Aussie Battlers celebrate hip-hop

Robert Tinning practices some moves before the Aussie Battlers Survival Day on Australia Day, where artists will perform their demos and showcases among hip hop competitions and battles at theGoonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre. Jerad Williams

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IF YOU’LL be looking for a way to work off the damper and snags you’re bound to overdose on as part of Australia Day, then the Aussie Battlers event might be your saving grace.

Starting from noon at the Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre, the Aussie Battlers event will be a celebration of local hip-hop culture.

While hip hop has its roots in the sweltering heat of the Caribbean and the tough streets of New York City, the local interpretation of hip-hop culture is as Australian as it gets.

Mitch King, from Youth Connections North Coast, said anyone keen to find out about Australian hip hop was welcome to come and check out the action tomorrow from noon to 4pm.

“Aussie Battlers is celebrating its 10th year this year, which is quite an achievement for a local event of this size,” he said.

“We’re expecting 400 to 600 people to attend this big community event.”

Mr King said the showcase would feature “pop-locker” Enigma, local indigenous dancer and musician Dhinawan Dreaming and Nimbin’s own graffiti master Zac Bryce.

There will also be beat box, rapping and break-dance competitions to help you say goodbye to that extra damper or snag.