Hip hop is a rhythmic and rhyming form of musical expression that originated with oppressed minority groups in the Bronx borough of New York City. Over the years, it has transcended specific racial and geographical boundaries to become a way of life, expressing generations of young people around the world. The metrical recitation of its lyrics was associated with messages of representation, with artists claiming their voice and the right to loudly express what they believed and stood for. As part of the European Soundroutes project, the Chios Music Festival is launching a series of activities to explore the world of hip hop music. The island’s young people, locals and refugees, will have the opportunity to take part in a workshop on versifying and producing hip-hop songs, led by Greek rap artist Eisvoleas. The culmination of the experience will be a live jam session where everyone will share what they have created during the workshop, both collectively and individually.

Contributors
Eisvoleas: Workshop leader
Billa Qause: Beatmaker, producer
Michalis Atsalis: Guitar
Christos Atsalis: Bass
Socrates Ganiaris: Drums

Soundroutes is an international initiative to promote the social inclusion of remote and marginalised communities by building cultural bridges through the powerful and universal language of hip hop music. The two-year project is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by the Asud Association, in cooperation with the organisations Marmaduke (Spain), Chios Music Festival (Greece) and De Koer (Belgium).