Join the Department of Italian Studies for a unique event with one of Italy’s most influential hip-hop artists, Amir Issaa. A co-founder of the "Rome Zoo," Issaa helped form a collective of musicians that defined the rap scene in Italy and launched the careers of many artists.
Born in Rome to an Egyptian father and Italian mother, Issaa's work focuses on themes of identity, racism and the immigrant experience. Beyond music, he's a social activist, educator and writer who regularly holds rap writing workshops in schools, prisons, and colleges across the world.
In both his written and musical work, Issaa aims to foster awareness of the challenges faced by immigrants and all citizens affected by racism in his country. His first book, an autobiography called Vivo per questo (I Live for This) was published in 2017 and illustrates the challenges and dreams of the so called “second generation” in Italy.
In 2021 he released his second book, Educazione Rap (Rap Education), which situates rap as an important poetic and linguistic exercise as well as a shared experience across borders.
At the event Issaa speak about Vivo per Questo. Following a question and answer session, he will perform in concert.
When & Where
Thursday, February 2, 2023
5:45 - 8:30 pm
Father Madden Hall, Carr Hall, 100 St. Joseph Street, Toronto
Sponsors
- Department of Italian Studies
- Istituto Italiano di Cultura
- Centre for Diaspora & Transnational Studies
Register
This event is free, but advanced registration is required.