The Islam, Hip Hop and Social Change debate took place at the Drum Arts Centre on the 26th February 2009. Panellists for the debate included Mecca 2 Medina, Poetic Pilgrimage, Lowkey MC and Shaikh Michael Mumisa. The debate was followed by a performance showcase headlined by Lowkey featuring all the artists who participated in the debate.

 

 

Arts Council England Director of Diversity Tony Paniyoutou opens up the debate.

 

 

The event attracted an audience of over 250 people including artists, venue managers, programmers and most importantly young people from both the Muslim and Non Muslim community.

 

 

Panellists debated the issue of the permissability of Music within an Islamic framework as well as some of the challenges facing Muslim artists working in the performing arts.

 

 

Lowkey MC addresses the audience on the subject of social change through music,

 

 

One of the highlights of the Islam, Hip Hop and Social Change debate was the high level of female participation both in the debate and performance programme but also in terms of audience numbers.

 

 

Lowkey MC headlines the post debate performance programme.

 

 

Outline of programme for the evening.