Today POW! WOW! Rotterdam, the street art festival which will be held on 15 and 16 September at the Keilewerf in Rotterdam, adds a music line-up to their already stacked program. In addition to arts and sports, visitors can enjoy a fine selection of hiphop acts on an outdoor stage on Saturday 15 September. Popular Dutch rappers such as Sevn Alias and Pietju Bell will perform that day, alongside some surprising international acts.
In the early days of her career, the Flemish Coely already played as support act of greats like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole with her mix of grooves, vibes, singing and rap. Last summer, she and her band tore down many big festivals such as North Sea Jazz, Tomorrowland and Pukkelpop. What else would you expect with a debut album like Different Waters, which is just as good as it is diverse? In her show she mixes fierce raps with soulful singing vocals; the Rotterdam crowd can prepare for a dazzling headline show of this lady from Antwerp.
Also from Belgium: blackwave. With their jazzy keys and sensible raps, the Antwerp hip hop duo consisting of producer Willem Ardui and rapper Jaywalker, turned out to be one of Europe’s most promising acts, both live and in the studio. With their debut EP Mic Check they give nods to classics by J Dilla, D’Angelo and Mos Def. Live they share the stage with jazz musicians. Whoever says blackwave., says live music. Rock Werchter has already experienced it, now it’s up to Rotterdam. A must see!
Of course the Dutch hiphop scene gets a big spotlight during POW! WOW! Rotterdam. Sevn Alias will play a full set, just after the release of his new album Recasso, which will be out on August 31st. In the past three years his star never ceased rising while he scored hit after hit. Gass, Ma3lish, Kifesh, Turnen, Tempo, Patsergedrag, Pray For Job; the list goes on and on. The swinging single Seeka is a promising taste of his latest work and his shows at WOO HAH!, Lowlands and Pinkpop also underline his abilities on stage. Today was a good day, blow all that Seekaaaa!
The name Pietju Bell has been buzzing through the hip-hop scene for years. His debut single Als Je Wist Dan Je Weet (If You Knew Then You Know) immediately went gold and he already has performed on many big stages. On his brand new debut album Als ‘t Maar Lukt which was released in August, you get to know the man behind the artist. With his inimitable flows and fascinating use of street language combined with his semi-Brabant accent, Pietju is ready to push himself through to the final station definitively; the major league. POW! WOW! Rotterdam is the next stop.
The line-up is completed by a selection of the finest Rotterdam acts. Het Gezelschap is a new trio consisting of Jordy (De Likt), Diggy Rast (Brandwerk) and Juno Rissema, the night mayor of the city of Dordrecht. On paper that combination might look crazy, but those who already know these musicians, know this is going to be a unique and energetic experience.
The same applies to the show of the ever-rising Shagga Ranx, a name that is currently very popular at various underground venues in Rotterdam. Rightfully so, because his live shows are explosive.
That energy will be tempered by Philanthrope and DJ Splend, on behalf of the internationally renowned label Chillhop Music (headquartered in Rotterdam), a platform that offers you the best lofi hiphop, jazzhop and triphop in its own area at POW! WOW! Rotterdam! For those chill vibes you can go to restaurant Uit Je Eigen Stad between 12:00 and 18:00.
Rotterdam DJs Ray Escobar and Darryl Antunez (of The Scenario) take care of the decks during the afterparty and will also play tunes between the acts and DJs Dencho, Slimsalabiem and Deus will also provide music during the day. And 12 Volt collective Move around Sound will ride out their mobile sound system(s) for some genuine block parties on Saturday, traveling the routes to both festival areas!
The timetable will be published prior to the festival. You can check out tunes by our musical guests on the page presenting the full line-up of artists at POW! WOW! Rotterdam.
