Through the interviews, ideas and projects featured here we: Connect women artists across the African Diaspora with creative minds around the world + Create exciting arts events and media + Liberate imaginations and nourish free spirits
Are you ready to party?! Well, this isn’t just some quick thrill… Last month we introduced you to Esosa Edosomwan, creator of the next great house party film, One Night in Brooklyn. The party is fun, but not without drama. Young twentysomething’s from Ghana, Haiti, Ethiopia, Venezuela, Trinidad, the United States and more are faced with some hard decisions as they confront betrayal and question how committed they are to their dreams, friends and partners in this TransAfrican coming of age story.
Well, we all know it’s a little tacky to show up to someone’s house, laugh it up, enjoy the music, eat all the food, but not contribute anything to the pot. So, please make a donation any amount you can now to, One Night in Brooklyn,a great film that can only happen with your support. Hear Esosa’s creative inspirations for One Night in Brooklyn, how you can support, and beautiful thoughts on what it means to Live Unchained in our virtual chat below.
“I really want to dive in and swim in life. I think I am here for a purpose. Music is the best way that I would like to fulfill my purpose.”– Nomsa Mazwai
Winner of the South African Music Award (SAMA) for best Best Adult Alternative African Album, Nomsa Mazwai’s purpose is resonating with music lovers, artists and activists throughout her homeland of South Africa and the world. Nomsa (or Nomi for short) reveals a lot about her personal life and political beliefs in her latest album Nomisupasta. Listen and you’ll hear the headstrong woman who doesn’t know why it’s so hard to let an inconsiderate boyfriend go, an articulate political activist that doesn’t want anyone fooled by illusions of progress, and a dreamer that wants to accomplish much more as an artist and leader.
Here, Nomi shares her musical inspirations and discusses what her priorities would be if she were president, staying optimistic in the face of many grim political realities, and–because even activists get their hearts broken–lessons learned from romantic love.
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Congratulations on all the success of your debut album Nomisupasta! How would you describe the album in one sentence?
An expression of new African music and style.
The title, Nomisupasta, is my nickname–my friends in the rural province of the Eastern Cape call me that.
Who are your top 3 creative inspirations?
Thandiswa Mazwai (Nomi’s older sister), Michael Jackson and Brenda Fassie.
Your music has many layers to it, including a strong political critique. You’ve sung: “Globalization is the new colonization without the whips and chains.” What do you want your audience to know about how this new slavery works?
The capitalist system is a new form of slavery with predetermined winners and losers. Just like slavery, this capitalist system is built to benefit its architects and no one else. It achieves this by deluding the masses to believe, without a doubt, there is no alternative to it.
If you were president of South Africa what would be the first three things you’d do?
First, I would take one third of the national budget and allocate it towards education. This would be used to improve pedagogy such that schools become humanizing and empowering places. The money would also go toward teacher training and educate the masses on the importance of their participation in the education system. I would implement community schools.
Second, I would encourage the unemployed but educated youth in the country to think of ways they can provide for a need in their communities and support them in making that financially sustainable. In essence, I believe in supporting entrepreneurs.
Third, I’d help build the African Union such that it becomes a global force and the deciding organization for what happens on the African continent–African solutions for Africa’s challenges and opportunities.
Well, even activists get their hearts broken. Your song “What kind of love?” was very intimate and vulnerable. What has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned from romantic love?
That song always reminds me how important it is to let yourself feel. It helped me see the importance of working through whatever may come your way, because every dark cloud has a silver lining, every deep hole has a way out, and every end is a beginning.
Understanding the persistence of racism and inequality, many people become skeptical about the future. How do you hold on to hope?
I’ll graduate with my Masters in International Political Economy and Development, I’m an economist. I hold onto hope because I believe I have a purpose on this planet and it is to change the material conditions of those who suffer. Everyday I do what I feel will get me closer to achieving that.
