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Story: Jack Foley
HIP-HOP icons, Public Enemy, have confirmed that they will headline
this year's respect anti-racist festival, the largest in
Europe, which takes place at the Greenwich Dome, from noon, on
Saturday, July 19.
Public Enemy, whose most recent release is Revolverlution, have
been touring Europe this year and are widely regarded to be one
of hip-hop's key acts.
Their appearance at this year's respect continues the festival's
tradition of featuring hip-hop legends.
Last year's event was headlined by De La Soul, while Run DMC
performed in 2001.
Much of Public Enemy's current activity now focuses on the power
of music and the internet to educate and inform.
Public Enemy leader, Chuck D, was also involved in a hip-hop
summit in 2001, which looked at the increasing problem of hip-hop
related violence in America.
Public Enemy will be joining Panjabi MC, the acclaimed Un-Cut,
as well as Rhythm Dohl + Bass, Sunship, Gregory Isaacs, Heartless
Crew, JJC & the 419 Squad and Est'elle.
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The respect festival is organised by Mayor, Ken Livingstone,
in conjunction with the National Assembly Against Racism and the
TUC South East Region.
It will be a unique opportunity to see Public Enemy perform for
free, and in the unique surroundings of the Dome.
This year's festival is dedicated to the memory of Stephen Lawrence,
who was murdered in a racist attack 10 years ago.
respect is a free event and will include a wide range of music,
performance and children's activities, as well as food and drink
stalls and information about trade unions, voluntary groups, charities
and community organisations.
The stages will include: the respect (main) stage; Choice FM
stage; Sunrise Radio Mela stage; World Dance stage; Comedy Dome
(programmed by the London Comedy festival); Urban Music stage
(young and unsigned rappers/hip hop); Decibels/Continental Drifts
stage (Arts Council sponsored jazz, hip hop and dance young performers);
Big Cuba Salsa stage; Roots stage; Dub stage.
There will also be exhibitions sponsored by the London Development
Agency and National Assembly Against Racism; London Borough of
Greenwich exhibition and entertainment area; children's area and
funfair
respectweek runs from July 12-19 and will include a film
festival, music, theatre and other arts events; community
and borough based activities; children's and educational programming.
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