Free youth culture event for Cathedral Square

Christchurch’s largest ever free hip-hop event will take place in the heart of the city on Saturday 1 February between noon and 5pm.

Entitled ‘The Way’, the Cathedral Square gathering will feature a concert with local and national hip-hop acts, a breakdance competition, and a temporary graffiti art mural production. Local artists and musicians are to perform alongside some of the country’s best including Dubious Brothers, Scribe and Ali, and MC 4 Higher. Painting the mural will be the 6-strong ‘Stick Up Kids’ crew from Germany - their only South Island appearance on a world tour. ‘The Way’ is being sponsored by the Christchurch City Council and RDU 98.3 FM. Jonny Wartman of Disruptiv Ltd - a long time advocate for youth and hip-hop culture in Christchurch – is organising the event.

“I believe it’s high time that we recognise the interests and talents of our local youth and what better platform than a free public event in the middle of the city”, Jonny says. “Events of this nature are a common summertime occurrence in Europe, and there are not enough of them in New Zealand”, says the 23-year-old entrepreneur. “People are far too quick to dismiss hip-hop culture and graffiti art as being a dead-end path for young people. This is our chance to prove otherwise”. Jonny has recently moved to Auckland as co-director of Disruptiv Limited - a professional aerosol art business.

‘The Way’ will include an official after party at the Jetset Lounge, cnr Madras and St Asaph Streets, starting at 10pm on the same day. Many of the daytime acts will perform again in the evening.

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