The Gospel Presents: The Fanatics

The Gospel presents The Fanatics - a series of events in celebration of our commitment to bringing people together in appreciation of culture, music and the community. The first chapter launches on Monday 15 May.

Chessboxing with GZA of Wu-Tang Clan

We are kicking off our new event series, The Fanatics, with Wu-Tang Clan’s 'spiritual head' GZA who is co-hosting a speed chess competition with us on Monday 15 May in Melbourne's Inner North. 

It is well-known that GZA is a shark on the chess board and we bring Melbourne's chess community the opportunity to go head-to-head with him. Music fanatics alike can also enjoy as a spectator of the chess competition or for an exclusive GZA Meet & Greet.

African Australian hip-hop artist N’fa will be your guide on the night, alongside vinyl DJ sets of soul, disco, funk and hip-hop tunes from DJ Mr Lob and Deejay Mathmatics (NSW).

Chessboxing with GZA of Wu-Tang Clan

We are kicking off our new event series, The Fanatics, with Wu-Tang Clan’s 'spiritual head' GZA who is co-hosting a speed chess competition with us on Monday 15 May in Melbourne's Inner North. 

It is well-known that GZA is a shark on the chess board and we bring Melbourne's chess community the opportunity to go head-to-head with him. Music fanatics alike can also enjoy as a spectator of the chess competition or for an exclusive GZA Meet & Greet.

African Australian hip-hop artist N’fa will be your guide on the night, alongside vinyl DJ sets of soul, disco, funk and hip-hop tunes from DJ Mr Lob and Deejay Mathmatics (NSW).

About GZA The GENIUS

Gary Grice, better known by his stage name GZA a.k.a. The Genius, is an American hip-hop artist and founding member of the seminal hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Considered one of the founding fathers of hip-hop music, GZA is one of the most recognisable music artists in the world. 

Beyond his musical prowess, GZA has also been a lifelong aficionado of chess, a strategic game that has influenced his approach to life and art. GZA's love for chess often manifested in his lyrics, as he drew parallels between the game and the harsh realities of street life. He used chess metaphors to describe the strategic moves and calculated risks he took in his music career, and his lyrics were often filled with clever wordplay and complex rhyme schemes that mirrored the tactics of a skilled chess player.

His unique blend of music and chess has made him a true icon in both the hip hop and chess communities, earning him the title of ‘The Genius of Chess’ from his fans and peers alike. Today, GZA's legacy continues to inspire aspiring musicians and chess players alike, as he remains a respected figure in both worlds.

PHOTO: all photos supplied by Azuree Wiitala

About GZA The GENIUS

Gary Grice, better known by his stage name GZA a.k.a. The Genius, is an American hip-hop artist and founding member of the seminal hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Considered one of the founding fathers of hip-hop music, GZA is one of the most recognisable music artists in the world. 

Beyond his musical prowess, GZA has also been a lifelong aficionado of chess, a strategic game that has influenced his approach to life and art. GZA's love for chess often manifested in his lyrics, as he drew parallels between the game and the harsh realities of street life. He used chess metaphors to describe the strategic moves and calculated risks he took in his music career, and his lyrics were often filled with clever wordplay and complex rhyme schemes that mirrored the tactics of a skilled chess player.

His unique blend of music and chess has made him a true icon in both the hip hop and chess communities, earning him the title of ‘The Genius of Chess’ from his fans and peers alike. Today, GZA's legacy continues to inspire aspiring musicians and chess players alike, as he remains a respected figure in both worlds.

PHOTO: all photos supplied by Azuree Wiitala

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