MEDIA RELEASE

2004 Artfiles directory hits the streets

Released 12 December 2004

Information and Cultural Exchange
PO Box 4033 Parramatta NSW 2124 Australia
T: +61(2) 9897 5744 / F: +61(2) 9897 5766

Western Sydney-based hip hop outfit, Black Symbol are three young performers from Ghana, who blend Ghanaian style hip hop in English and Akan to produce a unique and new Australian style of underground hip hop. They shared the stage with contemporary Afghan youth dance group RaFI and punk rockers, the Kitschettes celebrating the launch of the latest edition of the Artfiles directory yesterdays.

The energetic showcase of performances was the perfect setting to launch the 2004 edition of Artfiles—the most comprehensive arts directory of Western Sydney artists. Artfiles is synonymous with forging connections within the vibrant arts industry in Western Sydney.

The Showcase was managed by arts organisation, Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE), and sponsored by Penrith City Council and the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. It highlighted the dynamic cocktail of Western Sydney artists that are represented in the Artfiles directory and website.

“The Artfiles directory just keeps growing—this latest edition is the biggest yet and will continue to be a vital resource for the many people who take part in creative activities in the arts”, said organiser and Artfiles Program Manager, Mouna Zaylah

Black Symbol are Buma, Agyare and Aregradah and formed in 1997 following the popular movement of a unique style of hip hop in Ghana called Hip Life, by legendary rapper Reggie Rockstone. Ahyensode, which is Black Symbol in Akan, have used their Ghanaian influences as performers living in Australia to create their own unique style of Hip Life, called ASASE ASE Hip Life—meaning underground hip hop.

“We took what was happening in Ghana with Hip Life and made something unique of our own, a new style of underground hip hop Australia has never heard before”, said Buma, rapper with Black Symbol.

“With ASASE ASE Hip Life, a greater emphasis is put on the lyrical part of the music rather than the instrumental part. This initiative was taken to make people enjoy not only the beats but also the inspirational messages installed in our music”, added Buma.

The 2004 edition will be distributed throughout Western Sydney in January. Details of distribution outlets including libraries and councils will be available on the Artfiles website in January—www.artfiles.com.au

“Over 60% of artists listed in the Artfiles directory and website are from Indigenous, migrant, refugee and non-English speaking backgrounds and last year more than half of the artists benefited by being listed—either by gaining employment or exposure through the media”, said ICE Director, Lena Nahlous.

Artfiles is managed by the Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) a Western Sydney based arts & information organisation and is supported by NSW State Government-Ministry for the Arts, Bankstown City Council, Baulkham Hills Shire Council, Blacktown City Council, Blue Mountains City Council, Campbelltown City Council, Fairfield City Council, Hawkesbury City Council, Holroyd City Council, Liverpool City Council, Parramatta City Council, Penrith City Council, Wollondilly City Council, the AMWU, Webstar Print and 3D World

Media Enquiries: Linda Mirabilio ICE—P: 9897 5744 / M: 0408 774 800 / Email