!CONVENTION EXTRA!

Friday, July 14, 2006
9:30-11:30 p.m.
Columbia University, Lerner Hall 115th St & Broadway
Free with a convention pass or $30 at the door

AFTER PARTY: Desis In Hip Hop - presented by MTV Desi

Hip-hop has become a vital part of desi culture over the last decade, providing a voice to South Asians seeking clarity in identity and their place outside of the subcontinent. As hip hop's influence on young desis has grown, more and more Desi rappers have risen through the ranks and emerged as the new voices of the hip-hop generation. Join SAJA as we celebrate Desis and hip hop on Friday, July 14. Featuring performances by acclaimed desi hip-hop stars Chee Malabar, Kabir and THE1SHANTI, as well as lively discussions between the artists and the audience, we will show that hip hop is more than music - it's a state of mind! Interviews by Raeshem Nijhon, producer, MTV Desi and director of "Brown Like Dat," a documentary about desi hip hop.

About the artists:
Chee Malabar is one half of hip hop duo, the Himalayan Project. Their songs and lyrics, which range from personal narratives to conceptual pieces that speak to the American experiences of two men of color, have been cited in doctorate dissertations and found their way into
college curriculum. They arecurently working on their third full-length album. Chee has also just finished an album, Oblique Brown, with longtime collaborator Zeeb. The work explores the boundaries of post 9/11 politics, love and art.
Website: http://www.himalayanproject.com/

Born to Indian parents in North Carolina, THE1SHANTI is a rapper, producer, label owner who has been constantly battling and reshaping perceptions of who he is supposed to be. After a successful major label debut on SonyAsia with formergroup DDP, THE1SHANTI's much-anticipated solo album, India Bambaataa, is set for release this fall on Flatbush Junction Recordings. The MC considers the collection of songs in India Bamabaataa to be his most truthful body of work.
Website: http://www.the1shanti.com/

Kabir is an independent rapper, singer and producer from London. His music brews a robust blend of raw flow and message-oriented lyrics with unusual beats and soulful melodies. He currently lives in Cambridge, MA, and performs in Boston, New York and London. Kabir has performed alongside hip hop giants such as The Roots, The Beatnuts, the Pharcyde and Wyclef-Jean. His new hip hop album "Cultural Confusion" (produced by Kabir featuring Mr.Lif, Virtuoso, Esoteric & DJ Mr. Rourke) is now available. http://www.mckabir.com

Back to the Full Convention Program
or

This is just an example of the kinds of speakers you will meet at the SAJA Convention & Job Fair, July 13-16 in NYC. Tickets start at just $120 ($110 for students). See the program and sign up today! Advanced sales end June 30.