Grand Slam Guest Performers

We have some incredible guest performers lined up for our WORD - The Front Line Grand Slam 2018, this Saturday 1st September, 7pm at the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall. These talented people are shaping the arts scene here in New Zealand, and we are really fortunate that they will joining us on stage this weekend. Be sure to get your tickets here so that you can watch some of New Zealand's hottest talent throw down!

​Introducing our guest performers for 2018:

DIGGY DUPE

​Inner City Diggy has been evolving in the underground with crew Kamo Collective over the years and then swiftly emerged onto the scene in 2017 with his weighty project K.O.T.I.C under Renaissance Music. He has opened up recently for international artist Wiki [USA] and undoubtedly has one of the most memorable '64 Bars' episodes via Redbull Studios. His recent single “The Hill” vividly depicts the life and issues surrounding the current changes within Inner City suburbs such as Grey Lynn and Ponsonby.

MELODOWNZ

​Melodownz’ hip-hop lyricist, Bronson Price, is an urban poet and artist raised in the phone line tangled village of Avondale, Auckland. Melodownz’ sound is shaped by a variety of local producers who honour his smooth melodies. His diverse style travels from hip-hop, reggae, G-funk and soul all accompanied by his punchy lyrics.

POETIK

Ventry Parker (POETIK SUSPEKT) born 23, March 1988 in Henderson, Auckland NZ, grew up for the better half of his life in Apia, Samoa.  As the son of a well-known Samoan entertainer, music has always played a major roll in his upbringing.  Though it wasn’t until his early teens that he discovered his unwavering passion for hip hop. As one of the founders of the Samoan hip hop scene and a member of the local group Vital Status, Poetik found an outlet from malicious circumstances through music. Raised between the villages of Upolu and the neighborhoods of South Auckland, the young rapper has now begun to establish himself in the hip hop community as an ambassador of his home, his people and his culture.  Alongside the immortal production of Ironmanny, Poetik brings forth a new as well as resurrecting an old style of the art. Staying true to his words and the teachings of his elders, he is a voice for all Polynesians. Check out the video above of Poetik winning Most Promising Artist at this year's Vodafone Music Awards!

TE KAHU ROLLESTON

Maori poet, spoken word performer, actor and battle rap artist Te Kahu Rolleston (Ngāi Te Rangi) won the National Poetry Slam Competition in 2014 and has since performed his work nationwide and Internationally, working particularly with youth, schools and community groups.