This summer time, Chicago will expertise a transformative cultural occasion when the IBUKUN Hip Hop Artwork & Tradition Fest launches on Saturday, July 26, 2025, on the Zhou B Artwork Heart. Designed to have interaction all senses, the daylong occasion is greater than a competition — it’s a motion that bridges generations, honors Black expression and celebrates the colourful intersection of music, therapeutic and id.
Hosted by IBUKUN Complete Group Companies Inc., a nonprofit group rooted in Englewood, the competition fuses reside performances, visible artwork, trend, panel discussions and group constructing in a single immersive expertise. With a mission rooted in wellness, tradition and empowerment, IBUKUN Fest shines as a significant summer time celebration of legacy and liberation.
A sonic celebration of hip-hop & Chicago’s rising stars
Music takes heart stage with an eclectic lineup led by acclaimed rapper Rapsody, identified for her lyricism, social commentary and cultural perception. Her highly effective presence brings weight and spirit to a day constructed round intentional expression.
The stage will even function a number of of Chicago’s most revered and rising voices, together with Asha Omega, J Bambi and rolling out-featured artists I Am Gawd and Philmore Greene. Each Gawd and Greene have been profiled by rolling out for his or her compelling lyricism, dedication to truth-telling and their position in pushing Chicago’s inventive tradition ahead. Their participation reinforces the Fest’s dedication to spotlighting artists who don’t simply entertain — however elevate.
Conversations rooted in therapeutic, id and tradition
Along with music, the competition will current a strong panel dialogue titled “Artwork as Therapeutic: Id, Creativity & Tradition,” moderated by famend relationship and communication skilled Luv McPherson. The panel explores how Black creatives use their artwork to navigate therapeutic, affirm id and drive group transformation.
Featured panelists embody:
Dr. Pamela Blackman, CEO of BBF Heart for the Arts and a 2019 rolling out Sister With Superpowers honoree. Her work in art-based group improvement and empowerment is famous;
Ta’Rhonda Jones, actress and musician who brings authenticity and creativity to all the things she touches;
Dr. Obari Cartman, psychologist, writer and cultural thought chief identified for making psychological wellness accessible and related to Black communities.
Every voice on the panel brings a novel lens to how Black artwork turns into a device of resistance, restoration and renaissance.
Legacy in motion: honoring Dr. Obari Cartman
One of many competition’s most significant moments would be the presentation of the Dr. Christian Adeyemi Akiwowo Legacy Award, honoring these whose work exemplifies the spirit of transformative management. This 12 months’s recipient is Dr. Obari Cartman, acknowledged for his deep-rooted contributions to Black psychological wellness, cultural schooling and youth advocacy.
Named after IBUKUN’s late founder, the award serves as a religious anchor of the competition — reminding attendees that legacy is not only what we go away behind, however what we construct as we speak.
Emceed by cultural icons
Internet hosting duties might be within the arms of nationally acclaimed actor Wooden Harris and celebrated actress Cynthia McWilliams, each of whom will information audiences via a day of reflection, rhythm and recognition. Their presence provides star energy and considerate engagement, protecting the day energized and impressed.
The place visible artwork, trend & group collide
Festivalgoers might be handled to a dynamic Black Artwork Gallery that includes work from rising and established visible artists. From daring canvases to multisensory installations, the gallery will supply a vivid exploration of Blackness via themes of spirituality, resistance and pleasure.
Within the Market and Style Showcase, attendees can assist native Black-owned companies, store from artisan distributors and have interaction with the inventive genius of up-and-coming Black trend designers. The area serves as an incubator for model, enterprise and group empowerment.
A second and a motion
The IBUKUN Hip Hop Artwork & Tradition Fest is a pure extension of the work of IBUKUN Complete Group Companies Inc., based by Christopher Akiwowo. Identified for providing culturally related psychological well being providers and expressive group areas, IBUKUN is dedicated to creating secure areas for therapeutic, particularly for youth and marginalized populations on Chicago’s South Aspect.
Supported by companions together with Ravenous Artists and Moors Beer, the competition stands as a shining instance of what’s doable when tradition, care and creativity unite.
Tickets and the total competition schedule can be found now at www.ibukun.org.