Author Archive
Peace Jam, What’s That?
Over the past few days, we’ve been getting alot of emails asking what this so called Peace Jam is. People hear that 8-time Grammy winner Lauryn Hill’s coming, that we have poets from HBO’s Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam showing up, winners of Apollo Theatre Night making an appearance, Jain beatboxers dropping a beat, etc. But what does that have to do with our conference and how does hip hop relate to Jain dharma?
Hip Hop was founded upon the principles of non-violence. Back in the late 1970’s, the hip hop culture grew out of the social injustice that was placed on minorities in the rising New York urban community. Instead of in-sighting violence, leaders such as DJ Kool Herc setup block parties to bring the suppressed communities together. These block parties served as a gathering of like minded individuals to express themselves through the arts.
The Peace Jam as a result is utilizing the core principles of hip hop combined with a conscious and purposeful overtone to bring light to our theme: Peace Through Dialogue. Hip hop now has a prominent role in the music industry, the fashion industry, the arts, in education, and in many other aspects of life. What better way to show how non-violence can bring upon some real change in life?
To see Ms. Lauryn Hill and other artists perform at the Peace Jam, sign up for the evening social activities when registering for the Jaina conference.
Beatboxer, DJ | Deepen Shah
Our very own Jain beatboxer and DJ, Deepen Shah utilized his skills to drop beats and full songs. He’s been a heart-throb to many of the young ladies at YJA, and he’s become even sexier now that he carries around a guitar. Expect to see Deepen perform on his own and in collaboration with other artists.
To see Deepen and other artists perform at the Peace Jam, sign up for the evening social activities when registering for the Jaina conference.
Poet, Producer | Q-Boogie aka Da Poet
Chosen by Tavis Smiley (formerly of BET) to host the poetry section of the very first Youth to Leaders National Summit which aired on C-Span and performing for Russell Simmons personally at HBO Def Poetry Jam, Q-Boogie is a political activist that uses his words as his platform. He has helped form the Polygon Group, a music publishing & production company and is currently working on an upcoming mix tape with legendary DJ Green Lantern.
To see Q-Boogie and other artists perform at the Peace Jam, sign up for the evening social activities when registering for the Jaina conference.
Def Poet | George Watsky
2006 Youth Speaks Grand Slam Poetry Champion, George Watsky comes out swinging bare-knuckled on issues of politics, class hierarchies, and schoolyard etiquette. He has written a 70 page book entitled Undisputed Backtalk Champion is his bold step into unspoken word.
To see George and other artists perform at the Peace Jam, sign up for the evening social activities when registering for the Jaina conference.
Def Poet | Flowmentalz
Master of Personification, Dubber of Duct Tape Poetry, An all around Cool Frickin’ Guy. Flowmentalz appeared on multiple seasons of HBOs Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry.
To see Flowmentalz and other artists perform at the Peace Jam, sign up for the evening social activities when registering for the Jaina conference.
Def Poet | Gemineye
Christopher Kuretich a.k.a. Gemineye has taken the poetry world by storm! A 2002 finalist at the world renowned Nuyorican Poets Café in New York, a 2002 finalist at Serengeti Plains in New Jersey- he would soon hold the title of Grand Slam Champion in New Jersey and become a member of the 2002 New Jersey National Slam Team. Gemineye would reaffirm his position atop the Slam circuit in New Jersey with a repeat performance earning him a second year as the Grand Slam Champion for 2003 and earning him another spot on the 2003 New Jersey National Slam Team. You can catch Gemineyes most recent television appearance on the third, fourth, and fifth seasons of HBOs Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry.
To see Gemineye and other artists perform at the Peace Jam, sign up for the evening social activities when registering for the Jaina conference.
Emcee, Poet | Bejoy Philip ft. Frontlynaz
About 10 states and 3 countries have already been impacted by the gifted, slick, edgy, and witty flow of Bejoy Philip. Bro. Wize, is called to motivate this generation to become living billboards that convey one simple message…”I’ve made successful decisions”. His goal is not only to motivate but to transform his listeners. By leveraging his academic, professional, and leadership experience, Wize wants to see an uprising of young leaders that will transform the marketplace and the community. With an ability to relate to teens and young professionals across various cultures, Bro. Wize is a positive influence in today’s pop & hip hop culture. Currently, he works for a fortune 500 financial services company as an internal consultant and process lead. He is President and rap artist for Frontlynaz Inc. (www.frontlynaz.com) and serves as Director of Chi Alpha young adult ministries in Newark. His passion is to see you walk in the purpose you were created for and achieve more than what you have expected. Wize has been privileged to communicate this message of power and purpose in various schools, conferences, and churches spanning 10 different states. Crossing international borders, he has also been privileged to speak in South America, West Indies, and Africa. He is a speaker, rap artist, teacher, but more importantly, a man that has a heart for teens and young professionals. Join Bro. Wize in unfolding wisdom that will change the course of your life.
To see Bejoy and other artists perform at the Peace Jam, sign up for the evening social activities when registering for the Jaina conference.
About Jain Diaries
Jain Diaries is a blog by YJA about Peace, Compassion, and having a good time. Written and edited by youth just like you. Enjoy!