All the audio channels from the 15 DJ systems were fed into the Soundcraft so individual stereo channels could be solo'd at any time and fed through the main PA system. This was also provided by FX and comprised four Mackie SRM 450 self powered speakers with four HZ PB400 sub bass units. FX also provided two Mackie SRM450 speakers, a Mackie 1202VLZ mixer, a Denon CD player and a Shure SM58 mic for the Breakdance Area.
FX was hired by the Prince's Trust to provide the equipment. "FX Rentals has been great to work with on our DJ workshops and staff went out of their way to find us the best equipment at a brilliant cost," says the Trust's Joseph Howes. "They certainly helped The Prince's Trust reach more young people at the Nokia Urban Music Festival."
The DJ Workshop was once again organized by the D-Pat Turntable Academy which works with youth services across London providing DJ, MC and music production workshops tailored to the specific needs of the groups and providing a hands-on learning experience.
"We had 15 sets of decks available for people to walk up to and have a play on, supervised by eight tutors who were on hand to offer advice about DJ skills, from basic to advanced," says D-Pat's James Fornara or DJ Dub, aka Jim'll Mix It. "This walk-in policy meant that a huge amount of people - around 400 - had the chance to benefit from one-to-one tuition with one of our DJ tutors. We also hosted showcase sets from DJ Skully and DJ Pogo - both world DMC champions - and UK DMC champion DJ Blakey, as well as a demonstration of the Scratchophone - a new portable turntable and mixer that can be played like a guitar. Once again, FX was a fantastic help in providing the equipment for the event."
The festival was headlined by celebrities including Hollywood superstar Will Smith who, together with long-time collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff, gave the crowd a hip hop history lesson. Rapper and MTV presenter Xzibit was one the festival¹s hosts. Performing artists from the US also included hip hop originators De La Soul, soulstress Faith Evans, poetic rapper Common, the multi-talented Jon B, and 'Locked Up' star Akon, while the UK line-up included Craig David, Floetry, Blak Twang, The Mitchell Brothers, Jay Sean, Keisha White and Javine.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
