Breaking the rules – Signmark live in Athens
Finnish deaf rap-artist Signmark is having a special concert on Saturday 11th September at 10 pm. in Gagarin205 -club.
A hip-hop artist Brandon who is his voice for the hearing audience supports Signmark’s albums, videos and performances. The live shows are always bilingual. The songs are performed with American Sign Language and spoken English.
There are also surprises, projections and art exhibitions in the foyer. Olly Rilley´s 12-minutes film ”Born without a beat” is also shown.
Signmark
Signmark (Marko Vuoriheimo) was born deaf into a world where music is for the hearing. He pursued his childhood dream and became the first deaf in the world to get a record deal. Due to his success he managed to have a record deal with Warner Music. He is the world’s first deaf ever to be signed to international major label.
Signmark started spreading his message over strong beats where hard, low frequencies and bass are playing a crucial part in his performance. These elements help him adapt to the rhythm as he proves; music is more than what you can hear!
With his music and positive approach Signmark wants to change attitudes towards the Deaf. Signmark feels that the society should not treat the Deaf as handicapped people, but as a linguistic minority with their own culture, community, history and heritage.
Performances all over the world
With the help from his friends and a large group of volunteers, Signmark released the world’s first sign language hip-hop DVD in 2006. He was introduced to the mainstream audience and media when he was asked to join the Finnish national Eurovision Song Contest.
Signmark has gained international interest by touring in several countries, including Japan, U.S.A., Iceland, Spain, Ethiopia and Namibia. He won The Outstanding Young Person of the World 2009 prize.
More information
Signmark
Gagarin205 -klubi