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On Saturday 26th April you can witness the world's very first (apparently) Human Beatbox Convention @ Imperial College (London - adjacent to the Royal Albert Hall). You do know what a human beatbox is, right? Y'know, dudes doing the backing for hip-hop or slam poetry, making beats from their puffy cheeks and cupped hands and who knows what else.
According to Brynley Gibson, from sponsors Splinterproducts Ltd. "Beatboxing at its most simple level is the art of producing rhythms and beats with the mouth. By imitating percussion and other instruments a beatboxer can provide a backing beat for a singer or rapper. However over the years the art-form has developed into something evermore complex. It is constantly evolving, utilising one of the most complex things on earth: the human body."
This convention involves talks covering many different aspects of the beatbox scene, alongside showcases displaying some of the finest examples of beatboxing in the world. They expect 150 delegates travelling in from United States, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and from all around the UK!
If you've never bought an album with "vocal percussion" check out Rahzel's debut 'Make The Music 2000' (MCA Records, 2000) or SFA-supporting Killa Kela's debut 'The Permanent Marker' (2002). Both records are damn good! And the basic aim of this event, according to the organisers, is to "explore and enjoy the art of beatboxing, and help bring it to a wider audience. Expect a day of unique insight and entertainment."
Tickets: £15 (+£1 booking fee) from humanbeatbox.com/convention
DiScuss: What next, beatboxing as an olympic sport?
