11 July 2005 Christchurch's First Lady of Hip Hop set to Take Mic at Lincoln University Open Day

Lincoln University has scored a coup for hip hop fans. Ladi6, one of New Zealand's premier vocalists and MCs, is to give a free concert at Lincoln's open day on Monday 11 July 2005.

Ladi6 (Karoline Tamati) will perform between 11am and 1pm on the university's campus. Everyone is welcome to attend the concert.

A free double decker bus will be ferrying passengers from Cathedral Square and the Bush Inn centre out to the university in the morning, returning to the city at 3pm.

"This is an opportunity for New Zealand's hip hop fans to see one of their idols for free. Such opportunities don't come around every day," says a spokesperson for Lincoln University.

Ladi6 started her musical career in Christchurch as part of the all-girl hip hop group Sheelahroc. Sheelahroc had the hit track "If I Gave You The Mic" and Ladi6 was nominated for Best Vocalist/MC at the 2003 bNet music awards.

Ladi6 then moved to Auckland where her band Verse Two quickly gained a reputation as a top New Zealand live hip-hop group. They won the b-net Best New Act award last year and toured New Zealand with packed shows.

Ladi6 has featured on tracks with some of New Zealand's finest acts including Shapeshifter, Fat Freddy's Drop and Scribe. Her track "When I Return" with Shapeshifter was number 1 on the New Zealand alternative charts.

"We are really excited at having secured Ladi6 to give a free concert. We know she will create a lot of excitement at the Open Day and we are looking forward to seeing her take to the stage," concluded the spokesperson.

Anna Jemmett, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand