A rap org is using hip-hop to steer the youth in the right direction.
The term “banat” has a negative connotation, especially in the hip-hop scene. This is because it refers to beating someone to death. But the rap org BANAT is trying to put a positive spin on the word with a series of events.
“Kasi sa Tondo may pagka-negative yung salitang ‘banat’? Pag sinabi mo yun, may meaning siya na may gagawin kang masama sa tao. Banatan mo siya, banatan natin siya. Pero kino-convert namin meaning niya. Para sa’min, pag sinabing ‘banat,’ ibig sabihin ipakita mo talent mo,” says Apollo, one of the organizers.
According to the organizers, the hip-hop event will have three legs. First on August 27 is Banat Banat II: Word Against Violence. This will be an open mic session and rap contest.
On August 30, they will showcase talents from London, Manila, and Tokyo at Mow’s, Matalino, Quezon City. Acts like Hibari (Japan) and Ooberfuse (UK) will take part. It will also serve as an avenue to show off Tondo’s hip-hop talents.
“Mga bago sa rap music na kailangan mapakinggan yung gawa. Ipakita na may talent sila, para makaiwas sa trouble na dala ng kapusukan ng bata ngayon. Mabuti nang nagpo-focus sila sa music kesa maging laman ng kalye,” Apollo says.
BANAT to encourage kids to get into music
Apollo says that rap and hip-hop are great avenues for expression.
“Yung rap, napakalaya ng form niya para mag-express. Kaya kung may galit ka man kung kanino, kesa pisikal, gawin mo siyang lirikal.”
The organizers say their aim is to encourage the youth to channel their emotions into music. They also want to show kids that there are other, more productive things they can do with their time.
“At the same time, ang target namin ay mabigyan pa ng choices ang kabataan ngayon. Na hindi porket lalaki ka, basketball, at pag babae, volleyball. Eh paano kung ‘di ka naman marunong at paano kung puno yung court? Saan ka na pupunta? Computer shop, eh paano kung puno din? Kalye na. At hindi lahat ng pwede mong matutunan sa kalye ay mabuti,” Apollo says.
For him, making music is the best option.
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“So nagbibigay kami ng option sa pamamagitan ng ginagawa namin. Bakit di nila i-try na gumawa ng music?” Apollo says.
Featured Image Daniella Sison
