(BPRW) Hawks to Highlight Atlanta\u2019s African, Caribbean, Hispanic and Latin Roots During Second Annual ‘Culture Fest presented by Verizon’ on Friday, Feb. 20<\/p>\n
Vibrant Performances and Cultural Tributes Set to Celebrate Atlanta\u2019s Rich Cultural Identity; Limited Tickets Remain for Game against Miami at Hawks.com\/tickets<\/p>\n
(Black PR Wire) The Atlanta Hawks recently announced their plans to host the second annual Culture Fest presented by Verizon, an evening celebrating the African, Caribbean, Hispanic, and Latin communities that play a vital role in shaping Atlanta\u2019s rich cultural landscape.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The event will take place when the team faces the Miami Heat at the award-winning State Farm Arena on Friday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. with the first 5,000 fans in attendance receiving a limited-edition red reversible bucket hat, courtesy of Verizon. Additionally,\u00a0Telemundo Atlanta will simulcast the matchup, providing fans with access to the action on the premier Spanish-language television station.<\/p>\n
Culture Fest will showcase the sounds, customs, and heritage of those who have defined Atlanta\u2019s identity, while honoring their lasting influence on the city\u2019s spirit. According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, nearly 62 percent of the region\u2019s population is projected to consist of racial and ethnic minority groups by 2050, showcasing Atlanta\u2019s growing impact as a thriving multicultural hub.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are proud to continue Culture Fest in partnership with Verizon, reflecting both who Atlanta is today and the city it is becoming, a vibrant center shaped and strengthened by the African, Caribbean, Hispanic, and Latin communities that drive its creativity, growth, and global influence,\u201d said Camye Mackey, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. \u201cThis celebration provides a space where culture is recognized, fully experienced, and honored and underscores our ongoing commitment to inclusion and amplifying the diverse voices that make Atlanta unique.\u201d<\/p>\n
Festivities will begin with a lively pregame parade on the concourse featuring the ATL Hawks Dancers alongside performers from African, Caribbean, Hispanic, and Latino communities, celebrating the cultures through dance and artistic expression. Pregame sounds will highlight a dynamic mix of global communities, with in-bowl music curated by DJ Kash blending Amapiano, Afrobeats, and Afro-house, while DJ Sidd Kel will provide a fusion of Indian soundtracks for fans on the concourse.\u00a0Ahead of tipoff, Verizon Regional President Jerome Cheatham will serve as an honorary co-captain.<\/p>\n
Halftime entertainment will feature a collaborative on-court performance by DJ ECool, DJ EU, and Mix Master David with their hype crews, blending sounds from their respective cultures to celebrate the unifying power of music across Atlanta\u2019s diverse communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ebianga Ikpeme, professionally known as DJ ECool, is a Nigerian DJ, producer and musician whose influence spans from Lagos to Atlanta, where he is a driving force in the city\u2019s Afrobeats scene. As the official DJ for Davido Music Worldwide, he has collaborated with award-winning artists including D\u2019banj, Doug E. Fresh, and Ludacris and released standout singles such as \u2018Give Dem,\u2019 \u2018Kilode,\u2019 and \u2018Ada\u2019 featuring global superstar Davido.<\/p>\n
\u201cMusic is the heartbeat of Atlanta, and nights like this show how it can bring the community together. I\u2019m excited to share that energy with Hawks fans and celebrate the power of music,\u201d said DJ ECool.<\/p>\n
Atlanta-based DJ EU, a six-time Jezebel Magazine Best DJ winner and one of Georgia\u2019s 50 Most Influential Latinos, has built a global career with electrifying, genre-blending sets at major festivals including TomorrowWorld, Tomorrowland, and One Music Fest, as well as performances across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. His unique style continues to influence Atlanta\u2019s music scene, earning him recognition as a leader in the city\u2019s and Southeast\u2019s musical landscape.<\/p>\n
\u201cCulture Fest is about honoring Atlanta\u2019s roots, and I\u2019m thrilled to partner with the Hawks for a night where fans can dance and experience all of the city\u2019s vibrant cultures under one roof,\u201d said DJ EU.<\/p>\n
Jamaica-born, Atlanta-based DJ and producer Mix Master David is celebrated for genre-defying sets that fuse Dancehall, Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, EDM, Soca, R&B, and Top 40, electrifying audiences from major festivals to private celebrity events. With performances alongside icons like Ludacris, Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, and Usher, he has become a leading innovator in bridging genres and generations.<\/p>\n
\u201cAtlanta thrives on creativity and energy and bringing that to center court is always exciting. I can\u2019t wait to see the fans vibe with the music and feel the city\u2019s spirit come alive,\u201d said Mix Master David.<\/p>\n
In February 2025, Verizon Business launched its Sensor Insights, a turnkey IoT solution, with the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena as its first marquee customer, leveraging real-time data to enhance equipment monitoring, operational efficiency and the overall fan experience through advanced connected technology. Since 2024, Verizon has been deploying cutting-edge technologies at the arena, transforming the way fans experience events and strengthening connections with the Atlanta community.<\/p>\n