"Celebrating Africa is celebrating humanity."
So says South African rapper, dancer, author, teacher, and activist Emile Jansen.
Emile's story highlights the power of reaching high and creating an impact by staying grounded in yourself, your vision, your people, and the strings that run between all of us - even across countries and generations.
You can pre-order his book "Reconnect the String" here.
Emile YX? started b-boying (breakdancing) in 1982 & thus seen as a pioneer of South African Hip Hop. He founded Black Noise Hip Hop Group in 1988 and Heal the Hood Project in 1998, which won the Best Hip Hop Organization in 2010. As a qualified school teacher, he brought education into South African Hip Hop while also creating events like African Hip Hop Indaba, Battle of the Year South Africa, Shut Up Just Dance, African Battle Cry, Cape Flats Uprising, Surf Day, Up The Rock, Black Noise Anniversary and Freestyle Session. Emile was part of the 1997 South African break-dance team that won 3rd at the World Champs, Battle Of The Year. He has helped raise funds for more than 200 artists to travel to international events. He has recorded and released 13 albums with Black Noise, 12 solo Emile YX? Albums, 1 Afrikaaps soundtrack, featured on 9 compilation albums, 7 Heal the Hood compilation albums, and helped 6 local artists release their solo albums. He has written and performed in award winning plays like Afrikaaps, Ons Bou, Mixing It Up, Break & Stompie. He created South Africa’s first Hip Hop magazine “Da Juice” and wrote 14 books. He recently co-edited Neva Again with UCLA Professor H.Samy Alim & South African Professors Dr. Adam Haupt & Dr. Quentin Williams. He also initiated 3 books for Rhymes, Articles, Poetry, Short Stories and Sketches called R.A.P.S.S. He has taught & spoken at UCLA, Stanford, Harvard, University of San Francisco, Duke, NYC, Washington State University, Sacramento Teachers College, Trinity University, Gothenberg University, University of Cape Town & University of the Western Cape.
Emile was recently inducted into the South African Hip Hop Museums Hall Of Fame. He also won an Honorary Award & Ubuntu Award from the South African Hip Hop Awards. He also won the Lifetime Achievement Award from Iconic Urban Dance Awards, LeadSA Award, ETV South African Heroes Award, Mandela Monday Award, Arts & Culture Award for contributions to Literature & selected as the face of Moshito Music Conference. In 2020 he attained his International Breakdance Teachers Certificate.
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