What were Harlem rent parties?
In the 1920s-1930s in Harlem, New York, when a family couldn't afford to pay the rent, they would throw a party. The neighbourhood would come round for music and dancing, and pay what they could afford towards paying the host's rent.
From rent parties
to block parties
In the 1960s, the spirit of the Harlem rent parties lived on in block parties in the Bronx. What began as a way for communities to come together and support one another evolved into something much bigger, and these gatherings became the foundation of hip-hop culture.
Block parties brought music, DJs, and neighbourhoods together, creating spaces where creativity and expression could thrive. From these streets, hip-hop was born, growing into a global movement that still carries the same core idea: people coming together, sharing something real, and supporting their community.
and on to
Kathmandu rent party
Our event on May 2nd carried the spirit of the Harlem rent parties forward. With live MCs, DJs, a beatboxer and breakdancers, the night brought people together through music, creativity and community.
The event was held to support the work of NHF, helping cover the rent for the dance studio where their programmes take place. It’s a simple idea, but one rooted in the same tradition — using music and community events to directly support meaningful work.
By connecting hip-hop culture with grassroots projects, events like this continue the legacy of rent parties in a modern way, turning shared experiences into real-world impact.