Manifesto Festival of Community & Culture Archives - FUXWITHIT

Relive MNFSTO10 with this recap

FUXWITHIT — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 03:45:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of attending 2 our of the many Manifesto events this year. The Festival, which is now in it’s 10th year has been something I’ve wanted to go to for as long as I’ve known about it, but not knowing a lot of people and not living in the city always got in the way. When FUXWITHIT suggested I cover some of it I figured it was a perfect excuse to ride solo and really immerse myself into the events that were happening.

The Summit Part 3

The first event I attended was The Summit Part 3. This was split up into two sessions, the first session an all female DJ course and the second an open session on MPC work and “Pad Life”.

Lets start with the female portion. Organizers did a really great job at keeping this specifically for females, many watched the door and kindly asked others trying to get inside to come back or wait outside until the session was over. Chippy and Kara our instructors then proceeded to walk us through everything they possibly knew about setting up and using CDJ’s and a Controller, they even provided handouts! As someone who is somewhat familiar with the set up I can definitely understand how much information this is and the trouble with not knowing where to start, however I feel Chippy and Kara did a really great job. What I also liked is that they peppered the session with tid bits of information and industry experience on how they have been treated as a female DJ. In some cases I felt they may have scared the girls a bit with comments and stories of how some sound people at certain clubs would touch and reconfigure their equipment without their permission, not trusting that the females understood what they were doing, however to counter this, as a friend put it, better knowing it could happen then not to expect it at all.

The session ended with everyone crowded around the table taking turns using the equipment, asking questions and also some freestyling.

Part two of the session was held by Fresh Kils and Creeazn with the doors now being open for men as well. I was happy to note that a lot of females from the first session hung around to check out what was next.

Kils opened the session with introducing himself and Creeazn and then playing out a set for everyone on the MPC. Easy to say that he pretty much rocked everyones socks off. While I did find this session a bit less structured than the other, I did like the amount of questions being asked and the infinite number that surrounded the controversy of sampling other peoples music to create your own. Some references were made about Dilla, Pete Rock and of course Prince.

The guys covered how to load the MPC with music as well as where they go to find it, and what they like to look for personally when creating certain sounds or vibes. This session ended with everyone at different tables using the various MPCs with Kils and Creeazn walking through the room (classroom) from table to table (student to student).

The overall vibe of the night was extremely chill and open with all questions welcome. Each instructor was supportive and patient and truly felt that in order for their community to grow we need to start helping each other. So many feels.

BJ the Chicago Kid at Adelaide Hall.

First of all the show was packed with talent. When I arrived the lineup was down the block. I’d never been to Adelaide Hall so this helped with finding my way in. When in doubt follow the people right?

Once inside, it filled up quick and I stationed myself at the front of the stage. Unlike a lot of shows, though it was busy, people kindly would let you step up front to do a photo and let you hang out. The place was packed and by the time they finally got started with performances the DJ had warmed everyone up with some classic old school hip hop joints that everyone was singing along to.

First up Adria Kain, wow just wow, this woman made my heart swell. I felt like the first time I heard Frank Ocean. She seemed calm and humble and would sing talk to the crowd.

I’ll admit aside from her beauty I don’t have too much to say on Allie.

BJ was live, he works the crowd, he’s done this before. People knew him and rapped/sang along. His energy is like Kanye but not obnoxious like Kanye, kinder and for the people. Without a doubt he’s gonna keep rising.

Between Adria, Allie and BJ each set was heartfelt, powerful and empowering.

If these are the kind of artists Manifesto brings together. I’m disappointed I missed the others and I look forward for years to come.

Words and Views by Tania Hiriart Mosca. Follow her moves here.

The post Relive MNFSTO10 with this recap appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

MNFSTO10 Kicks Off Today!

Kash — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 23:57:51 +0000

Manifesto has been rocking in Toronto for 10 years now. If you’re unfamiliar with Manifesto, here’s the quick breakdown. Created out of need for a new urban arts platform for Toronto youth, local artists combined with community organizers and event promoters came together to give local artists an opportunity. Today, the non-profit organization helps inspire and empower the diverse youth in Toronto through the arts and culture.

MNFSTO10 kicks off today and we chopped it up with Said Yassin, the Festival Coordinator to get a better understanding of the festival, hip hop culture and their goals as an organization. Read the full interview below.

