Haki N' Dem w/ Channel Seven & Jazstarr

Haki N’ Dem (Demonstrators) is an exceptional R&B/soul group hailing from Champaign-Urbana and Chicago, led by the immensely talented young musician Haki (Drake Materre), who not only dazzles with his incredible vocals but also showcases his mastery of multiple instruments. Alongside Haki, Haki N Dem features piano, vocals, bass, drums, trumpet, saxophone, and guitar, delivering a funky, neo-soul experience reminiscent of the legendary influences of Prince, Earth Wind and Fire, and Sly and the Family Stone. Featuring political and social elements, Haki N Dem creates and performs a wide variety of music that encapsulates themes such as race, love, addiction, police brutality, change, and spirituality. Haki N Dem strives to fulfill the mission of lending their artistry for activism to become Prodigy SAINTS: young and talented students against inner-city negligence toward society.

Channel Seven: Combining the artistic stylings of Coop and Marz, Channel Seven has created a smooth, intoxicating sound that you’ll never want to tune out of. The rap and R&B duo based in Chicago has amassed more than 400,000 views on YouTube and they’re just getting started.

JazStarr is a Westside Chicago poet, singer-songwriter, and community organizer. She is deeply rooted in jazz and Hip-Hop, with music inspired by life and how we relate to it as spirit/human beings. She activates the energy of Prince, Esperanza Spaulding, Celia Cruz, and more of her favorite historical influences. JazStarr understands the importance of an “all hands on deck” approach for the betterment of her community, and her goal is to highlight the need for intentional sound and words as methods of healing. JazStarr’s most recent album, “Ambrosia,” is a mix of nostalgia and honesty, speaking on the highs and lows of relationships and self love.