Vancouver, BC, will be the proud host city of the highly anticipated 3rd Annual International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Show (IIHHAS) on August 11th and 12th, 2023. The two-day mega event aims to showcase and celebrate the talents of Indigenous hip hop artists and urban performers from around the world. Held on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, the awards show highlights the rich cultural heritage and artistic achievements of Indigenous communities.
This year’s event promises an impressive lineup of performers and industry experts. Legendary American rapper and record producer Master Ace, renowned hip hop artists Blahzay Blahzay, American actor and rapper Chip Fu, hip hop MC and speaker Miss Christie Lee, politically and socially conscious indigenous rap artist DJ Rex Smallboy, and hip hop MC and entrepreneur Mamarudegyal MTHC will be among the esteemed judges lending their expertise to the awards show. Their involvement not only demonstrates their support for the Indigenous hip-hop movement but also showcases the global recognition and respect Indigenous artists have garnered in the music industry.
The primary goal of the International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Show is to increase the exposure of Indigenous urban arts performers and small businesses, both nationally and internationally. Through engaging live music performances and educational conferences, the event sheds light on the individuals who are shaping the urban economy and making a significant impact on their communities. By celebrating and acknowledging the dedication, community impact, and artistic merit of export-ready Indigenous hip-hop artists, singers, visual artists, spoken word poets, producers, and DJs, the awards show plays a vital role in promoting and preserving the Indigenous urban entertainment culture.
Headlining this year’s awards show are a diverse group of talented artists, including Dakota Bear, DrmngNow, Christie Lee, Curtis Clear Sky and the Constellationz, DJ KOOKUM, Def-i, Rude Gang Ent, Lady Sinncere, Quanah Style, Nimkish, She-Rōze, and many more. The event will also feature exciting trade show performances presented by the Native Hip Hop Society, LOCVHONTVS, JayRed & Kenny Murkz, SEKAWNEE, Nowujalo, Pindian, The Ra11n, Valkyrie, Tiago Vasquez, HK, YellowBunny, GoldKid, Feel Good Entertainment, Sly Skeeta, Tawahumis, and others. This diverse lineup represents the broad spectrum of talent within the Indigenous hip-hop community.
In addition to the awards show, the 3rd Annual International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards is proud to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip hop by launching the World’s First Ever Indigenous Hip Hop Card Collections for 2023. This innovative initiative provides a platform for Indigenous hip-hop artists, R&B singers, producers, visual artists, spoken word poets, DJs, hip-hop dancers, and reggae artists to join the collection and showcase their talent. Artists interested in participating can visit the awards show’s official website at www.indigenoushiphopawards.com and become members of this groundbreaking project.
The IIHHAS would like to express gratitude to its sponsors, including the City of Vancouver, Long & McQuade, SOCAN, Motto Workspace, Koksilah Music Festival, Native Hip Hop Society, Your Voice Is Power, Vancouver Civic Theatre, Rudegang Entertainment, Skwachays Lodge Aboriginal Hotel & Gallery, TakingITGlobal, Connected North, and C Sharpe Productions. Their support has been instrumental in making this event possible and highlights the importance of collaboration and community involvement in promoting Indigenous arts and culture.
The 3rd Annual International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Show 2023 promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating the vibrant spirit and creative genius of Indigenous hip hop artists from around the world. With its lineup of talented performers, industry experts, and a host city known for its rich cultural diversity, Vancouver is the perfect setting to showcase the global impact of Indigenous urban arts. This event serves as a reminder of the power of music to bridge cultures, connect communities, and create positive change.
WHAT: 3rd Annual International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Show
WHEN: August 11 & 12, 2023
WHERE: Vancouver Playhouse 600 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC
ARTISTS & BUSINESS BOOTHS BOOKING: https://www.indigenoushiphopawards.com/tickets/
Follow International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Show:
INSTAGRAM: @indigenoushiphopawards
FACEBOOK: @indigenoushiphopawards
TWITTER: @indigenousHHAS
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWU3eEU9Ec1ykOi7XDzbNKQ
About the author:
Robert Christian Sussman, also known as DJ Speir, is the founder of Speir TV and InterQ, the groundbreaking social entertainment and advocacy platform that provides inclusive, LGBTQ+ content to audiences around the world. Born on September 17, 1960, in Piqua, Ohio, Robert has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness for over three decades and supporting Until.Org all the way. Robert has also been diagnosed with dementia, a condition that can be related to HIV infection or to aging. Despite this diagnosis, Robert has remained determined and is still able to live on his own and work on developing the InterQ Platform with the help of artificial intelligence to assist in his daily work and life, he will kick ass to the end lol.
Despite these challenges, Robert has continued to fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and to build the vision for InterQ. He has been a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, using his platform to promote positive representations of LGBTQ+ individuals and to bring attention to important issues affecting the community.
Robert’s legacy as DJ Speir and as a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+ community will continue to inspire future generations.
