The Cypher Clash is a freestyle Hip Hop competition brought to you by The Effycom Group , that is designed to unearth the hidden talent of Zambia in the Hip Hop genre.
The aim is to not only showcase but educate and develop true Hip Hop talent and help maintain the essence of what it means to be a Hip Hop artist. The essence of Hip hop is to understand your struggle, your highs and lows in the journey of your life, your surroundings and the world at large; and vocalise it as a means of encouragement towards others and self expression. Hip hop is the movement that brings to light issues that are not normally addressed in society, the youth are susceptible to public opinion and the media, if there is no guiding voice to help them understand what it means to be in whatever situation they are in be it good or bad, without bias, and without judgment. Hip hop works as a vessel to reach out to vulnerable individuals and give them a true voice, it works as a platform to keep troubled individuals out of the arms of the law, and it provides a safe haven for them to feel free to express their opinions and thoughts and feelings. Hip Hop also serves as an asset to society if embraced well; many youth will be in a position to not only pursue their dreams as Hip hop artists and have thriving careers, but many more will be able to gain employment through the various positions the business has to offer behind the scenes.
The Cypher Clash has an experienced team with a combined over 30 years in the entertainment industry, with qualifications and experience in music, business, multimedia and marketing just to name a few. The team is geared to develop the contenders of the Cypher Clash and further spearhead the winning champion into having a successful career as a Hip Hop artist not only in Zambia but the rest of the world.
The Heats
The heats , which will take place at The Best Western Grand Hotel in Lusaka, are hosted by Sky Entertainment Hip Hop artist Klappa Heiz and Radio Phoenix DJ Roxy .There will be 3 heats in which the judges ; Slam Dunk Records CEO Duncan Sodala , So Good Entertainment CEO Lukundo Siwale and Effycom Productions Hip Hop Artist NANA, will decide the winner. Each judge offers a score out of 10 and the total is placed on the leader board. The leader board is used to determine the top scoring contenders who in turn get back in front of the judges after the first heat is complete, and the cycle continues with the top scorers on the leader board competing until the remaining 16 battle it out for their place in the quarter finals.
Quarter Finals
The 8 contenders who reach the quarter finals go through a couple of mentoring sessions with some special celebrity guests , these sessions are built to improve their self-esteem, improve their freestyle skills, as well as give them a better understanding of Hip Hop, and the music business. This time the leader board process is eliminated, and whoever wins their battle makes it through to the semi-finals
Semi Finals
The remaining 4 contenders, who qualify to the semi-finals, have an opportunity to battle with guest Hip hop artists to test their growth and freestyle ability. They will also have an opportunity to be tested on their understanding of the business side of the music industry and how to present themselves, through intense interviews for each of them conducted by a radio DJ that specializes in the Hip Hop genre on a live radio show. The points they receive from these tests will determine the contender that will have the option to choose who to battle with the two remaining mandatorily battling each other. The successful two move on to the finals with the remaining two battling it out for 3 rd and 4 th positions
Finals
The final two set to battle it out for the championship trophy, will go through a series of tasks. As part of their prize they will be releasing a single that will be marketed and distributed by Effycom Productions, this single will be written and recorded after the finale battle at their prize destination, London. The single is to be released on Monday the 12th Of December with digital pre orders made available at least 2 weeks prior to release, as fans will still be hot on the trail of the winner at that time. The finalists will also have the opportunity to be mentored on a one on one basis by an international Hip hop artist. They will also go on a promotional campaign on radio and TV. As finalists they will also get the opportunity to choose team supporters from the quarter-finalists giving them 3 team supporters who will assist in promoting them ( using the hashtag #ContendersnameTCC2016) as well as give them pointers and moral support all the way to the finale event.
[Heat 1] 3rd September 10am – 6pm 8:30am – 9:30am Registration 9:30am – 10am Entry into auditorium
[Heat 2] 17th September 10am – 3pm 9:30am – 10:30am Registration 10:30am – 11am Entry into auditorium
[Heat 3] 24th September 10am – 3pm 9:30am – 10:30am Registration 10:30am – 11am Entry into auditorium
[Quarter Finals] 8th October Red Carpet 2pm – 3:30pm, 3:30pm entry into auditorium, Show Time 4pm – 6pm
[Semi Finals] 15th October Red Carpet 2pm – 3:30pm, 3:30pm entry into auditorium, Show Time 4pm – 6pm
[Final] 22nd October Red Carpet 3pm – 4:30pm, 4:30pm entry into auditorium, Show Time 5pm – 7pm
The prizes
1st place – K10,000, feature interview and spread for the cover of The Global Zambian Magazine, travel to the UK with a recording and release of a single, shooting of video for the single all in the UK, 12 month management deal with Effycom Productions, 2 night stay at a Zambian holiday destination, merchandise, certificate and trophy.
2nd place – K5,000, interview in The Global Zambian Magazine, merchandise, certificate and trophy
3rd place – K2,000, merchandise, certificate and trophy
4th place – K 500, merchandise, certificate
For more information visit the official website :Â thecypherclash.com
