Adeaze. Photo / Ben Fraser.
Hip-hop and R'n'B music artists are among those standing up against family violence at a festival in Otara today.
Brothers Nainz and Viiz Tupa'i, better known as Adeaze, will perform at the 274 Youthcore Youth and Family Festival, aimed at promoting non-violence and better family relationships.
Adeaze will
come together at the East Tamaki rugby grounds as a part of Brothers Against Violence - Pacific male musicians who will sing a song dubbed You Will Know, sending out a message to all men to respect and protect women and children.
Project manager at 274 Youth Project Allan Va'a says the festival aims to bring families together for a fun event but at the same time to get them to stand up against family violence.
"We're calling out to Otara. We're calling for them to unite. Everyone can have fun, but get the message - to stop family violence."
Mr Va'a says many people tend to turn a blind eye when it comes to family violence.
"There's a lot of crap that's happening out there and it's a real issue. Some people will hear their next door neighbour's kid crying and crying and think: `Oh, that's nothing'. But then, the next morning that kid's dead.
"If you hear something, say something."
Now in its third year, this year's 274 Youth and Family Festival will be holding a series of activities, including bike rides for children and a tag team tournament.
A free concert later on will include hip-hop dance groups and music artists featuring Cydel, Nik Carlson, Lapi Mariner and Vince Harder, who performed in The Lion King broadway musical as Simba.
Mr Va'a said: "There are people who can't voice their concerns about family violence.
"Hopefully this festival will get them to."
