Hip hop, Islam and Youth event

A screening of hip hop documentary Don’t Panik! and a public debate on the role of hip hop in the lives of young Muslims are highlights of the Hip Hop, Islam and Youth event from 5 to 7 May.

Hosted by the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI) in partnership with the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) Youth Branch (ICV ACTIVATE), the event aims to explore why hip hop has been an avenue for many Muslims to express their faith and identity in the current political context.

The documentary screening and debate will be held at the State Library of Victoria on Friday 6 May and will feature Keira Maameri, director of Don’t Panik!; Médine, a French rapper featured in the documentary;and Professor Farid El Asri, a renowned academic from the University of Rabat in Morocco and the University of Saint Louis in Brussels.

Dr Virginie Andre, Research Fellow at ADI, explained that hip hop is often misunderstood.

“It has the power to divide but, more importantly, it can also unite disparate societies,” Dr Andre said.

“Some people perceive hip hop as segmenting and sometimes assimilated to extremism, but it has, in fact, a significant healing capacity that no other medium has. The story telling role of hip hop, in particular, creates safe spaces for youth expression and provides a platform to discuss issues without taboos.

“Hip hop has empowered many young Muslims across the globe and this event will provide an insight as to why this has occurred.” 

Hip Hop, Islam and Youth event

Day 1: Thursday 5 May
9am– 7pm, Darebin City Council Youth Centre in Reservoir
Song writing workshop with youth from the City of Darebin featuring Médine and facilitated by Dr Virginie Andre and Professor Anita Harris from ADI.

Day 2: Friday 6 May
6.30 – 9.30pm, State Library of Victoria
Screening of one-hour documentary Don’t Panik! followed by one-hour public debate featuring Médine, director Keira Maameri, and Professor Farid El Asri. Bookings required via Eventbrite.

Day 3: Saturday 7 May
All day, Decibel Recording Studio at the Darebin Youth Centre in Reservoir
Song writing workshop with Medine, Dr Andre and Professor Anita Harris (ADI).