When I return to South Africa, I plan to use my music and poetry to communicate what I think we are going through and listen to people as they engage me. I plan to work for my country, whether it be in government as an official, or as a consultant as a development economist. I worked for an economic development agency owned by the government for a year before doing my Masters and I feel they understand real grass roots economic development, so I may work with them, for the people of my country.
When are we going to see the next great House Party film? When are we going to laugh out loud at a movie that is hilarious and thoughtful, really celebrates a black perspective, and has an awesome soundtrack?…
When we support and make it happen.
One Night in Brooklyn Cast
Esosa Edosomwan, actress, writer, and directress, is working hard to create the next great coming of age party movie. One Night in Brooklyn, tells the story of a TransAfrican group of twenty-something Brooklyn bohemians that learn some important lessons about love, friendship and independence. See Part 1 of our virtual chat with Esosa to learn more about the film. Visit The One Night in Brooklyn IndieGoGo page to make a tax deductible donation for the film’s development.
Let’s make a big deal out of this. Let’s support art that supports us. Donate!
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Keep in touch with latest film updates by liking the One Night in Brooklyn Facebook Page and following @ONIBFilm and Esosa’s personal account @EsosaE on Twitter.
Stereotypes. That word that makes us all draw a long sigh. Female stereotypes. That phrase that sparks all manner of debate, evokes all manner of sensation. Not to say that stereotypes are unique to females, we just never seem to catch a break, especially with the negative ones.
The old-school notion that “women were simple-minded and basic” has evolved into “women don’t know what they want and are overly complex”. While the latter draws away from one stereotype, it shoots for the extreme opposite. Is there no in-between for us? Yes, it may well be informed by experience, but when it informs the collective conscience, when it’s the final verdict for all women, it’s almost impossible to put up a case against it. There’s often no room to plead one’s case. Not too many of us, and by that I refer to both men and women, stop to ask ourselves what informs these notions that we are often born into, that we eventually contribute to, one way or another.
Our foremothers fought to be part of the decision-making process in the household, in the community, in politics and leadership. And now that the world has seemingly listened to that cry, while given the chance to sit at the high table, we still have to do the thing we do best: Nurture, cook, and clean. Couple that with the expectation to look like wonder-woman until the day you die, to always be upbeat and positive. Of course, complexities are bound to emerge in the struggle to balance it all physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually! And I often wonder, where is the balance expected to be? If I spell out what I would like from my coworkers, boyfriend and community down to the “t”, I am then labeled intimidating, demanding and domineering among other -ings that spiral into several other problems.
I want to live unchained: As a young woman, to pursue ambition, in no small way, without having to defend myself every step of the way. Without having to figure out where the satisfactory balance between “overly emotional” and “ice queen” lies. That we are still fighting this battle as young women is an indictment on society at large. The struggle goes on. I can only hope to make a damn good case against these as I forge my way!
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Nanjira Sambuli was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. As a citizen journalist, new media strategist and member of one of Nairobi’s most exciting bands, Ma3, she is a committed artivist (artist-activist). Nanjira was recently listed as one of Concept Link’s “20 Must Follow Women Discussing Africa and the Social Good Sector.” Keep up with her on Twitter for important news on Africa, technology, women and the arts.
“Burnout is a sign that you’re taking yourself too seriously.” I think this quote is true. If you feel exhausted it’s because you ignored some signals that said you committed yourself to too much work. You knew something was wrong when your room was so messy that finding your phone became a not-so-fun treasure hunt and taking an extra 15 minutes of sleep had you rushing out the door with your bra on inside out. (You don’t want to know how often both of these things happened to me last month.) Just thinking about the seriousness of work is about to give me a headache. So, this article isn’t about work; it’s about play.
Once I learned to say no to extra work, I realized I had to say yes to something else. Otherwise, I’d just feel bored or guilty with my newfound spare time. Now, I know that enjoying spare time doesn’t mean you’re lazy, it keeps you sane. Gaming online is like a mental martini break.
I have bingo-holic friends in the UK that are trying to convert me. Their pick is Foxy Bingo, yes www.foxybingo.com exists, and my girls can actually get paid for having fun! When a fox in a velour suit greets you with the chance to win a jackpot, it reminds you to take things easy.
