Below is my review of the band RebelMatic’s CD that I received at Afropunk: “And I solemnly swear/that I won’t allow you/ to treat us like we are not here,” Creature of RebelMatic announces in the song, “Don’t Follow Me.” The album Prey for the Vulture sounds like a rallying cry in the midst of […]
Read More Modern Griots Review: RebelMatic’s “Prey for the Vulture”In their single, “Bug Out,” Lachi and Meridian Gold declare living life and not letting hate stop you from being yourself. As a talented singer, musician and writer who was born to Nigerian parents and is legally blind, Lachi knows the feeling personally. And she hasn’t let anything stop her. She has received a master’s […]
Read More Modern Griots Interview: LachiAfter two albums like What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf and Wild Young Hearts, I am saddened to have to admit this. Another band has let go some of the essence that gravitated me towards them in the first place. I know, bands are allowed to explore and change their sound, and that includes The Noisettes. […]
Read More Modern Griots Review: The Noisettes’ Have a Weaker Transmission With ‘Contact’When councilwoman Letitia James said that Afropunk was about going beyond boundaries, she was right and this year’s festival did that in several ways. After last year’s cancellation due to stormy weather and my first attendance at Afropunk Fest two years, there have been big changes, some for the good and some for the maybe […]
Read More Modern Griots Review: Afropunk Fest Pushes Beyond Boundaries…The name of their album “Galaxies not Ghettoes,” is the rallying cry from the London-based group, United Vibrations. The phrase implies creating spaces of inclusion and not exclusion. Inspired by the likes of Fela Kuti, Bob Marley Sun Ra and the spiritual beliefs and mythologies of the world, the four members, Ahmad Dayes (Trombone & […]
Read More Modern Griots: United VibrationsKing Britt is a Grammy-nominated electronic composer, musician and DJ. He is currently part of The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage’s music program, Noise From the 18th Floor. His curated playlist is Cosmic Culture: A Sonic Journey Into Afrofuturism, which includes music from the past, present and future of afrofuturism. Britt also premieres his […]
Read More Modern Griots: King BrittI have heard of “rebel without a cause,” “rebel with a cause” and countless other variants of the phrase, but when I heard Ed Franco’s single, “Rebel with a Pebble,” I immediately wanted to know the thought behind this one. As part of his latest EP, Extended Recess Vol. 0, Franco’s words are a call […]
Read More Modern Griots Review: Ed Franco’s Extended RecessToday is the day I entered into this world and one way I will celebrate is with a tribute post to musician Rahsaan Roland Kirk, with whom I share a birthday. “Y’ know, Music is a beautiful thing. When I’m reincarnated, I’m gonna come back as a musical note! That way can’t nobody capture me. […]
Read More Modern Griots: Rahsaan Roland KirkJane Odartey is one of my friends from college. She is also a photographer, poet, and funny, too. Here is my interview I did with her: 1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. Thanks so much for featuring me on your wonderful blog, Reese! Home used to be Ghana, but then I moved to […]
Read More Modern Griots Interview: Jane OdarteyIn the age of countless apocalyptic wars, attacks and disasters, partisan politics, economic uncertainty, loathsome media pundits, stubborn and greedy leaders in various fields and people suffering on the bottom, it is often tiring and frightening to discuss all of the issues swarming everywhere. Sometimes you dream of getting into a spaceship and escape. In […]
Read More Modern Griots Review: Muthawit’s “PMS Junkie”
Sherese Francis 