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9II5 XV - 15 YEARS OF FUNK

9II5 XV (15) is a celebratory milestone marking 15 years of 9II5 events, characterized by a retrospective look at all the moments; from the stage to the floor.

9II5, a Durban music event, has been a staple in the city in terms of curating wind down spaces for the working class urban audience, spaces that speak to the undying cultural and creative energy that only matures with time. The friendships, partnerships and life-long connections that have been created at 9II5 sessions are testament to the central ethos of the event’s concept; a networking space with a musical backdrop.

As 9II5 has recently expanded its event operations to Johannesburg, it is only fitting to kick off the 15th year celebrations in the city of gold with a potent dose of Durban hip hop energy, returning to the concept’s roots.

The event will essentially be a curated tapestry of visual and sonic elements, with 9II5 promotional artwork and photography on display in support of a musical trip anchored by the resident DJs and 3 giants of various eras of Durban Hip Hop, signifying the 15years in 5 year intervals;

9II5 XV featuring… CELESTIAL MIC | RAHEEM KEMET | MANELIS

Supported by the 9II5SoundSystem (RobthaBanka, 2DaXha,ThandaManJones)

SUN 27 APRIL 2025

3PM

COLLECTORS COLLECTIVE RECORD BAR(1 Albert Str. Albertville, Johannesburg)

R120 [pre-sale] | R150 [door]

Limited Parking, Ehailing encouraged.

MANELIS:

Manelis is not just rapping, he’s translating atmospheres. A veteran of the Durban hip-hop scene since the mid-90s, he blends Zulu language, literature, and street wisdom into a sonic form that’s equal parts social commentary and spiritual transmission.

Refusing formula and forsaking industry pressure, his approach is intimate, hand-built, and often abstract. His sound feels local without limits, rooted in township realities, yet floating somewhere in the surreal.

The Mail& Guardian described Manelis’ music as “A lush portal of Afrofuturism… not just music, but atmosphere”. He has also toured extensively in Europe alongside Jitzvinger, Gran Kino and Burni Armani as UMS (Under Madiba Skies), in addition to standout local performances as a memeber of Soul Earthnix at Black August (2001) alongside Talib Kweli, Jeru The Damaja and DeadPrez and at Imbumba (2003) alongside Swedish hip hop outfit Looptroop.

Check out Manelis’ sounds;

https://youtu.be/SFhsUoZq9jY?si=tCWt6x36m2fSNgdX

https://music.apple.com/za/album/aircuts/1443578672

RAHEEM KEMET:

A seasoned Durban Stalwart in the true sense, Raheem Kemet is a South African songwriter, poet, Rapper, Vocalist, beatboxer, entrepreneur and an acclaimed lyricist with over 16 years in the music industry – backed by an artist arrangement with Sony Music Africa from 2017 till 26 Feb 2022.

Youthful yet socially conscious, with foresight into new sounds and trends, Raheem has emerged as an innovative African artist. Crafting a signature style that is a distinct blend of musical genres.With roots in poetry and spokenword, Raheem Kemet sheds light on his journey with experiential accounts and relatable thoughts on uniquely urban African themes.

Raheem Kemet has featured on international stages such as ZAKIFO and SAKIFO.

Check out Raheem Kemet’s sounds;

https://youtu.be/RKcYdHSNmQs?si=fEYC1ld1IOQRJlW-

https://youtu.be/j7kjzOnBXQ4?si=EHgF0FpSGprUUIoW

CELESTIAL MIC:

Celestial Mic aka Simiso Hadebe is a Hop artists from Chesterville in Durban Kwazulu. He fell in love with music in 2002, picking other skills along the way such as playing guitar, piano and producing, Celestial Mic has performed at on numerous stages in the City of durban, such The Youth Hip Hop fest, Gagasi Beach fest, Nasty C’s Ivyson Tour, Poetry Africa and Good Sundae.

Celestial Mic has released 4 studio projects since 2015 “The red book Project”, and “The Hand of God series” trilogy and recently Ethekwini which is a single released in 2021, the single had aired on radio stations like Gagasi Fm, Yfm, Ukhozi Fm, 5fm, Inanda Fm, metro Fm, Vuma Fm, kwaNongoma Fm to name a few, and the music video for Ethekwini also featuring on Channel O.

Celestial mic also appeared on CokeStudioZA alongside Gemini Major AND Gigi Lamayne.

Checkout Celestial Mic’s sounds;

https://orcd.co/tmithog

https://youtu.be/UTeifN68J3s?si=9nqJmAE0Jh7rMBvm

For more information contact:

BlaQEmail: blaq@collectorscollectiverecordbar.comContact: +27 81 218 8059

9II5

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