It took me a long time to realize that just because I always have a to-do list doesn’t mean that I always need to be working on it. Sometimes what you want is what you need. I want to relax, I want to give my mind a break, I want to play. We don’t just need to-do lists, we need to-play lists.
“The problem with Tyler Perry isn’t that he exists…” Of course, everyone in the audience on Issa Rae’s college tour couldn’t stop laughing as she began to explain her thoughts on stereotypes in Perry’s films. She thinks the real issue is bigger than Tyler Perry.
There are plenty of talented artists telling rich stories about the black experience that struggle to fund their projects because they aren’t seen as relateable or marketable–too many people believe Tyler Perry is the only black cinema that sells. So, the problem isn’t just stereotypical characters that don’t represent our complexity as a community, it’s that Hollywood isn’t giving other directors and their stories a chance.
We need more awkward black girls. “The Mis-Adventures of Awkard Black Girl,” shows that projects like Issa’s are not unmarketable, they are differently marketable. She has tapped into a young audience that is politically conscious, but not uptight; likes to laugh out loud, but not at the same played out stereotypes; and, isn’t wealthy, but will spend money on art they believe in.
Issa didn’t wait for Hollywood to get her vision and fund her project, she tapped into her own network to start the series and online funding sources to sustain it. Now, she only has to be accountable to herself. Artists with an unconventional message can’t afford to just have the most creative piece, you also have to have the tightest hustle; we have to be entrepreneurial.
On a personal note, when I met Issa, she was so down to earth and approachable. I thanked her for our interview and she thanked us for supporting her. It’s beautiful when awkward black girls unite.
And, I am thrilled that she supports Live Unchained!
“You know those souls you can trust, souls that want the best for you and souls that are happy when you have success in life?” This is how reggae singer Mamadee, explains the inspiration for her song, “Beautiful Soul.” We think that this is also the best way to describe Mamadee, an Afro-German singer from East Germany. Singing about the promise of life and hope, despite the real challenges to peace, both she and her songs carry a beautiful soul.
In our interview with Mamadee, we discuss how Africa inspires her music, Rasta faith, rocking it as a woman in the industry and her current tour with reggae superstar Gentleman.
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How did you come to love Reggae?
I guess that happened very early. Even before I was born, my parents were listening to a lot of Reggae. Music was always playing in the house. In my childhood, yeah, that’s when I fell in love with the sound.
Are you Rasta? What does the Rasta lifestyle mean to you?
I don’t consider myself Rasta. But, I am very interested in people and their paths, their views about love, life and beliefs. So, in my own spiritual path, I see many rivers ending in one big ocean…that energy that connects all of us. I believe thoughts and words are very powerful and we should live in a responsible way with each other.
You currently have a single out with Ky-Mani Marley, “Africa is Calling.” What does this song mean to you? How does Africa inspire you?
“Africa is Calling” means a lot to me. I am very happy and honored that Ky-Mani liked the idea Born Free and I had for this song. We focused on having a message about the place where life began. We wanted to write about our motherland and to remind everyone of its history, beauty, people and its powerful energy.
I am the child of a German mother and African father. I grew up in Germany behind the wall and was always longing to see my African family since I didn’t get to grow up with them. So, that wish to see Africa and my family inspired many things, and then I finally went there. I visited Sierra Leone where my Dad is from. And now, I know even more, what I felt when I arrived there. I believe you understand better that we are all one after going to a place were everything began.
There are many people trying to improve conditions for African children when it comes to things like education, water and other chances to have a fair life. And through outreach projects and the experience to really see, taste and fall in love with the beauty of Africa and it’s people, we can continue to sing, help, pray, and send love to people and children living under difficult conditions and situations. Let us not forget them just because we in the western world think we are too busy with too many things we don’t really need.
Africa is calling and Africa is the future. I’ve actually done many songs for African causes, and I do it with all my heart. We are all Africans.
