Married to music...British Born Palestinian Shadia Mansour, delivers her luxurious, velvet voice, both mournful and mesmerizing, over Arabic phrases of loss, longing, struggle and life. She is as authentic as the heavily-embroidered thawb she wears whilst performing live.
Shadia has independently become one of the leading female Arabian MC's worldwide. Her natural, flawless ability to switch between rapping and singing is rapidly becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Shadia started singing at the tender age of 5 years old, appearing on various Arabic, British and American TV and radio shows. She is currently working on her highly anticipated album (yet to be titled) featuring many of the top producers of the industry. She has also been featured on tracks with “The X-Vandals”, DAM (Palestinian Rap group), Olkinary (French Rapper) and many more…Shadia has opened up for Busta Rhymes and Mobb Deep at the Palladium Club in New Rochelle, NY. Last summer, Shadia toured the US and received a tremendous welcome in Chicago, Milwaukee, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Shadia also took part in the Annual Pre Black August Concert in NYC with DJ Johnny Juice (Public Enemy) alongside her, giving her performance an authentic New York touch. Learn more about Shadia online
Mazzi, from Jersey City, New Jersey, has been performing since 1995. He has opened for artists such as Eminem, G-Unit, Black Eyed Peas, Big Pun, RUN DMC and many more. Initially performing and recording with The Ancients, Mazzi is currently part of S.O.U.L. (Sense Of Understanding Life’s) Purpose. From May 2009-August 2010, Mazzi traveled to Palestine & Israel for humanitarian work. He brought medical supplies & conducted workshops, talent shows, & live performances for the youth in refugee camps. A documentary, Peace In The Middle East, recorded the experience and a follow-up album complimenting the documentary is in the works. Mazzi writes, “Social activism is the backbone of S.O.U.L. Purpose! Let’s keep the movement going for our communities, people, & children! Thank you for the support! PEACE & LOVE…”
G.O. could be described by the saying "last of the Mohicans". Thats because G.O. is an MC in the truest 'hip hop' sense of the term as well as being versatile and flexible enough to adapt to changing musical tastes as trends come and go.
G.O..'s rap style is lyrical, raw and energetic, paying homage to past and present while keeping an eye on the future. G.O. has released 2 albums on Universal Records, PITCH BLACK LAW (2004) and REVENGE (2007) with his group PITCH BLACK as well as three mixtapes. His first solo mixtape Amen was released in 2008 and his newest mixtape GameOverDose will be released this spring.G.O has worked with the likes of Foxy Brown to Busta Rhymes, opened up for Jay Z and others throughout the years.
G.O. has always also spoken out about the oppressed people including Palestine, he has worked with the Palestinian organization EIR and has worked with Shadia Mansour and Lowkey since 2009 from tracks to shows.
With music that reflects his outlook on life,G.O. talks about the Streets, politics,relationships (personal and business) as well making room to rock the party, G.O. has something for everyone with much more to come.
Since the dawn of hip-hop, different types of DJs have scratched and mixed their way into our collective souls…from battle, to radio, club and mix tape DJ’s. Some names may escape you, and others you’ll always remember…Vega Benetton: the ultimate DJ, who instills a raw and uncompromised sound back into Hip Hop music. His name is one you’ll never forget.
This native New Yorker and Harlem representative reminds us all that DJ-ing is not a lost art. Vega heightens our expectations of creativity, by resurrecting the lost elements of DJ-ing, such as scratching, mixing, and taking the crowd to the pinnacle of the hip-hop experience.
In 2008/2009, Vega was an intricate part of numerous tours, ranging from shows in Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Angola) to the Middle East (Palestine & Israel).
AOK (Assault Of Knowledge) has performed at Nextfest, Edmonton Poetry Festival, Hip Hop in the Park and Scribble Jam. His debut album, If You Don’t Buy This CD the Terrorists Win, received international acclaim from music critics, who praised it for its edginess and wit. His second book and album, Q Without U, combined children's literature with adult-oriented hip hop.
