NEW YORK, April 4, 2017 – The Estate of Tupac Shakur is pleased to announce the launch of Tupac’s Powamekka Café, his original restaurant concept, and release of an exclusive, limited-edition apparel and merchandise collaboration in partnership with Bravado, Universal Music Groups industry-leading merchandise and brand management company.

Over twenty years has passed since Tupac conceptualized Powamekka Café within three handwritten pages of his notebook. A place for all to “play and parlay,” the Powamekka Café, representing the finest in “down home Southern,” was to serve as a place for friends and family to get together and “escape the worldz cold reality.” His vision will come to life from April 7th – 9th as the Powamekka Café takes over New York’s Lower East Side, Sweet Chick on Ludlow Street, owned and backed by restaurateur, John Seymour and Nas. The café will give Tupac’s friends, family and fans a chance to revisit him through a carefully curated collection from his archives including personal photos from his childhood, his poetry and music memorabilia from his favorite artists and through the food he loved including meatloaf, gumbo and, one of his favorite dishes — his cousin Jamala’s fried chicken wings.

“Tupac’s creative vision was limitless.  He was constantly working on ideas and plans that reached far beyond music and film.  One of the things he was extremely passionate about was opening a restaurant; he even sketched out plans and a concept for a menu. We are proud to bring Tupac’s Powamekka Café to life,” said Tom Whalley, trustee of The Estate of Tupac Shakur.

“Tupac continues to impact music, art, fashion and culture around the world and Powamekka Café will offer his fans a new and personal way to reconnect with him through his passion for food and the restaurant he dreamed of opening,” said Mat Vlasic. “It’s our duty to create opportunities for our artists to fulfill their creative vision and give their fans new ways to engage with them and their music. We’re honored to have the opportunity to work with Tom and the Estate to bring Powamekka Cafe to Tupac’s fans, family and friends.”

“Sweet Chick is about community and culture at its core, and so was Tupac,” says John Seymour. “As a restaurant, we embody everything he represents — music, style, food, and neighborhood. We are honored to be hosting the Powamekka Café pop-up at Sweet Chick, and help bring his vision to life with the dishes that he loved.”

The Powamekka Café will be located at 178 Ludlow St, New York 10002 from April 7 – 9th and open Friday from 11AM – 2AM and Saturday/Sunday from 10AM – 2AM. Reservations will be taken exclusively by restaurant technology company, Reserve, on a first-come-first-serve basis at Reserve.com/r/powamekka-cafe. 

More information on the clothing and merchandise line is forthcoming.

ABOUT BRAVADO

Bravado is the leading global provider of consumer, lifestyle and branding services to recording artists and entertainment brands around the world. Part of Universal Music Group, the leader in music-based entertainment, Bravado represents artists in more than 40 cities and provides services including sales, licensing, branding, marketing and e-commerce. Their extensive global distribution network gives artists and brands the opportunity to create deeper connections with their fans through apparel, consumer packaged goods and unique experiences.

ABOUT SWEETCHICK

Sweet Chick, the chicken and waffles joint backed by rapper Nas, operates on a simple philosophy: great food, cool vibes, and interesting cocktails at a great price. Sweet Chick was founded in 2013 by NYC native John Seymour. John’s passion for food and the service industry drives him to make Sweet Chick stand out in a world filled with countless dine-in options. With Sweet Chick, he is bringing back the “neighborhood spot”, building a sense of community and providing a destination where customers not only eat, but feel like family. On any given day, you’ll find John behind the bar at Sweet Chick talking and bonding with his customers, not just serving them. Celebrities too, like Zac Efron, Scarlett Johansen, among others, have been known to escape to Sweet Chick’s cozy and inviting ambiance for the best-tasting, locally-sourced food. Sweet Chick serves a fusion of what it likes to call “American cuisine with a Southern accent” – rustic but modern comfort food. Customers expect and enjoy twists on classic dishes, cocktails, and home-baked desserts that make you feel like a kid again. Sweet Chick has locations in Williamsburg and Manhattan in New York, as well as Los Angeles. For more information on Sweet Chick, please visit: www.sweetchick.com. 

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