In August of 2010 Amina, Coolout Chris, and Ang13, three grassroots hip-hop artists from Chicago, were selected as United States Cultural Envoys by the U.S. Department of State. Representing the ‘Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative’ an artist collective, these artists visited 7 regions of the West African nation of Cote d’Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) performing, conducting workshops, and initiating dialogue on the many ways hip-hop can be used to promote and affect progressive social change. What follows is a cultural exchange, that changes everyone’s life forever! The American’s don’t speak French. Most of the Ivorians they meet don’t speak English, but fortunately for everyone they all speak HIP-HOP!
In her directorial debut, Nigerian-American writer, performing artist, and hip-hop activist, Amina Norman-Hawkins, also stars in the film. Amina has spent the past 15 years as an active member of Chicago’s hip-hop community. She is now half of the production and performance duo ‘Urbanized Music’, Executive Director of Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative, and Co-Founder of both Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month, & the ‘B-Girl Power’ movement. She is a community organizer, mentor, and respected national voice on women in hip-hop, and the progressive local urban arts movement in Chicago.
The film also stars Chicago based producer, emcee, dj, and activist ‘Coolout’ Chris Hawkins, who is the other half of the Urbanized Music production duo, as well as Music Director for Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative; And producer, emcee, b-girl, graffiti artist, and entrepreneur Angela ‘Ang13’ Zone.
Keep It Moving-The Movie chronicles Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative’s 2-week tour of Cote d’Ivoire where they were hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan. Completely shot with 2 Flip HD video recorders, and 2 smart-phones, this independently produced documentary showcases hip-hop artists and local music from around Cote d’Ivoire, and takes audiences on a road trip like no other. From a weaving village cooperative, to a night club where hip-hop isn’t allowed, to helping inspire a whole cultural movement… These 3-artists wind up affecting more change than anyone could have ever imagined.
For more information and to watch the movie visit www.keepitmovingthemovie.info or www.urbanizedmusic.com