culdesac, culdesac, culdesac

An art exhibition commemorating Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary. Mainstream narratives have flattened Hip-Hop—sanitised it for consumption, criminalised it when it tells uncomfortable truths, commodified it for profit, and stripped it of its complexity. Through visual art, film, dance, music, and dialogue, the exhibition critiques the contradictions of a world that consumes Black culture but denies Black humanity. Buy your tickets today.

Why Hip Hop Matters?

Hip-Hop is more than music—it’s a cultural movement born from struggle, resilience, and resistance. Over time, the culture has been commodified, stripping away its depth and reducing it to stereotypes. This exhibition tells the story on our terms. 

Program Breakdown: A Two-Day Experience

The culdesac, culdesac, culdesac exhibition features two days of film, panels, poetry, and music, celebrating the global legacy of Hip-Hop.

Day One: Saturday, November 22nd

The DEFIANT Ones: Film Screening & Panel Discussion

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

A screening of the short film, The DEFIANT Ones, tracing Hip-Hop’s journey from the Bronx to a global force. Followed by a Community Hearing Circle: Panel Discussion exploring themes of resistance, commodification, and Hip-Hop's evolving global legacy.

Panel Moderator: Catherine Madziva

Panellists: Aliga Gama, Bakari Blouin, Fungai Mutsiwa

Poetry Jam: Word on the Culdesac

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Raw truths and rhythm meet radical self-expression in this Def Poetry Jam–inspired live performance. A space to speak truths on heritage, identity, survival, and selfhood.

Performer: Kween G

Featured Poets: Atoc Malou, Amuor Malou, Ifeoma Obiegbu

Day Two: Sunday, November 23rd

The Block Party (Exhibition Closing)

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Celebrate Hip-Hop's origins with a classic block party vibe. Honouring sound system culture, the event features live DJ sets, an open Rap Cypher, Dance Cypher, and other activations etc.

MCs (Rap Cypher): TAWANDA, Wayde., One-Sixth, MzUki

DJ: DJ JANE, DJ Ms Hennessey, DJ Carl Alley

Host: Masego

Visual Artists: Ethell, Ant Piper, Sam Absurd