One of my favorite songs is “Beautiful Soul.” What was the inspiration behind this song?
“Beautiful Soul” is inspired by a beautiful soul that I met in life. You know those souls you can trust, souls that want the best for you and souls that are happy when you have success in life? The song is about those souls that are able to love themselves and love you the way you are. Souls that know everyone has to take an individual path with no room for jealousy, or mean and evil thoughts, there is space for everyone. There are a few souls in our lives that we can have a stronger connection with than others. So, it was my way of giving thanks for those beautiful souls I’ve met so far.
Your music also seems very feminine.
Growing up with a single mom and two big sisters, obviously, I had a lot female influence. I love being a woman and I know about the strength of women. There
Mamadee with friend and fellow songstress, Tamika
are many things I love about being a woman…for sure the fact that I hopefully will be blessed with a child or more is amazing. But, living as a woman in a mostly male dominated world, I know about disadvantages and situations where women have to prove, even more, our abilities.
Since I write most of my songs, they come out of my perspective and lyrics are inspired by my experience in life as a woman.
As an Afro-German woman born in the east of Germany behind the wall, as a human being going through the ups and downs in life and always trying to remind myself, what is really important, I know what it is to be happy and to share. I see how hard it is for a woman with kids and still working, managing all those things that go along with having children. Much respect to all the moms, especially single moms.
Congratulations on starting your tour with Gentleman! What do you love most about touring?
Being on the road is always a great experience for me. Gentleman is a great performer and entertainer. I Love being on the road with him and the band. We make the people feel good. I love to see the smiling faces and waving arms…that energy comes right back on stage to us and that is exactly what I love, the circle of sharing. Music is togetherness, so powerful.
And, yes, it is great to see many different countries on different continents. Meeting many different people from different cultures is a blessing and an inspiration and reminds you again that we are all one.
Finally, what does living unchained mean to you?
It is a great adventure. Typically, we don’t know what will come in the next moments or in the next months. But, when I look back, over a long time, I have been able to live from my passion of music and I am grateful. Whatever else comes, I will be fine.
Yvonne Orji’s 2-word meteorology lesson about Africa: “It’s HOT!!!”
For Yvonne, telling sexually explicit or raunchy jokes would just be too easy. As she says: “A LOT more happens in your day and around the world that provides humor than what random position your boyfriend had you in last night.” Her Nigerian roots, random everyday experiences and Christian faith inspire her personal brand of clean humor, as with the video above, “Njideka in America,” she and her friend spontaneously shot. Yvonne has filmed a one hour comedy special for The Africa Channel, is currently the Entertainment Correspondent for Black Star News and performs stand-up comedy across the United States and internationally.
In addition to comedy, Yvonne is a humanitarian. She has traveled throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, and most recently to Liberia, where she spent six months spreading awareness on Teen Pregnancy and HIV prevention and testing.
Here, we discuss Yvonne’s journey to comedy, thoughts on some of her more controversial jokes and creative vision. If you checked out Yvonne’s tips for aspiring comediennes, you know that the politics and pressure of the industry can be difficult to handle. We love Yvonne because her comedy shows us that in this crazy world, there’s always a reason to laugh.
Yvonne Orji
How would you describe your brand of humor?
I like to say that my brand of comedy is a blend of good, clean humor with a Nigerian-American flavor. I use my background as an immigrant to point out interesting differences between life as an American and an African.
Mostly, I would describe it as observational–everyday life, whether it be riding the NYC subway or walking the streets of Harlem, provides sooo much material. Like, one sunny day in June, I was passing a group of guys on a stoop and of course they proceed to “holla.” One of the men actually said…”Daang Ma…Happy Motha’s Day! I’d like to be your next baby’s daddy!” 2 things wrong with this picture: 1. I’m definitely NOT a mom…nothing about me said “She looks like a mother!” 2. Um…Mother’s Day is definitely in MAY! It’s not a holiday like New Years, where you can still get away with wishing someone a happy new year in February–COMEDY! And, it’s all free.
