CLASH for KUMFA attracts top acts

Some of the Hongdae music scene’s most-loved acts are to play at night to promote cultural diversity and raise money for single moms in Korea.

CLASH aims to unite the Korean and expat communities for charity under the motto “Two worlds collide for the greater good” on March 10.

Co-organizer Hannah Kamau said the night aims to bring together two different communities as well as two different musical styles to support the Korean Unwed Mothers and Families Association. KUMFA advocates for the rights of unwed pregnant women, unwed mothers and their children in Korea, and also runs a shelter called HEATER to help single moms get back on their feet.

The shelter in Hongdae houses and feeds up to 24 mothers and their children during a year, regardless of their age, whether they have other children, or if they have any special medical needs. 

Performers from the Korean and expat hip-hop scene, many of whom regularly perform at Itaewon Open Mic night will take part, with rock acts also joining the cross-genre evening.

Event organizer Kamau, who also launched Itaewon Open Mic, said: “I am leaving Korea soon and I wanted to organize a charity event that would benefit others and would be fun and bring everyone together.

“I hope that KUMFA will benefit from CLASH as we will be bringing people from all over the world to aid these unwed mothers.

Acts to take part will include Korean hip-hop artist NoName with ToSung featuring Cathy; expat hip-hop artist Pinnacle TheHustler; expat actor and emcee Jesse Day. Korean rock band Soundwash will perform along with expat bands Chanter’s Alley and Naughty Ajeossi. Mayer Hong who was on the latest season of MBC’s “Star Audition: The Great Birth” will also perform along with and Korean hip-hop artists C.cle and Roji Kiss. Also, Fancy, Lyric, Robb Lee, Odd Eli and beatboxer Skizzo will be featured in a special set.

“We are just looking forward to a wonderful night of music,” Kamau added.

CLASH will be hosted by comedians Fahad Al Mutlaq, Janet Kim and Jae Yoo from Stand Up Seoul with special performances by spoken word artists Carys “Matic” Jones and Whitney Williams before the music starts.

This event is being sponsored by Beaute de Noir Association, Itaewon Open Mic and online clothing store Dovely. Clothes from the store will be raffled off on the night as well as ski gear, alcohol and coupons for Red Studio Tattoo.

Entrance to the event in Hongdae’s Freebird from 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. is 15,000 won including a free drink, with a percentage of door sales going to KUMFA, on top of money donated throughout the event.

There will be an after party at Club Naked and Itaewon Open Mic Night will continue at Bar Ireland Yuki every Thursday at 9 p.m. For more information, visit CLASH’s Facebook event page.

By Kirsty Taylor (kirstyt@heraldcorp.com)