Coming up from the streets and open mic sessions of London, Blak Twang built a strong underground following for himself in the UK and all over Europe. Being the first UK Hip-hop act to achieve national Top 40 success and a prestigious MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Award in the best UK Hip-hop Act category, he was ear marked as one to watch in 2001. Blak Twang rose to popular expectation by winning a KORA in the Most Promising Male Category, 3 UK Hip-hop awards and a nomination at the MOBO's for Best Hip-hop Act all in 2002/3. As a lyricist, producer and performer Blak Twang's acclaim on the streets and in UK Hip-hop as a whole is undeniable. As an icon for African Hip-hop artists in and out of Diaspora (being of Nigerian descent) his performance in South Africa is especially significant.

Nurtured in the UK's creative hub of Manchester, Finga thing is UK DMC finalist Peter Parker, and double bassist Sneaky, whose paths crossed when they played live for Rae and Christian almost five years ago. Since then they have released an EP, and two albums to critical acclaim, collaborated with Mr. Scruff, and most recently toured with the legendary DJ Shadow. But the duo's live set - an amalgamation of furious turntablism and bass plucking set against a montage of animated visuals - speaks most about their daringly experimental, refreshingly original and typically Manchester style!

Out of recently launched indie label Outrageous Records comes Johannesburg Hip-hop's most compelling force to reckon with. Zubz, an exceptional MC and producer, is one half of Afro-Soul/Hip-hop ambassadors Originz featuring on the label's soon to be released Expressions compilation. Combining his lyrical excellence with the first-rate turntablist expertise of DJ/producer Anti-Hero (Moodphase 5ive), the local contingent brings an equally gripping element to the show.

Placed all together on one stage all three acts produce an event yet to be witnessed anywhere in the world. That some of the three cities' finest urban musicians collaborate as such will expose South African audiences to the cutting edge of innovative British urban music as well as create international partnerships and long-term cultural links within this arena. 

Blak Twang is live in Cape Town at the Valve on Friday the 21st of March before joining Fingathing at Car fax in Johannesburg on the 22nd of March 2003 as part of their Southern African tour which includes performances in Mozambique, Mauritius, Botswana and Namibia. Tickets are available at the door.

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