Jonzi D

Jonzi D has been actively involved in British Hip Hop culture, rapping and b-boying in clubs and on the street since its genesis in the early eighties.
Since graduating from the London Contemporary Dance School, Jonzi has been committed to the development of Hip Hop theatre, creating Lyrikal Fearta in 1995, and Aeroplane Man in 1999. He was an Associate Artist at The Place Theatre and has performed and created dance theatre pieces all over Europe, North America, Israel, New Zealand, Cuba and Southern Africa.
In the UK, Jonzi is artist in residence and the curator of Breakin Convention Hip Hop Dance Theatre festival at Sadlers Wells. He has directed pieces for Robert Hylton, Benji Reid, Jane Sekonya, Loop Dance Co, and A.C.E dance. He was commissioned by Walker Arts in Minneapolis to create a solo for Leah Nelson. Jonzi has devised, choreographed and featured in various Hip Hop inspired fashion shows including, '40 degrees' at Earls Court, and State Property for Rocawear at The Royal Festival Hall. As an MC/poet, Jonzi has worked with The Roots, Steve Williamson, Mannafest, Lenny Henry, MC Mell 'O' and toured with Gangstarr. He appeared on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, Channel 4’s ‘Faking It’, and his short films 'Silence da bitchin' and 'Aeroplane Man' were also screened on Channel 4. In 1995, he was creative consultant on LWT's South Bank Show special documenting the art and culture of Hip Hop. He is creator and host of the successful Apricot Jam, an infamous monthly club event of live Hip Hop music and open mic session.