Hip Hop fundamentally I feel is about bringing people together and giving the youth a creative outlet to express themselves.

First, congratulations on the 10-year anniversary for Manifesto. This is truly a great accomplishment for a couple kids from Toronto.

Thanks bruh bruh

Why do you think it’s important to use hip-hop as an avenue to bring together the people in the city? Is it the inclusiveness of the culture? Is it the spread of talent (i.e. MC’s, Breakers, Beat Boxer, DJs, Graffiti Artists, Producers, etc.)?

C. All of the above.
If you listen to the monologue in episode 4 or The Get Down the guy who plays DJ Kool Herc breaks it down. I’m trying to stay away from some cliche answers but it’s kind of hard to not say the same things that have been said over and over again. But Hip Hop fundamentally I feel is about bringing people together and giving the youth a creative outlet to express themselves.

How were you first exposed to hip-hop? And what can you tell us about that experience?

I think I was about 6 or 7 years old when I was first exposed to hip-hop. Growing up my uncle always lived with me and my fam, he’s 11 years older than me and I always thought he was the coolest guy in the world, so whenever he would be at work or just out of the house I would sneak into his room and press play on whatever tape he had in the stereo and jump up and down on his water bed. It was the early 90’s so it was a lot of Tribe, De La Soul.

Rap is a young mans game, it always has been and the youth are ones who are going to push things forward.

Recently, a lot of OG’s have become vocal about hip-hop today and how they feel the culture is turning on itself? Especially in the case of the MC. Where do you think hip-hop is in a general sense of the culture?

I’ve always felt that like hypocrisy is one of the biggest parts of rap and hip hop, and for the most part those who say these kids who are coming up are ruining the culture and are not paying homage to those who came before them are either not relevant anymore and are hanging on to what they have left or are the same people who were catching hate from the generation before them. Rap is a young mans game, it always has been and the youth are ones who are going to push things forward. And even lyrically is “I said a hip hop, the hippie, the hippie, To the hip, hip hop, and you don’t stop, a rock it” any different or any more thought provoking than whatever Lil Yachty is saying?

What is your goal when curating the line-up for Manifesto festival? How do this year’s artists embody this?

I think this year we’ve really tried to diversify the lineup as best we could while still being true to who we are. The staff here at Manifesto is a little older so we tried to bring in as many young people into the office to get their opinions and hear about who they thought we should bring in this year.

I mean if you look at the lineup of this years festival, we’ve got A Tribe Called Red, Big Lean, Dj Ohso, Anderson Paak. and Kaytranada all headlining shows this year. That group itself is super diverse itself and that’s just a small small sample of what we’ve got in store.

How do you feel about the hip-hop scene in Toronto?

I think definitely feel like a lot of rappers are trying to ride the wave of what’s hot in the city right now. I think it’s amazing that we have a wave to ride and a sound that we can call ours.

I think Toronto is on the map in terms of rap and hip hop and people are watching I just don’t feel like enough people are taking that opportunity to showcase something different while the eyes are on our city.

We’ve noticed a massive crossover in genres like hip-hop and EDM, do you think Manifesto can embrace or evolve to include other genres to help spread the message of community and culture? Why or why not?

I think the mandate will always stay the same regardless of what’s happening but trying to stay current and relevant is a big part of pushing forward.

10 years later, how does Manifesto stay relevant?

I’ve only been with Manifesto since June so maybe I’m not the best person to answer this, but I think I first heard of Manifesto in 2007 and even comparing the festival then to now you can see how it’s evolved. I’ve always felt like community organizations that are based in hip hop kind of become irrelevant at one point or another. I think mostly because the staff at these organizations lose sight of whats current and whats happening today and continue promote what was cool when they were coming up. I think groups like Manifesto and The Remix Project do a great job of keeping their ears to the streets and staying relevant as time passes.

For anyone who hasn’t attended any of the exhibits or shows before, what would you say to describe the festival?

I’d say that its kind of like the first time you go to Honest Eds. There is something for everyone and you never know what you are going to find. But joking aside, its all love at every and each of our event and everyone is welcomed with open arms.

If you’re in Toronto from September 9th to 18th, check out MNFSTO10. You can see all the events and get tickets here.

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