Women in SA Hip Hop
Women in SA Hip Hop
Words by Naledi Sibisi
In 2018, Castle Lite presented Hip-Hop Herstory – a concert experience that highlighted the role that women have played in the evolution of Hip-Hop. The purpose of the event was not to simply feature “female artists”, but to create a memorable experience where the audience could witness how much hip hop has evolved and adapted as a culture through exhibitions, visual storytelling and other interactive elements. As we prepare to usher in this year’s annual hip hop event Castle Lite Unlocks, we can expect to see many women who form part of SA hip hop’s culture representing the tradition and future of the genre front and center with names like Rouge taking the stage at the two-day long experience; as well as a Women in Hip Hop panel featuring the likes of Boity and Bontle Modiselle to mention a few.
Performer: Rouge
As the world advances, there are evident changes in the perceptions and attitudes of society with regard to women and the way in which they are treated particularly when it comes to issues of equality and liberation. It is important to continue to have the conversations and carry out the work in order to curate the kind of world where the limitations of patriarchal societies are less of a burden on the next generation. While we are witnessing more and more women in influential positions from the corporate world to the entertainment industry, there are still a number of gaps and disparities. For as long as hip hop has been a male-dominated sport, the dynamic in the industry has gradually accommodated more feminine energy and as a result, we are starting to see how women can thrive on a global scale. On the flip side, female artists like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B are often pigeon-holed and pitted against one another at the peak of their careers as the controversy means publicity, which in turn has a tendency to drive sales. By challenging these stereotypes and providing a platform which proves that women in hip hop can come together, collaborate and celebrate one another through incredible artists joining forces, Castle Lite Unlocks is certainly in a league of its own.
To achieve sustainable growth and development during the course of attempting to empower women, cultural shifts and new solutions are critical. Castle Lite Unlocks captures this perfectly as we continue to cultivate a future in which opportunities are created to empower and inspire women around the continent and indeed, across the globe. Castle Lite Unlocks feat. Post Malone & Meek Mill will take place on 17 - 18 June 2019 at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg. Tickets are available at Webtickets SA.
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