3rdi

3rdi

(http://subterraneannetwork.com) (http://myspace.com/3rdi_subnet) (http://youtube.com/3rdi)

Brett Mazurek a.k.a. 3rdi, is a multi-talented social activist using the digital medium as his canvas. His raw guerrilla style photography, music videos, and documentaries are visions of many up and coming conscious artists that are using their art for social justice. He is the Creative Director/Board Member of the Bavubuka Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to uplifting the youth of Africa and Creative Director/Partner in Subterranean Network, a nonexclusive online record label representing underground musicians with a message from around the world and giving young people and alternative to mainstream music. Brett has most recently directed a feature length documentary called “Diamonds in the Rough” about Ugandan Hip Hop Artists using Hip hop as a tool for social change, narrated by Spearhead’s lead singer Michael Franti, the first episode of the Rising Sun Reggae DVD Magazine, featuring Jah Mason, Junior Reid, and Luciano, as well as a new web reality series, “Virtuality”, starring YouTube’s video of the year Indie rock superstar Terra Naomi. Check out his new videos by Okai, Bataka Squad, and Silas coming soon.

Subterranean Network

"Diamonds in the Rough"

http://myspace.com/ditr1

In December 2004 Brett Mazurek traveled to Uganda in Central Africa to document the violent and traumatic displacement of the children of Northern Uganda resulting from the decades-long civil war in the country. Being a DJ and Hip Hop enthusiast, while there Brett quickly discovered a vibrant and politically-aware local Hip Hop scene just starting to explode onto the continent. As political forces from within Uganda continued to block his attempts to travel north, Brett realized there was another story to be told. Solidifying his relationships with local artists and musicians, he shot a music video which was later nominated for Best Hip Hop video at the 2005 African Music Awards, before heading back to America. A year of corresponding and planning with artists in Uganda followed, during which time Brett began to garner support from Hollywood, and in December 2005 he returned to Uganda to spend two months living with a group of talented, determined, and inspiring Hip Hop artists struggling for a better life. Brett returned to America with 7 music videos, 95 hours of raw footage, and a mission to show it all to the world. Diamonds in the Rough offers a raw glimpse of urban Africa through the eyes of four emerging Hip Hop artists in the Ugandan capitol of Kampala. They teach us how to struggle with a smile, how to make the best of life against insufferable odds, how to create our own opportunities and flourish through positivity, presenting a refreshing contrast to the commercialized bling bling gangster rap here in America. These artists are the voice of the new generation, the heroes of their community and a group of active, enthusiastic and energetic young people more concerned with global change then how much change they have in their pockets.

EMCEES For P.E.A.C.E.