Abraham Poni

speaker logo

Abraham Poni

66 Records Co-Founder / Director

Abraham Poni is co-founder of 66 Records (pronounced "sixty-six records" or "double-six") the first ever African-Australian record label that came together in the basement studio of the Collingwood housing projects in Melbourne's inner-city. 66 Records is making history both sonic and politically as it pushes for authenticity within a nation where previously hip hop has been predominantly white thereby lacking in genuineness. With the finger in the pulse of the African-diaspora communities, 66 Records tells the real stories that need to be heard. Their sound spans the breadth of trap and hip-hop into a modern landscape where the rules are yet to be written. Fostering a fluid and versatile environment where artists can freely navigate their creativity, 66 Records brings forward a platter of fresh new talent - from the cinematic bars of Baby T, to Babyface Mal's laconic suave, Eco$ystem’s syrupy trap-flavored beats, Lil Jaye’s sweat-soaked trap bangers that suspend reality and banish melancholy, and Manuella’s empowered and confessional RnB. 66 Records has quickly amassed a massive following online, with thousands of subscribers and millions of views, as well as international press and attention, formulating a first-of-its-kind partnership with Warner Music Australia in 2020.

Related Sessions

Hip-Hop: How a Generation Is Changing the World

THU, OCT 19, 11:30 AM
Conference
Few cultural forces have empowered minority groups like hip-hop has. In recent years, thanks to the power of the internet, this revolutionary wave has firmly touched our shores and seen Australia become the latest hotbed of global hip-hop talent. But this is no accident. It is the effect of an abundance of diverse ethnic communities, combined with a long legacy of street culture, and a generation who knew how to best showcase their stories in an online world. As it has done globally, hip-hop is beginning to influence other areas of life in Australia; from social conscience to music industry operations, to the political landscape. We sit down with key figureheads and thought leaders among the current global generation of Australian Hip-Hop to discuss their remarkable journeys in building community, and how recent lessons learned from the domestic rise of hip-hop can ensure its longevity and sustainable impact for generations to come.
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the Traditional Custodians of this land we now call Sydney, where this event will take place. We pay our respects to their continuing connection with cultural, spiritual and educational practices, and extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Always was, always will be.
SXSW Sydney is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards. We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our site. Please let us know if you encounter problems via email: accessibility@sxswsydney.com or the following number: (02) 9266 4081.
© SXSW SYDNEY. All rights reserved. SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST SYDNEY and other SXSW, LLC marks used under license. SXSW Sydney, 175 Liverpool St, Sydney, NSW 2000.