Join us for a captivating panel discussion as we delve into the meteoric rise of hip hop and the role of digital platforms like YouTube in supporting its global evolution.  Witness firsthand how this once underground culture has moved from community block parties to million views, captivating audiences and building new artists across the US and Australia. Our esteemed panel of artists and industry experts will explore the evolution of hip hop, its influence on society, and the exciting future that lies ahead. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into the heart and soul of this groundbreaking musical movement.

SXSW Track: Music | Culture Society & Media

Moderator:
Melanie Silva, Managing Director and Vice President, Google Australia and New Zealand
Mel Silva is the VP and Managing Director for Google Australia and New Zealand. She is responsible for ensuring the organisation delivers on Google’s mission for users and the community, supporting the amazing teams in both countries, and overseeing the work it does across sales, partnerships and platforms to help businesses grow.

Panelists:
Annabelle Herd, CEO, Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)
Annabelle is the CEO of ARIA and PPCA. She came to the music industry in February 2021 following a 16-year career in television at Network 10 where she most recently held the role of Chief Operating Officer looking after a range of functions including operations, corporate and government affairs, and strategy.

BWise, Sydney-based Nigerian Australian Rapper
Since breaking onto the scene in 2013, B Wise has been praised as one of Australia’s most important voices. He has toured with international stars Amine, Larry June, Schoolboy Q, Vince Staples, Freddie Gibbs, G-Eazy, Jay Rock and performed at Splendour In The Grass, Laneway Festival, Listen In (NZ) and Groovin The Moo. In 2024 B Wise was selected as one of 50 global artists for Youtube’s ‘Fifty Deep Class of 2024’.

Vyvienne Alba, Hip Hop Advisory Committee, ARIA and Music Agent
Vyvienne Abla is a director and executive producer with two decades of local and international experience. In 2007 she founded Vyva Entertainment, an organisation dedicated to empowering artists by integrating industry, education and community through hip-hop and music culture. In 2015 she launched the 4Elements HipHop Project, the only festival and conference of its kind nationally.

Hau Latukefu, Hip Hop Musician and Triple J Radio Host
Hau Latukefu is a cultural leader, media presenter, mentor, author, and lifetime musician. With 30 years of writing and performing under his belt, a former presenter of the triple j Hip Hop Show, current radio presenter on ABC’s Double J and Radio Australia, a record label director and now a published author, Hau has lived on all sides of the performing arts worlds.

Please register your interest to attend today!

If you'd like to learn more about NSW House and our program at SXSW Sydney visit www.nsw.gov.au/sxsw-sydney

Please note: priority access into NSW House will be given to SXSW Sydney 2024 badge and wristband holders. Registration to this session does not guarantee entry.