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Samantha Gail B. Lucas

Published Author

Queen of Asian Hip-Hop, Awich becomes first Asian artist to headline Red Bull Symphonic alongside Mika Takayama & Tokyo Secret Orchestra

August 5, 2026

August 5th, 2026 – Japanese hip-hop powerhouse Awich is set to bring her music to life through orchestra at Red Bull Symphonic Japan debut. Four exclusive performances across Osaka, Fukuoka, Sendai, and Yokohama will present a cinematic reimagining of Awich's acclaimed catalogue.

Awich will embark on a bold new artistic chapter this November as she headlines the inaugural Japanese edition of Red Bull Symphonic. Renowned for pairing internationally celebrated artists with full orchestras, the concert series will see Awich perform alongside the Tokyo Secret Orchestra, conducted by Mika Takayama. 

For the first time, Awich's catalogue will be reimagined through newly commissioned symphonic arrangements, transforming her signature sound into an expansive live performance that bridges the raw energy of hip-hop with the scale and emotion of a full orchestra.

Known for continually pushing creative boundaries, Awich sees the collaboration as a meaningful milestone in her artistic journey.

"Hip-hop is a genre born from the use of sampling and beats in environments where access to traditional instruments was often difficult. Being able to reconstruct my songs with an orchestra feels like a significant milestone and holds deep meaning for me. I hope to deliver a cinematic musical experience—something that feels like watching an epic film," says Awich.

Created exclusively for Red Bull Symphonic, the new arrangements go far beyond orchestral accompaniment. Each song has been reconstructed from the ground up, with every element—from melody and rhythm to harmony—reinterpreted while preserving the spirit of the originals, offering audiences an entirely new way to experience Awich's music.

The performances will take place at four of Japan's most prestigious concert halls: The Symphony Hall in Osaka on 17th of November, Fukuoka Symphony Hall on 19th of November, Sendai Bank Hall Izumity 21 on 25th of November and Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall on 27th of November.

Following acclaimed editions featuring international artists including Metro Boomin, Asake, and Rick Ross, Awich now joins the Red Bull Symphonic lineup as its first Asian artist, bringing her distinctive voice and artistry into a bold new musical setting.

Advance ticket sales begin on Friday, August 7 at 6:00 PM (JST). Additional event details can be found via Red Bull Symphonic.
 

About Awich
A rapper known as the "Queen of Japanese Hip-Hop". She has taken the scene by storm with tracks such as "GILA GILA (feat. JP THE WAVY, YZERR)" and "RASEN in OKINAWA" (born from the Red Bull RASEN project). A leading figure in the Japanese hip-hop scene, she is affectionately referred to as "Neesan" (Big Sister) by fellow artists.

About Tokyo Secret Orchestra
Formed in 2013 following the Red Bull Music Academy Weekender in Tokyo, the group has frequently collaborated with international artists such as Henrik Schwarz, Benjamin Wright, Jr., and Dorian Concept. Comprising a select group of talented young musicians, they have garnered acclaim for their "Japan quality" and a musical range spanning everything from classical to J-Pop. They tackle a diverse array of genres, adapting their lineup—whether as a full orchestra, string ensemble, or solo act—to suit the specific concept of each performance.

About Mika Takayama
A graduate of the Toho Gakuen School of Music (Piano Department). As a conductor and instructor, she has led ensembles such as the Toho Gakuen Orchestra, the Shizuoka Symphony Orchestra, and Ensemble Kanazawa, and has appeared on TV Asahi’s 'Untitled Concert (Daimei no Nai Ongakukai)'. She currently heads the Umegaoka Academy of Music, serves as an instructor for the Setagaya-ku Umegaoka Junior Orchestra, and is active as an opera and orchestral conductor.

About Red Bull Symphonic
"Red Bull Symphonic" is a concert series where world-class artists collaborate with orchestras to reimagine their songs with one-night-only symphonic arrangements, creating a unique and moving musical experience.

Since its debut in Austria in 2020, the series has staged 39 performances across 22 countries. Notable past events include a 2022 show in Atlanta featuring hip-hop heavyweight Rick Ross, and a 2023 concert in Los Angeles starring Grammy-nominated producer Metro Boomin, with a guest appearance by 13-time Grammy winner John Legend.

In 2024, the series reached its largest scale to date with a performance by Marwan Pablo in Egypt, drawing an audience of approximately 10,000 people. The 2025 lineup features Nigerian rapper Asake, joined by guests including Afrobeats legend Wizkid and leading UK rapper Central Cee, showcasing a roster of the world's most prominent artists.


By bringing together orchestras and top artists from a diverse range of genres—such as hip-hop, drum & bass, amapiano, and Afrobeats—Red Bull Symphonic continues to create new musical experiences on a grand scale.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS | RED BULL SYMPHONIC

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