How did you know comedy was for you?
Well, in 2006, I entered the Miss Nigeria In America Pageant, and I remember it being about 2 weeks before the competition, and I had just bought an expensive dress (1st time I opened a Macy’s Account, by the way), but I realized I didn’t have a talent. I prayed, “God…ok seriously…I need help here. You know how expensive that dress was, so I kinda want to win, but I refuse to tribal dance on stage, so I need a talent.” Loud as day, I heard this reply, “Do Comedy.” After laughing back at the Father, I said, “No, seriously, I said I want to WIN.” But again, I heard the response to do comedy. And a funny thing happens when you have no other options…you do as you are told.
Immediately, I went on a mission to write down everything I thought was funny about being Nigerian in America. After solidifying a hot 5 minute set, I performed at the preliminary round, and to everyone’s surprise the judges loved it! And, Nigerians are a tough crowd!
The incredible part of this whole thing, is while I never was really nervous about speaking in front of large audiences, I did have a severe fear of rejection, insecurity and low self-esteem, stemming from years of bullying as a child. So, the fact that God would have me enter a profession where you are judged the moment you step on stage was terrifying for me. Although, I was initially very successful, I ran from comedy for a long time, but it kept drawing me back in, until I couldn’t see myself do anything else.
You’ve mentioned that some people have found some of your jokes controversial, even when that wasn’t your intent. What do you think has been the most misunderstood jokes you’ve told and why?
Well, I definitely try to be as politically correct as possible, but I do get lots of “ooohhh’s” when I tell my Mike Vick and 100 Black Men joke. In the Mike Vick bit, I talk about how crazy it is, from an overall African perspective, that this guy went to jail for killing dogs, because in certain places in Nigeria, people eat dogs. And If Michael Vick did what he did in Africa, he wouldn’t have gone to Jail. Rather, he would have been given the key to the continent for his donation of “food,” because our children can now eat three square meals a day.
A lot of dog lovers definitely don’t approve, but I’m not necessarily saying, I condone his behavior, but just drawing parallels to the distinct differences that exist in the two worlds. Back home in Nigeria, dogs are not considered pets, they are strictly protective animals. Most homeowners have German Sheppards that they let out of the gate at night to severely hurt any unwanted robbers. In America, stores like PetSmart and Petco can have exponential economic growth in the middle of a recession…that could never happen in Africa…if the people can’t afford to eat…Fido is DEFINITELY not getting a bone! If anything, the bit highlights the disparities and the focus of wealth that exist on the two continents.
Then there’s the 100 Black Men organization joke, which puts in perspective JUST how single I am. “I worked for 100 Black Men…and still couldn’t find one…Perhaps I should have asked the 100 White Women they were all married to for some advice.” It’s satire. But, anyone who knows me knows that I am an equal opportunity dater and have no problem with interracial couples.
Do you think it’s good that comedy makes people feel uncomfortable sometimes?
I think that people feel most uncomfortable when there is a direct element of truth that strikes a certain chord with that individual. Ironically, that same element of truth is what causes the biggest laughter in some jokes. As a comic, I definitely try my hardest to respect my audience, however I am well aware that I cannot please everyone, and to a certain extent, I have to allow myself to be free to genuinely express my thoughts.
Is there anything you wouldn’t joke about?
My brand of comedy is clean, so I don’t use profanity in my sets. Nor do I discuss sexually explicit content. Nothing that disrespects God.
You’ve branched out into a lot of different entertainment fields, what is your big vision for your career and brand?
Currently, I travel between LA and NYC (and really everywhere in between) performing and hosting various events. Ultimately, the big picture would be to parlay a successful stand-up career into my own Emmy-winning sit-com on a prime time network, where I also serve as a writer, producer and director. I would also like to star in feature films.
Finally, what does living unchained mean to you?
Living unchained means being free to be ALL of who God made me to be and tapping into the resources and abilities it takes to pursue purpose and fulfill destiny. It means not being bound by other people’s limitations. It means charting new courses in life. Venturing out alone or with a truckload of supporters. Even if you’re trembling, being trusting, strong and courageous, simply going for it and leaving it all on the court!
