Emile YX?

Heal The Hood Project, South Africa

Emile YX? is a multiple award-winning South African Hip Hop elder, educator, and cultural activist. He started breakdancing in 1982, he co-founded the legendary group Black Noise and founded Heal The Hood Project, which has funded over 250 youth artists to attend international events. A former schoolteacher, he launched Da Juice, South Africa’s first Hip Hop magazine, and pioneered a Hip Hop-based educational syllabus. Emile has written & released 256 songs, written and contributed to 42 books, and created acclaimed plays like Afrikaaps. His honors include the Order of Ikhamanga, LeadSA, ETV Heroes, the AAAL Distinguished Public Service Award (2022) & more.