Self proclaimed "Neighbourhood Hope Dealer" Cousin, released his debut album Martyr's Circus in 2011, an album he was forced to complete between a Fire evacuation centre and an Edmonton hotel room while wildfires ravaged through his home town of Slave Lake. Influenced by "real life", Cousin has released two music videos for "Champion Song" and "Rise" which reflect his beliefs, his passion and his direction as an artist. Sinners, Saints and Superheroes, his sophomore release, is expected to drop later this year.
Edmonton based people’s poets are two Edmonton emcees and a DJ who rap about social justice issues, local and global. Representing their refugee roots from Chile this hip-hop collective mix rhymes about life experiences with social and political commentary. Influenced by Latin American folk and protest music as well as hip-hop, people’s poets bridge the social element of these genres in order to raise awareness of social issues and inspire others particularly youth to become involved in their communities. Performing regularly at a variety of festivals, cultural events and international conferences, people’s poets combine music and action for social change and community building. Aside from lending their voice and support to a variety of community groups and initiatives, people’s poets also offer workshops on hip-hop, art and resistance, and tools for expression. Collaborating organizations include the Centre for Race and Culture, I-Human youth Society, Youth Emergency Shelter Society, Change for Children, John Humphrey Centre for Human Rights, and the Workers Health Centre. Visit people's poets' website
Nathan Deisman aka DJ Deis is a civil engineer and is currently working as a Research Engineer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering an the University of Alberta. He has been a volunteer board member with Humanserve International since 2007.
DJ Deis will be providing entertainment during the afternoon bazaar.
Tickets can also be purchased at the Box Office or by calling 780-409-1910
* Note: The Evening Concert is mostly Standing General Admission with limited seating available
on a first-come-first-served basis. The concert is for adults and youth aged 15 or older.
Mazzi, from Jersey City, New Jersey, has been performing since 1995. He has opened for artists such as Eminem, G-Unit, Black Eyed Peas, Big Pun, RUN DMC and many more. Initially performing and recording with 
G.O. could be described by the saying "last of the Mohicans". Thats because G.O. is an MC in the truest 'hip hop' sense of the term as well as being versatile and flexible enough to adapt to changing musical tastes as trends come and go.
Since the dawn of hip-hop, different types of DJs have scratched and mixed their way into our collective souls…from battle, to radio, club and mix tape DJ’s. Some names may escape you, and others you’ll always remember…Vega Benetton: the ultimate DJ, who instills a raw and uncompromised sound back into Hip Hop music. His name is one you’ll never forget. 
AOK (Assault Of Knowledge) has performed at Nextfest, Edmonton Poetry Festival, Hip Hop in the Park and Scribble Jam. His debut album, 
Self proclaimed "Neighbourhood Hope Dealer" Cousin, released his debut album
Edmonton based people’s poets are two Edmonton emcees and a DJ who rap about social justice issues, local and global. Representing their refugee roots from Chile this hip-hop collective mix rhymes about life experiences with social and political commentary. Influenced by Latin American folk and protest music as well as hip-hop, people’s poets bridge the social element of these genres in order to raise awareness of social issues and inspire others particularly youth to become involved in their communities. Performing regularly at a variety of festivals, cultural events and international conferences, people’s poets combine music and action for social change and community building. Aside from lending their voice and support to a variety of community groups and initiatives, people’s poets also offer workshops on hip-hop, art and resistance, and tools for expression. Collaborating organizations include the Centre for Race and Culture, I-Human youth Society, Youth Emergency Shelter Society, Change for Children, John Humphrey Centre for Human Rights, and the Workers Health Centre. 
Nathan Deisman aka DJ Deis is a civil engineer and is currently working as a Research Engineer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering an the University of Alberta. He has been a volunteer board member with Humanserve International since 2007.
