The U.S. Consulate General in Alexandria is hosting a group of hip hop artists in Egypt as part of the Next Level initiative, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of State, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Meridian International Center. This program aims to promote cross-cultural exchange through hip-hop music and dance while also focusing on cultural entrepreneurship.
Consul General Nancy Corbett expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Every day I am excited to witness the amazing cultural artists here in Alexandria. When we first heard about this program, we knew that Alexandria was the right place to bring them in Egypt. We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to facilitate collaboration between American and Egyptian artists, and we hope that this leads to more opportunities for young Egyptians in the cultural field.”
The participating artists include Kerwin Young (Beatmaker), Ryan “Future” Webb (Dancer), Desi Mundo (Writer/Aerosol Artist), Mikiea “Miki Vale” Perkins (MC), and Junious “House” Brickhouse (Dancer). They will conduct workshops and collaborate with local artists from December 4-13 in Alexandria. Their efforts will culminate in a final performance at Bibliotheca Alexandria’s Great Hall on December 14 at 7:00 pm. The event is free, with attendees encouraged to arrive an hour early.
Following their activities in Alexandria, the artists will travel to Cairo from December 15-18 for additional workshops and a performance at Maq’ad Sultan Qaitbey in the City of the Dead.