What: Body&Soul-bound all-female group
Where: Iceland
Why: The recent success of Cardi B in hip-hop, a female MC succeeding in a crowded male space, is a rare occurrence. Outside of the nucleus ofthe North American scene, female hip-hop is still rarely visible. In Iceland an all-female collective are redressing the balance by employing a "power in numbers" ethos that means Reykjavíkurdætur numbers a dozen ladies strong.
Their name is Icelandic for Daughters Of Reykjavik and formed in 2013 in Icelandic’s surprisingly active rap scene as a safe space for female MCs to find their voices. Since then the sisterhood has developed as a force to be reckoned with – talented rappers who can wipe their floor with their male contemporaries. Though they rap in Icelandic the language’s expressive rolls and pops are so suited to the genre that not understanding the words feels less of an issue than it should.
The band were the hit of Iceland Airwaves in 2015, and have repeated the trick every year since. On stage they are a wild collective of performers with fierce attitudes, unapologetic demeanours, distinct personalities, styles and flows.
Their unique energy and spectacle was infectious enough that they have developed a cult following, yet their number is a prohibitive touring logistic that means they don’t get to travel beyond their hometown. With live shows rare, make it your business to see this Icelandic powerhouse at Body&Soul Festival this year.
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