Island Beatz Returns
A free program for young unemployed Pacific Islanders aged 15-25 years old who are interested in a career in music, Island Beatz also encourages young people with an interest in contemporary Pacific Island music to participate. Island Beatz is run in partnership with TAFE, ICE and Granville Youth and Community Recreation Centre from March until June 2006.
“Over 20 young people participated in the first program, with many more having to be placed on the waiting list. It was the most successful music program we have run to date,” said ICE Director Lena Nahlous.
Photo: Island Beatz in the Switch studio, 2005
“As a Fijian-Australian hip-hop artist, I’m happy that there are programs providing young Pacific Islanders these opportunities. The first Island Beatz course was very successful with over 20 participants in the course and we had some really talented singers and rappers. I’m quite proud to be a part of this program again” said Course Coordinator and prominent hip-hop artist MC Trey.
“Through Island Beatz, I was able to learn more about hip-hop music and improve my song-writing and performance skills. It also helped boost my self-confidence and has provided me with paid performance opportunities” says course participant Ben Nitiva.
One of the successes of the program has been that the trainers and guest speakers are all established rappers, vocalists, DJs and producers, such as MC Trey and DJ Nick Toth, who have credibility within the Australian music industry.
Island Beatz 2 covers lyric-writing, creating music with computer software, DJing skills, recording, performance and intro to music business with a focus on traditional and contemporary Pacific Island music.
The program will run from both Granville Youth and Community Recreation Centre and ICE’s SWITCH Multimedia and Digital Arts Centre in Granville. Participants will finish the course with a CD of their original music and a TAFE Statement of Attainment. A CD launch is planned for June 23 at Granville Youth & Community Recreation Centre.
People wanting to participate can contact Information & Cultural Exchange on 9897 5744 or email info@ice.org.au.
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