Pitch Unveils Lineup for Scotland's Premier Hip Hop Meet Up

Glasgow, Scotland – Pitch, the internationally acclaimed convention celebrating hip hop and underground culture, has just announced an expanded roster of speakers and artists for their highly anticipated weekend event. Set to take place across multiple Glasgow venues, including Saint Lukes, Many Studios, and the Drygate Brewery, on August 19th and 20th, 2023, this gathering promises an immersive experience for music enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

Among the newly revealed participants are some truly inspiring figures. LaJoyce Brookshire, a renowned publicist who has represented legends such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and The Notorious B.I.G, joins the lineup. Also in attendance will be Divine Tasinda, the Glasgow-based dance sensation featured on Netflix's hit show Dance10. Additionally, Mae Diansangu, a captivating Black spoken word artist hailing from Aberdeen, will grace the stage with her thought-provoking performances.

Pitch received an overwhelming response to their callout for artists, with over 100 applications pouring in. Four talented Scottish acts have been selected to perform at the live showcase on August 19th, including Lamaya, a Nigerian-Scottish artist, and Oakzy B, a grime MC from Calton. Meanwhile, an international showcase on August 20th will feature Ogun from Wales, Theolodge from the USA, and Canada's own Kxng Wooz. These artists will receive development grants of £500 from the PRS Foundation, in addition to performance fees, delegate passes, and mentoring sessions.

Taking place over an entire weekend for the first time, Pitch aims to create a vibrant platform for artists and industry professionals at all stages of their careers. The convention will provide networking opportunities, educational sessions, and a platform to showcase talent and ideas from Scotland and beyond.

The impressive lineup doesn't stop there. LaJoyce Brookshire, an accomplished seven-time bestselling author, will bring her expertise and experience to the event. Her recent book, "Women Behind The Mic: Curators of Pop Culture Volume One," delves into the stories of influential women who have shaped the music industry.

Joining her on the stage will be Divine Tasinda, whose unique fusion of street dance and African movements has gained global recognition. Tasinda will participate in a panel discussion titled "Celebrating Scotland," alongside Vagrant Real Estate, an Aberdonian DJ/producer, Sanjeev Mann, host of the Hip Hop Scotland podcast, and Bee Asha Singh, co-director of the Spit It Out Festival.

Above: Ace Vision will be playing at the festival.

Spoken word artist Mae Diansangu, known for her profound performances in both English and Doric, will curate and host Pitch's spoken word program. Accompanying her will be Andrew 'Ace' Bamusi, a member of the esteemed jazz collective Modernistic and an advocate for anti-racism and mental health education, as well as Tawona Sitholé, an artist-facilitator known for his contemporary style blending traditional Zimbabwean mbira, spoken word, creative writing, and drama.

Other notable speakers include Sunjay Kohli, founder of AAA Pass and associate editor of Nation of Billions, who brings a wealth of experience in artist campaigns and label services. Donna Boyd, a photographer, promoter, broadcaster, and activist, will share her personal journey showcasing the transformative power of hip-hop culture. Kezia Racher, a founder of Help Musician's Music Minds Matter, and Frances McAvoy, co-manager of rising Edinburgh artist Joell, will also provide valuable insights into recovery and well-being within the music industry.

With the release of the successful artist callout applicants and additional program announcements on the horizon, Pitch 2023 promises to be an

explosive gathering of talent and industry expertise. The convention continues to attract influential voices from around the world, fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth within the hip hop and underground culture scene. Stay tuned for further updates as Pitch prepares to elevate the Scottish music landscape to new heights.

Showcase tickets priced £10 and free day passes are available athttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pitch-scotland-2023-scotlands-conference-of-hip-underground-culture-tickets-655745661927?aff=oddtdtcreator