26 January 2026
Anita Kartika Pasaribu
HUMAS FIB USU - On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), held a Hip-Hop Music Workshop Featuring Next Level at the FIB USU Performance Hall. The activity was organized by the Ethnomusicology Study Program of FIB USU as part of its efforts to strengthen students’ understanding of developments in popular music and urban culture.
The Head of the Ethnomusicology Study Program of FIB USU stated that the workshop aimed to broaden students’ perspectives on hip-hop music as an important subject within contemporary ethnomusicological studies.
“Hip-hop should not only be understood as popular music, but also as a cultural expression with social, historical, and academic significance,” he explained.
The workshop featured Next Level as the main resource, sharing insights and experiences related to hip-hop music, including creative processes, musical techniques, and the role of hip-hop as a medium of cultural expression. The activity was conducted interactively through presentations, discussions, and hands-on practice, and was enthusiastically received by students.
Lisa Podolny, U.S. Consul in Sumatra, stated that the program was made possible through collaboration with the Meridian International Center. The Next Level Hip-Hop Program in Medan is part of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The program, held from January 26 to 28, 2026, features a series of workshops and public performances celebrating cultural exchange through music, dance, and visual arts. It brings together American hip-hop artists and the Medan hip-hop community through hands-on workshops in DJing, rap, breakdance, and aerosol art.
Next Level is an initiative of the United States Department of State and the Meridian International Center that utilizes hip-hop culture to promote cross-cultural understanding, youth engagement, and community development.
“Hip-hop is a platform for creative exchange and youth empowerment,” said the U.S. Consul.
The American artists participating in the program include Tyler Smith (DJ), a New York–based turntablist and educator with over two decades of experience; Irie Givens (MC), an interdisciplinary artist and educator from Miami; Chrybaby Cozie (Dance), a co-founder of the Lite Feet freestyle movement from Harlem; and Alice Mizrachi (Aerosol Art), a public art artist whose works have been exhibited internationally.
“Hip-hop is a global language,” said Chrybaby Cozie, one of the guest artists. “When artists from different countries and regions come together, we don’t just share movements or beats—we share stories and build mutual respect. That is the essence of this exchange.”
Through this workshop, the Ethnomusicology Study Program of FIB USU encourages students to understand hip-hop not only as a modern music genre, but also as a cultural phenomenon with academic and social value. The activity also reflects FIB USU’s commitment to providing contextual learning that is relevant to contemporary developments in arts and culture.
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