Despite Eminem’s success in the last decade, it’s safe to say that the sight of a white rapper may still evoke a chuckle or two. But for Quebec-based rapper Samian, hip-hop is a way of life. Hailing from Quebec, Samian is a native Algonquin, a tribe of indigenous North Americans who still face discrimination and poverty today. Naturally, Samian has turned to hip-hop to express his feelings.

“Hip-hop has always been used as a form of expression for the oppressed,” says the rapper, real name Samuel Tremblay. “Just like the African-Americans did in the US ghettos.”

Samian says his aim is to bring reality through his lyrics, and to educate the younger generation on the history of the Algonquins.

He’ll be making his first ever trip to Hong Kong as part of The Indie Ones series of shows. While the first two editions featured almost exclusively local, and guitar-heavy, acts, the third and final showcase brings something entirely different.

Alongside Samian at the gig will be Al K Traxx, a trio of French dudes who mix hip-hop and rock not unlike our own LMF (although they’re not nearly as angry). With over 100 shows on their resume, they’re an experienced crew that’s earned rave reviews. Rounding out the lineup on the day is female dynamo Labiur, and she’ll provide the loud pop to the otherwise serious tone of the other two acts.

According to concert series curator Kung Chi-shing, the French theme is the result of a collaboration between the Alliance Française de Hong Kong and the Heritage x Art x Design exhibition.

Ben Sin

The Indie Ones takes place at the Former Police Married Headquarters on March 13.