A collection of Australia’s top bboys and bgirls will perform for beyondblue at a massive launch of a new national media campaign this Monday.

The Indigenous Hip Hop Projects (IHHP) is a team of artists made up of 35 of Australia’s most talented beat-boxers, hip-hop and break dancers, producers, musicians and from all over the world.

They tour the country for beyondblue to raise awareness of depression and anxiety in young people through dance and music.
So far, the crew have worked with 150,000 young people in more than 120 communities - at festivals, in cities and in towns, but mostly in extremely remote areas.

Dion Brownfield, co-director of IHHP, said the crew usually stay a week in each community, getting to know the young people and building trust and friendship. Each day they hold workshops to teach young people to dance, beat box and MC.

“All of our dancers have a very strong concern and passion for Indigenous affairs. We use music, dance and art to engage young Indigenous and non-Indigenous kids to talk about confidence and leadership and looking after yourself, your family and communities,” Dion said.

“It takes a full day, sometimes two or three days, to build relationships and trust with kids - particularly young Indigenous kids in remote areas because they’re living in quite dysfunctional environments a lot of the time and sometimes English is their second or third language.

“One of the most important things young people need to overcome depression and anxiety is a sense of contentment and the knowledge that they are loved are respected. The beyondblue messages about look, listen and seek help together - that message is pure gold. It’s very simple but it’s so true.”

We’re very proud of what we’re doing, and I have no hesitation in expressing the importance and respect for the partnership we have with beyondblue.”

Performing since 2004, IHHP have begun to see the positive effects their workshops have on communities. They usually return between six to 12 months after their first visit to catch up with their old students.

“Feedback has been outstanding,” Dion says. “Every time we’re in a community we do an evaluation. The sorts of goals we’re achieving are a huge increase in attendance at our workshops and an obvious reduction in crime, mainly breakins and vandalism, when we’re working.

“We get a lot of reports of reduced substance abuse, including petrol sniffing and grog and marijuana. Substance abuse usually comes about through boredom and we provide an activity that’s really hitting the mark - diverting kids away from that sort of behaviour.

“On top of that it’s mind-blowing to see the talent and the ability of these young kids to step out of their world and throw themselves into self expression.”

The multicultural mix of IHHP performers includes six Indigenous artists and Greek, Egyptian, Lebanese, Hungarian, Italian, Philippino. They are currently touring schools and communities in remote Western Australia (Bidgydanga, Doon Doon Station, Pernululu, Darwul) and Northern Territory (Maningida and Warruwi).

Some of the IHHP crew will be at next week’s Youthbeyondblue launch in Melbourne.

They include:

• Deon Nuku: Renowned as one of Australia’s best dancers, Dion is skilled in ballet, hip-hop, break dancing and is a founding member of Wicked Force Break Crew. He has danced in dozens of Australian films and music clips including Rikki Lee and Moulin Rouge.
• Re-Arna Constantine: This multi-skilled dancer, model, actor and singer has been with IHHP for years to raise awareness of mental health in youth. She heads the cheerleading team for the South Melbourne Dragons.
• Joel Chamma: Well-known MC, beat boxer and B Boy. Core member of Wickid Force Breakers has competed multiple times at the Australian Breakdance Champions and has supported international artists including Black Eyed Peas, Kurtis Blow and Run DMC.
• Yung Warriors: An exciting Indigenous MC trip, featuring lead singer Tjimba Possum. The Yung Warriors recently supported US hip hop star 50 Cent on his Aussie tour.

To see a clip of IHHP workshops and for bios on the crew go to www.indigenoushiphop.com.