A Way Out of No Way: Hip Hop Roots, Culture & Community Building

Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Croatian born Phat Phillie, one of Europe’s most respected hip hop historians, cultural curators and community builders, as he takes us back to 1973 and the birth of hip hop. We’ll explore the pioneers & why archiving, protecting and honouring the culture matters now more than ever — while also offering real insight into how a non-indigenous culture can be nurtured and developed when people truly care about it.

In new landscapes, positive cultural movements can take time to grow — and too often great ideas fade under the pressure of resistance, misunderstanding, or slow change. A core part of Phillie’s story, and one that deeply resonates, is how he successfully helped embed music of Black origin into an entirely new environment. Phillie will share how he introduced hip hop to Croatia, at a time when there was little connection to Black music culture, and how passion, education, consistency and community-building created something lasting. His journey offers hope to smaller cities and emerging movements — from Belfast to Zagreb — proving that with belief, commitment and investment, world-class culture can thrive anywhere.

At its heart, hip hop has always been about creativity, resilience, innovation and community — values that connect deeply across every artistic discipline. Phillie brings these qualities to life through lived experience, rare knowledge, and the kind of cultural insight you can’t learn from a documentary alone.

This special event includes a Power Panel featuring Masterclass Vocal artist, coach & mentor Randolph Matthews, DJ, broadcaster and curator Kwame Daniels and international DJ, broadcaster, singer, songwriter, music producer, actress Sarah Harrison, followed by a hip hop-centred DJ set by Phillie for everyone to enjoy at Soultrane’s home of soul at room2. Rooted in origins, inspired by culture and a powerful reminder that honouring where it all began gives music the space to grow and thrive, here in Northern Ireland.

You may also be interested in these other separately ticketed events with Soultrane in Imagine! Festival:

• (Tuesday 24)
• (Wednesday 25)

About the artists:

Phat Phillie’s lifelong mission in hip-hop began in 1984, evolving from a fascination into a career that connects him with the culture’s global elite. After a formative 1991 stint in the U.S., he returned to Croatia to co-host the influential Blackout Rap Show, a cornerstone of the national scene, before moving to London to expand his international reach. A versatile DJ and journalist, Phillie has written for The Source and DJ Mag, interviewing legends like 50 Cent and DJ Premier. Recently, he co-founded the Balkan Loves Dilla non-profit and helped establish Fresh Island Festival, cementing his legacy as a premier curator who brings global hip-hop icons to Europe.

Sarah Harrison is an internationally respected DJ, broadcaster, and music industry professional with a career spanning radio, A&R, and cultural programming. Since 2012, she has held hosting roles with leading platforms such as Hot 97, BBC 1Xtra, and Rinse FM, conducting career-defining interviews with artists like Pop Smoke and Big Sean. Beyond broadcasting, Sarah has served as a UK consultant for Mass Appeal, contributing to high-profile A&R projects featuring Nas and Jorja Smith, and held senior curatorial roles at Audiomack and TIDAL. An accomplished live performer and TV personality, she has judged on Malta’s Brillanti Singers and played landmark venues ranging from Wireless Festival to opening for Chris Brown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Kwame Daniels is a vinyl loving DJ & Creative at heart but has fulfilled a range of responsibilities as an individual artist working in partnership with organisations within the public, private and community sectors. He is also the founder and CEO of Bounce Culture, a not-for-profit organisation that uses creative digital technology to aid personal development and skills training, primarily assisting people and communities facing disadvantage.

Spanning 20 years Kwa has amassed vast experience working alongside the likes of Emmy nominee Hannah Peel to critically acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Kaidi Tatham. Kwame has curated, produced, directed, and hosted events including projects with Radio 1 and MTV, impacting over 100,000 attendees across U.K, Ireland, Europe. He has led a team on the design, and production of Bounce Afrika, using Hip Hop culture to engage groups across Senegal, West Africa.

Kwame’s most recent venture, SoLab is a digital collaboration project with participants in Kenya.

Randolph Matthews is an internationally acclaimed jazz & soul singer, composer and performer, and the creator of Voice Movement Immersion. For over 25 years, he has worked around the world blending voice, movement and psychology to help people unlock deeper layers of expression, confidence, and presence.

His work supports artists, educators, soulful leaders and communities to step into their voice with power and authenticity — always guided by one purpose: Unlock the voice. Shift the room. Lead from resonance.

About Soultrane

Soultrane is Northern Ireland’s dedicated soul music festival and movement, celebrating music of Black origin through soul, jazz, funk and beyond. Rooted in community, culture and connection, Soultrane delivers live events, workshops that bring people & communities together and amplify authentic voices.

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