The diehard Whitney fans out there are still hurting from their loss. Still, I think it’s the musicians that will miss her in a special way. We askedsongwriterKimberly Basnight to to share what Whitney meant to her and her music career. See her thoughts below and check out her song, Unconditionally (You Love Me) performed by Alton Craig Williams.
We can keep Whitney’s legacy alive by supporting new voices. Learn about Kimberly’s full service recording studio The Echos Group for more inspiration.
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I am living a life that’s unchained right now. I am released to flow in the gifts that have been given to me by God. I have no limitations, only those that I choose to accept. I have the power to make a difference in the lives of many. I have the opportunity to make a positive impact. When we are free to flow in our gifts, we can overcome any and all obstacles life brings our way. Whitney lived a life unchained, and her example will forever imprint my life as I live out my dreams.
Kimberly Basnight
When I think about my greatest influences in music over my lifetime, no human being has affected me more than Whitney Houston. Indisputably, she possessed a supernatural gift that created a personal connection with me through her music. From the moment she hit the stage more than twenty years ago, she created her own space, her own unforgettable sound, and most importantly to me, her own interpretation of every song. Whitney, you have forever changed us, and YOU will be missed; because of you, we want to do better and be better!
As a songwriter, the message conveyed through my music is critical. I strongly believe music is a vehicle, and when used responsibly, it can transform the world. By definition, music is the art of combining vocal and instruments to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. This powerful vehicle moves us spiritually from one place to another. Think about a time when you were having an off day, and you heard a song that spoke to you saying, “It will get better”…or “I will get through this”…or “A change will come…” So, my goal as a songwriter is to write responsibly. We can make significant, positive, life-giving changes in this world through the vehicle of music.
You don’t need to be dirty, you don’t need to embarrass yourself, you don’t need to be like anyone else. Here, Yvonne Orji, host of New York’s Limmerick House “Momma I Made It!” open mic, breaks down these and other secrets to a great comic performance. But you don’t have to be a comedienne to appreciate these funny words of wisdom…
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As a female, I run the ONLY clean open mic in the city, and each week, I get a group of return and new comics that come to perform because they’ve heard that my mic is supportive and professionally run. I give comics an opportunity to exercise a much needed muscle to have longevity in this biz: clean jokes. The room is called “Momma I Made It!” because as a comic, landing a spot on Jay Leno, Jimmy Fallon or a primetime sitcom, usually means you’ve made it. And to do so, you have to perform clean material. This is preparation for the big time!
1. Don’t believe the hype! You don’t have to succumb to the same ‘ol explicit sex jokes to be funny. A LOT more happens in your day and around the world that provides humor than what random position your boyfriend had you in last night. Just be FUNNY. Trust me, that will get you noticed and it will get you respect.
2. Understand, this is a highly male-dominated industry. You have to be prepared to hold your own. When I arrive at events, I still get asked if I am there to do poetry or sing, NOT perform comedy…even if it’s a COMEDY show! You take it with a grain of salt, because after your set, the same folks who doubted your talents, will be the same ones scrambling to book you on their next event…JUST BE GOOD!
3. Don’t feel like you have to find the hottest comic out right now, and then imitate them in your set. Listen, the world already knows and loves Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Dane Cook, Kathy Griffin and Sarah Silverman, so they don’t need the next them. They need the first you!
4. Write at least one joke daily. Write EVERYTHING down! Don’t trust your memory. I GUARANTEE you, you will forget the AWESOME joke that came to you while in traffic!
5. Know that comedy is not just fun and games. It’s an art. A craft. Treat it as such. Be professional. Take the jokes seriously. Study the greats. Find out what made them great. And lastly, go to see other comics perform live.
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Stay tuned next week for a full interview with Yvonne on her creative journey and exciting new projects. In the meantime be sure to check out some of her comedy on YouTube and follow her on Twitter.
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