U.S. Hip Hop Group

“The Vice Verse All Stars” Tour Lome

February 14-19, the U.S. Embassy hosted the “Vice Verse All Stars”, a U.S. Hip Hop group.  The group participated in a series social, cultural and educational programs in Lome. The visit, made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the Jazz at Lincoln Center entitled The Rythm Road: American Music Abroad, was a great success.

On February 15, group’s members (OMNI Blaize, Chris Rel, Denny Jackson and DJ Pretty NYCE) held a workshop with Togolese rappers at the American International School of Lome.  During the event, participants discussed the history of Hip Hop and listened to performance by Vice Verse. Several local artists including Eric MC, Ali Jezz, Dub' Flezz, Poundy Sisse, Small Poppy, Wedy and S-Jev attended the workshop.

The Vice Verse All Stars performed on the same stage the following day for local junior high and high school students. During the performance, the four members of “The Vice Verse All Stars” performed several songs influenced by legends De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, The Roots or Mary J. Blige.   They also performed new and exclusive songs before the enthusiastic audience.  Eric MC and the orchestra of the university also joined the “The Vice Verse All Stars” in performing famous and popular songs applauded by Ms. Jackson,  Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy, Lomé.

 OMNI Blaize, Chris Rel, Denny Jackson and DJ Pretty NYCE were once again on stage on February 17 during an open-air concert at the University of Lomé. Hundreds of students surrounded the stage for more than an hour, clapping their hands and singing together with the U.S. group.  Eric MC and the university band also joined Vice Verse during the performance.

“The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad” makes known American artists out of the U.S. territory. Each regional round lasts several weeks and includes teaching, concerts and professional workshops with local artists. Jazz at Lincoln Center is a not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to jazz and other urban kinds of music. Jazz at Lincoln Center advances a unique vision for the continued development of the art of music by producing a year-round schedule of performance, education, and broadcast events for audiences of all ages. As for “The Vice Verse All Stars”, the group is based in Bronx and Brooklyn and devotes itself to an urban music which conveys the passion of Hip-hop including rap, song, break-dance and beat-box.