‘It’s hard to believe it when everything’s against you’: the rise of Melbourne’s African diaspora rap scene

In the years since its launch party ended in violence, 66 Records survived a racist media storm to secure a major deal. Its bosses say nothing can stop them now

At the September 2018 launch of Melbourne rap label 66 Records at the Gasometer Hotel in Collingwood, a heaving crowd bounced under the venue's giant disco ball to booming bass. But that jubilation ended at about 2am when a fight broke out.

The violence culminated in the street with one intoxicated attendee losing control of a car, pinning another teenager between two parked cars. The victim David Dada - a third cousin of the label's founder Abraham Poni - lost his leg.