Teyana Taylor, Muni Lengthy, Bell Biv DeVoe, Fats Joe, Coco Jones, Cam’ron and Doug E. Contemporary are among the many legacy and up to date artists who will likely be performing on the Harlem Competition of Tradition (HFC). Hip-hop legend MC Lyte will host the inaugural occasion at Randall’s Island on July 28-30.
The efficiency slate for the three-day competition additionally contains Adam Blackstone, Eric Bellinger, Jozzy, MAJOR., Ma$e, Remy Ma, Ro James, Tink and Wyclef Jean. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Estelle is curating the Dancehall LinkUp, that includes particular appearances by Sister Nancy, Nadine Sutherland, Wayne Marvel, Lumidee, Rupee, Serani and Mr. Killa. In partnership with the enduring Apollo Theater, HFC may even current intimate live performance occasions. That lineup in addition to further competition particulars will likely be introduced in early June.
“For this inaugural yr, we have been very considerate and intentional in constructing what’s a tremendous lineup that aptly displays the extremely distinctive legacy that’s intrinsic to the village of Harlem in addition to the breadth and brilliance of Black music and tradition,” stated HFC co-founder and technical & expertise producer Yvonne McNair within the announcement launch. “Finally, HFC is our love letter to Harlem, and we’re excited to develop it right into a landmark cultural expertise that encapsulates all of the issues that make Uptown the nexus of innovation, cultural expression and a spot of true community-building.”
Added HFC artistic director and Bell Biv DeVoe’s Michael L. Bivins, “I’ve labored carefully with Yvonne and the workforce to construct one thing very particular and distinctive to the persona of this neighborhood and to now see it come to fruition is an unimaginable feeling. As an artist who has spent a variety of time in Harlem and supported the native companies within the neighborhood for a few years, I’m so proud to be a part of the inaugural Harlem Competition of Tradition.”
Extra HFC choices will embrace interactive artwork installations, a culinary courtroom and the Mart 125 Market. The latter is a reimagining of Harlem’s famed financial hub of Black-owned companies that have been positioned on one hundred and twenty fifth Avenue. Supported by SheaMoisture, the up to date iteration will showcase Black-owned, Harlem-based hospitality, retail and cultural enterprises.
Becoming a member of SheaMoisture and the Apollo as HFC presenting sponsors are Infiniti, AMC Networks, Shark Magnificence, Steve Madden and Northwell Well being. Talking of Madden, the corporate and HFC will launch a line of official competition co-branded merchandise. Created by Harlem-based visible artist DaQuane Cherry, the limited-edition assortment will embrace a customized Steve Madden Bettyy Boot, belt bag and denim jacket.
Competition organizers additionally labored in tandem with its HFC Music Advisory Board, co-chaired by Wyclef Jean and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. The board’s members embrace Doug E. Contemporary and MC Lyte.
“This will likely be a one-of-a-kind cultural expertise that I imagine will turn into a formidable power within the competition house,” acknowledged Mason. Added competition host Lyte, “As a local New Yorker, I’m honored to host the very first Harlem Competition of Tradition. [HFC] has deliberate one thing particular that I believe everybody – whether or not they’re from across the nook, throughout the nation or world wide – will get pleasure from.”
Because the countdown to July begins, HFC will current the second annual Black Independence Awards (June 17). The awards honor the impactful cultural, social and financial contributions being made by Harlem’s leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and creators. The 2023 nominees and particular award recipients will likely be introduced in early June.
The Harlem Competition of Tradition was impressed by the groundbreaking Harlem Cultural Competition of 1969 — focus of the Academy Award-winning documentary Summer season of Soul directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. Tickets for the Harlem Competition of Tradition are actually on sale. For extra data, go to the competition’s web site.
