The second edition of the “On the Grind” exhibition kicked off Friday October 25 at Alliance Éthio-Française.
On the Grind 2019 is the 2nd edition of a free annual 3-week focus/festival to celebrate youth subculture in Ethiopia through the promotion of values such as diversity, fun, freedom and self-expression. The event aims to inspire the youth to take pride in their own uniqueness, develop a shared youth identity within society’s dominant culture as well as foster understanding, respect and peace building across diversity.
On the Grind is supported by the Embassy of France, the Embassy of Canada, the European Union Delegation and the Embassy of Spain.
On the Grind will feature a diversity of events over three weeks.
October 25: Opening of a 3-week art exhibition featuring four artists/collectives selected from an open call for artists.
October 30: Afro-Cosmic Concert – Faizal Mostrixx & Susan Kerunen (Uganda): a bold and pulsating musical project fusing ancient influences from central Luo culture with hypnotic electronic beats.
November 1-3: “Game Jam”: a 48-hour Gamer Hackathon to develop a subculture-inspired game. Open to all, on registration only.
November 6: A night of subculture documentary screenings: “Africa Riding” & Premiere of Ethiopia Skate Tour film.
November 8: Live electro sets, featuring Kira (Ethiopia), Tinnish&Tillik (Ethio-Canada) and headline performance tropical electro riddims by Poirier & Face T. (Montréal, Canada).
November 9: A day showcasing hip-hop culture through music, breakdancing, graffiti, skateboarding, fashion, and food. Ethiopian artists selected from a call for artists will share their talents: music, installations, visual arts, games, urban marketplace, skateboarding & food. The day will culminate with a headline performance by BCUC, a seven-piece afro-psychedelic band from Soweto (South Africa).