Aswon

Aswon Farenji Born in Jamaika, Aswon moved with his family to London in the 1960's. He first became involved in the music business in the 1970's,working with reggae outlets and distribution companys and as a MC with various popular sound systems. Aswon worked as percussionists with various artists such as Dennis Bovell, Bob Andy, Orchestra Jazira, Afrikan Connection and Sunset Roots Reggae.Aswon immigrated to Australia in 1986 and formed and managed the Raggae band Dread Affair.Aswon's past 10 years experience playing,recording and touring in Australia has enabled him to develop as a lead vocalist, DJ dub poet and solo artist.The band sponsored international singer Bob Andy to Australia to perform, tour and participate in Workshops with them.Their shows were recorded by the ABC. Hip-Hop has become one of the most influential and innovative styles of music to emerge in the past decade,It's a fusion of funk reggae and rhythm 'n' blues. Hip-hop is a reflection of youth culture - it's spontaneity, mix of ethenicity, beats and movements.Our Workshops give people the opportunity to meet us and find out what we do we can inspire them to be confident to rap, or do whatever they want to. Dogg Pound pushes the drug-free message in its music. Aswon started the workshops as a way of reaching young people and teaching them to work with music. Aswon identifies with the need for young people to express themselves through music. He has participated and encouraged many youth projects. ‘Cultural Rap 97 was the first ever and only one of it’s kind proved to be a huge success creating the momentum from which follow up activities were developed. ‘Dogg-Pound’ has continued to inspire the creativity of young people to develop in music and dance. “Although Jamaica is an English speaking country I do have a second language. Jamaican culture and beliefs are so diverse as it is a very multicultural country. You learn from an early age to adapt and respect peoples differences. Being a musician brings me into contact with large groups of young people from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures. I enjoy being with young people and I have never had a problem with understanding or grasping what is expected of me. In fact, I find you can learn a lot from listening to young people who come from different speaking backgrounds. For us this has to be the way. The Rap, the Dance, the Music - this is what young people need, not sometimes, but all the time.” Dogg-Pound have a regular cast of rappers-singers, hip-hop dancers and DJ's available for performances and workshops at community festivals and schools as well as paid private performances and private functions across Australia. HIP-HOP......'A fusion of funk, reggae and rhythm & blues'......Is one of the most influential and innovative musical systems that emerged during the 70’s, 80's and 90's.Dogg-Pound have a regular cast of rappers-singers, hip-hop dancers and DJ's available for performances and workshops at community festivals and schools as well as paid private performances and private functions across Australia. Our hip-hop workshops are designed to bring out freedom of expression. Everyone is encouraged to’ have a go’. The kids learn street dancing styles of R&B, reggae, breaking, singing and rapping, DJ mixing.