Okayplayer Makes Waves at Art Basel with Debut of Okayplayer House, Presented by BET
A Full Day of Afro-Diasporic Music, Art, and Culture Leaves a Lasting Impression at Red Rooster Overtown
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December 10, 2024 –– Okayplayer, the trailblazing media platform celebrating 25 years of amplifying Black culture, made a bold debut at Art Basel Miami yesterday with the Okayplayer House, a dynamic celebration of Afro-diasporic music, art, and culture. Held at the iconic Red Rooster Overtown and presented in partnership with BET, the Okayplayer House brought together tastemakers, artists, and influencers for an unforgettable day of programming that highlighted the global impact of Black artistry and storytelling.
As Okayplayer continues its 25th-anniversary celebrations, the Okayplayer House at Art Basel is just the beginning. The buzz from Miami suggests this will only be the first in a series of cultural activations, with future iterations poised to make waves at other landmark events.
A standout of the event was the exclusive exhibit by legendary hip-hop photographer Danny Hastings, titled “Latent Images.” Hastings transformed the second floor of Red Rooster into a traditional darkroom, offering attendees a unique opportunity to experience his never-before-seen photographs alongside his most iconic works. Guests were captivated by Hastings’ reflections on his collaborations with hip-hop legends like Wu-Tang Clan and RZA, and his ability to visually document the culture’s enduring legacy.
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Adding to the day’s highlights, BET premiered its new documentary, “For the Love of Hip Hop,” exclusively at the Okayplayer House. The 29-minute film, created to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, features interviews with over 60 artists, including Rakim, MC Lyte, The Lox, Trina, Ice Spice, and Jeezy, offering a powerful, multi-generational reflection on the genre’s impact. Guests described the screening as a moving tribute to hip-hop’s rich history and future. An intimate panel moderated by Isha Sesay (CEO of Okayplayer and OkayAfrica) explored “The Global Impact of Black Culture,” bringing together leading voices in media and entertainment. The discussion featured Kimberly Paige (EVP and Chief Marketing Officer at BET Media Group), TJ Adeshola (renowned media executive), Victoria Jordan (General Manager of Branded Content and Creative at My Code), and Jimmy Akingbola (Nigerian-British actor and television star). Each panelist offered unique insights into the ways Black art, storytelling, and creativity have shaped global culture. From Paige’s marketing expertise to Jordan’s leadership in branded content and Akingbola’s perspective as an international actor, the conversation underscored the diversity and depth of Black cultural impact. Attendees also enjoyed two live tapings of Okayplayer’s podcast, The Almanac of Rap, hosted by Donwill. The first episode featured Danny Hastings reflecting on his career and the artistry behind his photography, while the second welcomed Grammy-winning songwriter Derrick Milano, who spoke about the finer points of his craft, collaborating with music's elite, and trading bars with Nas As the day transitioned into evening, the Okayplayer House hosted the highly anticipated Okayplayer Supper Club, an invitation-only dinner that was the epitome of exclusivity and connection. Hosted by Isha Sesay, the dinner featured Afro-diasporic cuisine, engaging conversation, and a lively hip-hop trivia session, creating an atmosphere that felt both celebratory and intimate. The Supper Club cemented Okayplayer’s reputation as a brand that knows how to bring together culture and community. The night concluded with cocktails and an international DJ set presented by OkayAfrica, featuring Jason Panton spinning a mix of sounds from across the diaspora. The afterparty was a joyful celebration of Okayplayer’s musical roots and its commitment to honoring the global impact of Black culture. To view photos and videos from the Okayplayer House at Art Basel, visit: https://www.instagram.com/okayplayer/
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