Founder of the Truth Hip Hop Fest and CEO of Dunamus Soundz Lavard ‘Manifest’ Parks is getting ready to host the highly anticipated concert for the sixth time on September 5th at the Rainforest Theatre.

Six years ago, when Lavard ‘Manifest’ Parks, Radel Hanna and other members of the Dunamus Soundz Records Label held a hip hop concert at the National Centre for Performing Arts, a mere 30 people attended. Fast-forward to today and you’ll notice some tremendous changes – among them, Parks and Hanna are now married, all the Dunamus members have dropped singles and Manifest himself is now an award-winning touring musician. As for that 30 member ‘crowd’, today local and international entertainers are calling in hoping to be a part of the Truth Hip Hop Fest that has consistently grown every year with tickets selling out and standing room only.   Now, one of the most anticipated concerts to mark the end of summer has flourished into a weekend of exciting activities. Those attending this year’s concert, set for 7pm September 5^th at the Rainforest Theatre can expect new surprises, especially as this year boasts the first ever Artist Music Workshop,

“The first concert we had showcased the talents on the Dunamus Soundz Label,” notes Parks. “Since then, our vision has grown and we realize how important it is to give a forum to other aspiring artists needing exposure, hence the incorporation of other acts into the show and we’ve all benefited. Over the years, we imagined it would get this big and we see it as bigger. It’s at a point now where people are actually looking for a way to be on the card from overseas and that’s an encouragement to us. However, we do not credit the growth in attendance to our guests artists only, but to our growth spiritually, musically and in knowing how to market and push our event, and of course to God.”

According to Parks, the reason why the word ‘Truth’ was added to precede the Hip Hop Fest title is because of the group’s dedication of their music to God, the Creator of Hip Hop, and recognizing that it is their goal is to share the Truth through hip hop and the other genres of music expressed during the weekend.

Bahamian singing sensation Landlord, known for his international hit We Need Peace will be performing at this year’s Hip Hop Fest.

This year’s performers include Dove and Grammy Award nominees Ahmad & Tena Jones of California, Demetrus of Jacksonville, and local favourites Manifest, Landlord and Monty G. Hosting the event is Jamie Thomas, host of MTV Tempo’s Rise and Shine.

According to Parks, support from all aspects is always essential in putting on an event of this caliber.

“We couldn't do the event without the support of our administrative team and the contributions, spiritually, financially and physically of the Dunamus Soundz members,” Parks added. “God has shown us alot of favor. We're grateful to those persons who financially gave to this project as well. However, we must say that for an event that has and continues to inspire so many, we wish the community would be more supportive in a tangible way. It's a walk of faith, every year, to put this event on and it's through that faith, persistence and a willingness to do it no matter what that in the end gives us the victory.”

The team also thanks their supporters including the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Barry Russell, the Ink Depot, Dr. H. Simmons, Winslow & Diana Johnson and the 228 Generation, Ranel Pierre and PAGE Productions and the other people who sponsored, bought tickets for underprivileged youth, place an ad in the booklet, and prayed for them.

As for those wondering when Manifest, a Grand Bahama native will bring a similar concert to the island, he simply has this to say, “Freeport, we comin!!!”

   For tickets and more information email info@dunamussoundz.com or call 328-5729.