, there’s no part of it I didn’t enjoy. I’ve learnt how to scratch like a DJ – I never knew how to do that before! I do think it’s important to celebrate different cultures because you learn a lot about history and where cultures are from – you learn a lot about backgrounds and gain information that helps you get involved in something”.
Senior Youth Cub Co-Ordinator, Kerin Morris, said:
“It’s important young people have access to, understand, and celebrate their heritage. Two-thirds of HideOut’s membership is made up of young people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, so it’s really important to show where these cultural influences stemmed from and for young people to ultimately feel seen.
“The HipHop project has given our young people the opportunity to explore heritage in a fun and engaging way. But, it’s also been an opportunity for them to understand the power young people can have and the movements they can make, which is what HideOut is all about”.
The project is supported by Manchester City Council’s ‘2022: Our Year‘ campaign; a year of action to create more activities, opportunities and experiences and support for children and young people across the city.
