25 November,2021 11:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Shunashir Sen
Members of Bombay Lokal, a hip-hop crew performing at the event
Historically, hip-hop music has been aligned to social justice and causes ever since it was conceived in New York's Bronx borough in the 1970s, where artistes spoke out against the prejudice with which African-American people were treated. That same ethos will be celebrated at a gig in Mumbai this weekend, except that the concept of justice in this case will not be extended to human beings, but to animals. The event is called Cause for Paws, and it features a bunch of different rappers who will belt out tunes, with the profits being donated to World for All, an NGO that works towards ensuring a better life for stray dogs in the city.
Shahira Sunder
The different artistes on the line-up include Bombay Lokal, MC Azad, Jay Killa, Yeda Anna and Maze 022. Shahira Sunder from World for All tells us that the folks at artiste-management company Most Wanted Records, which handles many of these hip-hop musicians, approached her with the idea of hosting this gig in order to lend a hand. But it's mutually beneficial for the artistes too, since they have been starved of physical gigs ever since the pandemic hit. "It's almost like breathing a sigh of relief," says Bombay Lokal crew member Shaikhspeare about returning to the stage, adding, "Not being able to play live was frustrating and depressing. Some people were able to handle it, while others couldn't. We did do a couple of online shows, but the vibe you get at a physical gig is totally different."
Sunder adds that all the sale proceeds from the event will be donated to the NGO's rescue and ambulance programmes. They would host bar nights to raise funds before the pandemic as well. But this is the first time that they have included live music as part of the programming. So, catch the gig not just for the hip-hop music on offer, but to be part of an experience aimed at bringing justice to our canine friends.
On: November 26, 8 pm
At: Khar Social, Rohan Plaza, 5th Road, Khar West.
Call: 7506394243
Cost: Rs 299
